There’s something timeless and heartwarming about a batch of freshly baked butter cookies. Their delicate crispness, rich buttery flavor, and beautiful swirled shape make them a beloved treat across generations. Whether you’re serving them alongside afternoon tea, offering them during the holidays, or simply indulging in a homemade snack, these classic butter cookies always bring a smile. With just a few simple ingredients, you can recreate this bakery-style favorite right in your kitchen. Get ready to fill your home with the irresistible aroma of golden, buttery goodness!
Ingredients
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1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
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3/4 cup granulated sugar
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1 large egg
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1/4 teaspoon salt
(Optional: A sprinkle of coarse sugar for decoration.)
Preparation Time
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cook Time: 10–12 minutes per batch
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Total Time: 30 minutes
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat the mixture until it becomes light, fluffy, and pale in color — about 2 to 3 minutes. This step is essential for achieving that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 3: Add the Egg and Vanilla
Crack the egg into the bowl and add the vanilla extract. Beat again until fully incorporated. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing.
Step 4: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing at low speed until a smooth, slightly firm dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
Step 5: Pipe the Dough
Spoon the dough into a piping bag fitted with a large star tip. Pipe swirled shapes onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each cookie for spreading.
(Tip: If the dough is too stiff to pipe easily, you can warm it slightly in your hands or let it sit at room temperature for a few more minutes.)
Step 6: Optional Decoration
If desired, lightly sprinkle coarse sugar over the tops of the cookies before baking. This adds a touch of sparkle and an extra crunch.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain pale.
Keep a close eye on them — the key to perfect butter cookies is not overbaking!
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Once cooled, the cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week — if they last that long!
With their charming swirls and rich buttery flavor, these Classic Butter Cookies are pure comfort in every bite. They’re simple enough for everyday baking yet elegant enough for special occasions. Customize them by dipping half in melted chocolate, adding a hint of citrus zest to the dough, or sandwiching two cookies together with jam. No matter how you serve them, they are guaranteed to disappear quickly. Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and enjoy the magic of baking these timeless delights at home!