easy butter cookie recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best easy butter cookie recipe

I’m so excited to share with you one of my favorite easy butter cookie recipes that never fails to impress my family and friends. This classic recipe is a staple in many American households, and for good reason – it’s incredibly simple to make and always turns out deliciously. I remember helping my mom in the kitchen when I was a kid, and she would let me help with the mixing and scooping of the dough.

The smell of butter and sugar wafting from the oven was always magical, and I loved being a part of it. As I grew older, I began experimenting with different flavors and variations, but this original recipe remains my go-to for its simplicity and versatility. The beauty of this recipe lies in its ease of preparation.

With just a few basic ingredients – butter, sugar, eggs, flour, and vanilla extract – you can create a batch of tender, chewy cookies that are perfect for snacking or serving at a gathering. And the best part? They’re ready in under 30 minutes!

Whether you’re looking for a quick dessert to serve at a potluck or a fun activity to do with your kids on a rainy day, this recipe is sure to deliver. One thing that sets these cookies apart from other recipes is the importance of using high-quality ingredients. Fresh eggs, real butter, and pure vanilla extract make all the difference in terms of flavor and texture.

Don’t be tempted to skimp on these ingredients – trust me when I say it’s worth the extra cost. Over time, I’ve learned that this recipe is not just about following a set of instructions; it’s about creating memories with the people you love. Whether you’re serving these cookies at a holiday gathering or packing them in your child’s lunchbox for school, they bring joy and warmth to any occasion.

As someone who values simplicity and practicality in cooking, I appreciate how this recipe can be adapted to suit any taste or dietary need. You can easily swap out different types of sugar or add-ins like nuts or chocolate chips to create unique flavor combinations. And with its straightforward instructions, even the most novice baker can feel confident in their ability to produce delicious results.

Easy Butter Cookies

Easy Butter Cookies

4.7 from 815 votes

These simple butter cookies require just a few basic ingredients and come together quickly. They have a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture and a rich buttery flavor that makes them perfect for snacking or holiday treats.

Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time12 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time22 mins
Servings: 24 cookiesCuisine: InternationalCalories: 120 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Cookies

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
3Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
4In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt, then gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms.
5Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough and roll them into balls, then place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
6Gently flatten each ball with the bottom of a glass or your palm to about 1/4 inch thickness.
7Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set.
8Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Electric mixer or whisk
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Wire rack

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 120 kcal🧈Total Fat: 8g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 20mg🧂Sodium: 35mg🌾Total Carbs: 12g🥦Dietary Fiber: 0g🍬Sugars: 4g🥩Protein: 1g

📝Notes

For a festive variation, add 1/2 cup of sprinkles or finely chopped nuts to the dough before shaping. Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.

Watch Video Of How Easy Butter Cookies Works

One thing I love about this easy butter cookie recipe is how versatile it is – whether you’re serving them at a holiday gathering or packing them in your child’s lunchbox for school, they bring joy and warmth to any occasion. To keep your cookies fresh for longer periods of time consider storing them properly: place them in an air-tight container at room temperature or wrap each cookie individually before freezing.

For those looking for creative ways to reheat their leftover cookies (because let’s face it – we all love leftovers!) , consider microwaving them briefly until softening up their edges.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Butter Cookies

1. What makes these butter cookies so tender?

The secret lies in using room temperature butter and beating it until it’s light and fluffy.

2. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Sure thing! Just omit the additional salt called for in the recipe.

3. How do I ensure my cookies don’t spread too much?

Avoid overmixing the dough, chill your dough before baking, or use parchment paper to prevent cookies from spreading.

4. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Bake them up to 2 days in advance; store them at room temperature or freeze them for longer storage.

5. Why do my cookies have an unpleasant aftertaste?

This might be due to using old or low-quality baking powder; try fresh supplies for better results.

6. Are these cookies suitable for gluten-free diets?

No substitutions are required; simply use gluten-free flours like almond or coconut flour as substitutes.

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