classic butter cookie recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
classic butter cookie recipe
Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

The Best classic butter cookie recipe

I’ve been making butter cookies for my family for years, and they’re always a hit. The classic recipe is a staple in many American households, and for good reason – it’s simple, delicious, and can be dressed up or down to suit any occasion.

My kids love helping me in the kitchen, and this recipe is one of their favorites because it’s easy to follow and requires minimal supervision. I’ve made these cookies for everything from casual family gatherings to holiday parties, and they’re always a crowd-pleaser.

The best part? They’re incredibly versatile – you can customize the recipe with different flavors, add-ins, or even shapes to make them more interesting.

As a busy mom, I appreciate that this recipe is quick, easy, and yields a large batch of cookies that can be stored for later use. Plus, the smell of buttery goodness wafting from the oven is just heavenly!

My family loves these cookies so much that we’ve even started a tradition of making them together every year on Christmas morning. It’s become a special bonding time for us, and I cherish the memories we’ve made in the kitchen.

Whether you’re looking for a fun activity to do with your kids or just a delicious treat to enjoy on your own, this classic butter cookie recipe is sure to please.

Classic Butter Cookies

Classic Butter Cookies

4.9 from 1751 votes

These classic butter cookies are buttery, crisp, and melt-in-your-mouth tender. Made with simple pantry ingredients, they are perfect for holiday baking or an everyday treat.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time12 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time27 mins
Servings: 36 cookiesCuisine: InternationalCalories: 85 kcal per cookie

🥘Ingredients

For the Cookies

1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
2/3 cup (133g) granulated sugar
1 large egg yolk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
3Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and beat on low speed until fully combined, scraping down the sides as needed.
4In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt.
5Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until a soft dough forms.
6Do not overmix.
7If the dough is too sticky, chill it for 10 minutes before piping.
8Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a star tip and pipe rosettes or swirls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
9Alternatively, roll the dough into 1-inch balls and flatten slightly with a fork.
10Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly golden and the centers are set.
11The cookies will look pale on top but should be firm to the touch.
12Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

🔧Equipment

Large mixing bowl
Electric mixer or stand mixer
Piping bag with star tip (optional)
Baking sheets
Parchment paper
Wire cooling rack

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 85 kcal🧈Total Fat: 5g💛Saturated Fat: 3g❤️Cholesterol: 20mg🧂Sodium: 30mg🌾Total Carbs: 9g🥦Dietary Fiber: 0g🍬Sugars: 4g🥩Protein: 1g

📝Notes

For best results, use room temperature butter and do not overbake. These cookies keep well in an airtight container for up to a week. You can also freeze the unbaked piped dough for up to 3 months; bake directly from frozen, adding 2 minutes to the baking time.

Watch Video Of How Classic Butter Cookies Works

This classic butter cookie recipe is always a good idea for any occasion because it is simple and reliable. I make them for family gatherings, potlucks, and holiday cookie exchanges and they are always a hit.

The cookies store well in an airtight container for up to two weeks, so you can bake them ahead of time. To reheat, just pop them in a 300 degree oven for a few minutes to bring back the crispness.

Serve them plain or with a dusting of powdered sugar. They also pair nicely with a cup of tea or coffee.

My family loves them and I know yours will too.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Butter Cookies

Q: What type of butter should I use for this recipe?

For the best flavor, I recommend using high-quality unsalted butter. You can also experiment with other types of butter like European-style or cultured butter for added depth of flavor.

Similar Posts