Butter Cookies

These delightful Butter Cookies are not only soft and tender but also bursting with rich, buttery flavor. Perfect for any occasion—from holiday gatherings to cozy evenings at home—these cookies are incredibly versatile. You can easily pipe them into festive shapes and sprinkle them with colorful toppings, making them a charming treat that never fails to impress.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Cookies
• How to Make Butter Cookies
• Step 1: Preheat the Oven
• Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
• Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
• Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
• Step 5: Adjust Consistency with Milk
• Step 6: Pipe Your Cookies
• Step 7: Chill Before Baking
• Step 8: Bake the Cookies
• Step 9: Cool Down
• How to Serve Butter Cookies
• With Coffee
• As Gifts
• At Parties
• With Ice Cream
• How to Perfect Butter Cookies
• Best Side Dishes for Butter Cookies
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Butter Cookies
• Reheating Butter Cookies
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What are Butter Cookies?
• How do I make my Butter Cookies more festive?
• Can I substitute ingredients in the Butter Cookies recipe?
• Why did my Butter Cookies spread too much?
• How do I know when the Butter Cookies are done?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just a few ingredients, you can whip up a batch in no time.
• Versatile Presentation: Pipe into fun shapes or simply scoop for classic cookies.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for holidays, parties, or as a sweet treat anytime.
• Rich Flavor: Made with high-quality butter, these cookies have an irresistible taste.
• Customizable: Add your favorite sprinkles or flavors for a personal touch.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the baking process, it’s essential to gather your tools. Having everything ready will make your experience smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or large mixing bowl
• Piping bag with star tip
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Refrigerator

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Makes creaming butter and sugar effortless, ensuring a fluffy texture.
• Piping bag with star tip: Allows for beautiful shapes and designs in your cookies.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.

Ingredients

For the Cookies

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (use high-quality brand such as Kerrygold, Challenge, or Tillamook)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1–2 tablespoons milk (any kind, use as needed for piping consistency)

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How to Make Butter Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer:
1. Cream the softened butter and sugar together on medium-low speed until light and fluffy.
2. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is well combined.

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Add in the large egg along with the vanilla extract:
1. Continue mixing until smooth and fully incorporated.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the flour and salt:
1. Mix just until fully incorporated; be careful not to overmix.

Step 5: Adjust Consistency with Milk

Add milk one tablespoon at a time:
1. Stir until the dough reaches a pipeable consistency; use only what is necessary.

Step 6: Pipe Your Cookies

Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip:
1. Pipe small circles or desired shapes onto the prepared baking sheet.
2. If you like, add festive sprinkles on top before chilling.

Step 7: Chill Before Baking

Chill the piped dough in the refrigerator:
1. Let it sit for 20–30 minutes to help prevent spreading during baking.

Step 8: Bake the Cookies

Bake in your preheated oven:
1. Set a timer for 10–12 minutes or until edges just begin to turn golden brown.

Step 9: Cool Down

Let cookies cool completely on the baking sheet before serving or transferring them to an airtight container.

Enjoy these delicious Butter Cookies fresh out of the oven, paired perfectly with your favorite warm drink!

How to Serve Butter Cookies

These delightful Butter Cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or just enjoying a quiet afternoon at home. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your cookie experience.

With Coffee

• Espresso – The rich, bold flavor of espresso pairs beautifully with the buttery sweetness of the cookies.
• Latte – A creamy latte complements the soft texture of the cookies, making for a cozy treat.

As Gifts

• Gift Boxes – Arrange your cookies in decorative boxes to give as thoughtful gifts during the holidays.
• Cookie Jars – Fill a mason jar with layers of cookies and ribbon for an attractive and edible present.

At Parties

• Cookie Platter – Serve a variety of butter cookies on a platter, along with other baked goods for guests to enjoy.
• Dessert Table – Include butter cookies as part of a larger dessert spread at celebrations like birthdays or weddings.

With Ice Cream

• Ice Cream Sandwiches – Use two butter cookies with your favorite ice cream in between for a delicious treat.
• Scoop on Top – Place a scoop of vanilla ice cream atop warm butter cookies for an indulgent dessert.

How to Perfect Butter Cookies

Achieving the perfect Butter Cookies can be simple with these helpful tips. Follow these suggestions to ensure your cookies turn out just right every time.

• Bold Butter Quality – Use high-quality unsalted butter for the richest flavor and best texture.
• Bold Chilling Time – Always chill the piped dough before baking; this helps maintain their shape during baking.
• Bold Measure Flour Accurately – Use a kitchen scale if possible, as accurate measurements can prevent overly dry or wet dough.
• Bold Monitor Baking Time – Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake; they should be lightly golden around the edges but soft in the center.
• Bold Experiment with Shapes – Don’t hesitate to try different piping tips or shapes to make your cookies visually appealing.
• Bold Store Properly – For optimal freshness, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.

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Best Side Dishes for Butter Cookies

Butter Cookies can be enjoyed alongside various side dishes that enhance their flavor. Here are some great options to pair with them.

1. Hot Chocolate – A rich cup of hot chocolate adds warmth and comfort, making it a perfect pairing with buttery treats.
2. Fruit Salad – Fresh fruit adds a refreshing contrast to the sweet richness of butter cookies.
3. Cheese Platter – A selection of cheeses can balance the sweetness and create an interesting flavor profile.
4. Tea Selection – Herbal or black teas bring out the flavors of butter cookies while providing soothing warmth.
5. Yogurt Parfaits – Layered yogurt with fruits and granola complements the sweetness nicely and adds nutritional value.
6. Nut Mixes – Savory nuts provide crunch and contrast, making them an ideal side dish for these sweet treats.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Butter Cookies, it’s easy to overlook some simple steps that can affect the final result. Here are common mistakes to watch out for:

• Overmixing the dough: Mixing too long after adding the flour can make your cookies tough. Mix until just combined for tender cookies.
• Skipping the chill time: Not chilling the piped dough can lead to spreading during baking. Always chill your shaped cookies for at least 20 minutes.
• Using cold butter: Cold butter will not cream well with sugar, resulting in dense cookies. Make sure your butter is softened at room temperature.
• Ignoring oven temperature: Baking at an incorrect temperature can cause uneven baking. Always preheat your oven and use an oven thermometer for accuracy.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Using too much or too little flour or sugar can drastically change the texture. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups carefully.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Butter Cookies in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to 5–7 days in the fridge.

Freezing Butter Cookies

• Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet.
• Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be stored for up to 6–8 months.

Reheating Butter Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 300°F (150°C) and warm cookies for about 5 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individually for about 10-15 seconds on low power.
• Stovetop: Place on a pan over low heat for a minute or two, checking frequently.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are Butter Cookies?

Butter Cookies are soft, tender treats made primarily with butter, sugar, and flour. They have a rich, buttery flavor that makes them irresistible.

How do I make my Butter Cookies more festive?

To customize your Butter Cookies, try adding different extracts like almond or lemon zest. You can also decorate them with icing or colorful sprinkles.

Can I substitute ingredients in the Butter Cookies recipe?

Yes! You can replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour or use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar for a richer flavor.

Why did my Butter Cookies spread too much?

If your cookies spread excessively, it could be due to warm dough or insufficient chilling time. Ensure you chill the piped dough before baking.

How do I know when the Butter Cookies are done?

Look for slightly golden edges while the centers remain soft. They should not be overly browned; they will continue to firm up as they cool.

Final Thoughts

These Butter Cookies bring joy and delight to any occasion with their rich flavor and soft texture. They’re versatile enough to customize with various flavors and toppings. We encourage you to try this recipe and make it your own!