Butter Cookies Recipe for Irresistibly Soft, Buttery Treats Everyone Loves

There’s something magical about the warm, buttery aroma that fills the kitchen when a fresh batch of butter cookies comes out of the oven. On busy days, when you want something homemade without spending hours, this butter cookies recipe delivers every time. These cookies are tender, melt in your mouth, and are perfect for after-school snacks, holiday gift tins, or a quick sweet bite with your afternoon coffee. Tested in my own kitchen and inspired by family traditions, this is the kind of recipe you’ll make again and again.

Ingredient Breakdown for Butter Cookies Recipe (Measurements & Purpose)

For one batch (about 24 cookies), you’ll need:

• 250 g (1 cup) unsalted butter – the heart of the recipe, giving the cookies their rich flavor and tender texture. Use high-fat butter for the best result.
• 125 g (½ cup + 2 tbsp) granulated sugar – provides sweetness and structure; swap in light brown sugar for a hint of caramel.
• 1 large egg – helps bind ingredients; use 2 tbsp milk or yogurt for an eggless butter cookies recipe.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract – adds depth; almond extract works beautifully for almond butter cookies recipe.
• 300 g (2 ½ cups) all-purpose flour – gives structure; gluten-free blends work for gluten free butter cookies recipe.

Optional flavor variations:

• 50 g almond flour for best almond butter cookies recipe
• 2 tbsp cocoa powder for chocolate butter cookies recipe
• ½ tsp cinnamon or cardamom for a festive butter cookies christmas recipe

Substitutions:

• Margarine for a dairy-free version
• Replace granulated sugar with powdered sugar for a finer crumb

Step-by-Step Preparation Instructions for Butter Cookies

1. Cream the butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl until pale and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes using an electric mixer.
2. Add the egg (or egg substitute) and vanilla extract, mixing until well incorporated.
3. Gradually add the flour in two or three additions, stirring until a soft dough forms.
4. Shape the dough:
   • Roll into 2.5 cm balls and place on a baking tray lined with parchment.
   • For cut-out shapes, roll dough to 6 mm thickness and cut with cookie cutters.
   • For spritz cookies, press dough through a cookie press directly onto the tray.
5. Chill the shaped dough for 30 minutes to help retain shape while baking. (For a no chill butter cookies recipe, skip this step, but cookies may spread slightly.)
6. Bake in a preheated oven at 175°C (350°F) for 8–12 minutes, until the edges are just turning golden.
7. Cool completely on a wire rack before storing or decorating.

Variations:

• Air fryer butter cookies recipe – Bake at 160°C (320°F) for 5–7 minutes.
• Brown butter cookies recipe – Melt and toast the butter until golden before creaming for a nutty, rich flavor.
• Christmas butter cookies recipe – Add colorful sprinkles to the dough or dip cooled cookies halfway in melted chocolate.

When and How to Use This Butter Cookies Recipe (Occasions & Storage)

This butter cookies recipe is versatile enough to fit into almost any occasion.

• Holiday baking: Whether it’s a Christmas butter cookies recipe with festive sprinkles or a Valentine butter cookies recipe shaped like hearts, these cookies always find a place on the table.
• Lunchbox treats: Slip a couple into a child’s lunchbox for a sweet midday surprise.
• Afternoon tea or coffee pairing: Perfect alongside a steaming cup of tea or a cappuccino.
• Make-ahead convenience: Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or freeze the dough for up to 3 months for quick baking on demand.
• Gifting idea: Pack them in decorative tins or jars for a homemade gift that rivals the charm of a classic Danish butter cookies recipe.

How This Butter Cookies Recipe Supports Family Dinners & Gatherings

This butter cookies recipe is as much about togetherness as it is about taste.

• Easy to scale: Double or triple the batch for big holiday gatherings or school events.
• Kid-friendly prep: Children can help mix, shape, and decorate, turning baking into a fun family activity.
• Budget-friendly: Simple pantry staples make these cookies an affordable choice for large groups.
• Adaptable for dietary needs: Swap in a gluten-free blend for gluten free butter cookies recipe or use yogurt for an eggless butter cookies recipe without losing that classic texture.

Tips, Adjustments, and Cautions for Perfect Butter Cookies

• Mix with care: Once the flour is added, stir gently to keep the cookies tender.
• Chill for shape: For sharper edges and reduced spread, always chill dough unless making a no chill butter cookies recipe.
• Even browning: Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for consistent results.
• Decorating with chocolate: Let cookies cool completely before dipping or drizzling to prevent melting or smudging.
• Baking safety note: If using eggs, ensure cookies are fully baked to avoid any food safety concerns.

FAQs about Butter Cookies Recipe

Conclusion

Butter cookies are the perfect combination of simple ingredients and timeless flavor. With this butter cookies recipe, you can create a treat that feels special without taking hours in the kitchen. Bake a batch this weekend, gift them during the holidays, or keep a tin ready for coffee breaks. If you loved this recipe, share it with a fellow home baker or save it for your next baking day.

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