There’s something truly magical about the smell of freshly baked butter cookies wafting through your home. These golden little gems melt in your mouth with every bite, making them an all-time favorite for holidays, gifting, or simply enjoying with a cup of tea. This classic butter cookies recipe is foolproof, delightfully simple, and perfect for both beginners and seasoned bakers.

Whether you’re baking for Christmas tins, a family gathering, or just a quiet afternoon, these cookies will become your go-to. With crisp edges, tender centers, and a rich buttery flavor, they taste just as good as the ones in those iconic blue tins—but better because they’re homemade.

Why You’ll Love This Classic Butter Cookies Recipe

Key Benefits

This recipe isn’t just delicious—it’s practical and versatile too. The dough comes together in minutes, requires no fancy ingredients, and can be made ahead of time. That means you can whip up a batch for unexpected guests or stockpile them in the freezer for whenever a craving hits.

These cookies are light, not overly sweet, and they hold their shape beautifully in the oven. Plus, they’re a blank canvas for creativity. Roll them in sparkling sugar for a festive touch, or drizzle them with chocolate for an elegant twist.

Suitable For

These classic butter cookies shine in almost any setting. They’re perfect for:

• Holiday cookie trays and edible gifts

• Afternoon tea or coffee breaks

• Baking with kids (the dough is very forgiving)

• Beginners looking for a confidence-boosting recipe

• Anyone who loves a cookie that’s buttery without being cloyingly sweet

This recipe is also great if you like to plan ahead. The dough freezes beautifully, so you can bake fresh cookies on demand—because nothing beats warm butter cookies straight from the oven.

Ingredients for Classic Butter Cookies

Core Ingredients

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role, and using the best quality you can find will make all the difference.

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract – Use pure vanilla for the richest flavor.

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour – Spoon and level the flour to avoid a dry dough.

• ½ teaspoon baking powder – Just enough to give the cookies a slight lift without losing their tender texture.

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened – Butter is the star here, so use a good-quality brand and make sure it’s room temperature.

• ¾ cup granulated sugar – Provides sweetness without overpowering the buttery notes.

• 1 large egg – Adds richness and helps bind the dough.

• ¼ teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.

Substitutions and Tips

• If you only have salted butter, reduce the added salt slightly.

• To make them gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.

• For a flavor twist, add a teaspoon of lemon zest, orange zest, or a few drops of almond extract.

• Want a festive look? Sprinkle colored sugar on top before baking.

The Best Butter for Butter Cookies

The butter you choose sets the tone for the entire cookie. European-style butter, with its higher fat content, creates a richer, more decadent cookie. Grass-fed butter often has a creamier, slightly sweet flavor that really shines in this recipe.

Always use unsalted butter. This gives you full control over the salt level since different brands of salted butter contain varying amounts.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Must-Have Tools

• Stand mixer or hand mixer – Essential for creaming butter and sugar until fluffy.

• Measuring cups and spoons – Accurate measurements are key for perfect cookies.

• Baking sheets lined with parchment paper – Prevents sticking and ensures even baking.

Nice-to-Have Tools

• Cookie scoop – Helps portion the dough evenly for uniform cookies.

• Wire cooling rack – Keeps cookies from overbaking on the hot pan.

• Rolling pin and cookie cutters – Optional if you want to make cut-out butter cookies.

How to Make Classic Butter Cookies

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial—it helps create air pockets that give your cookies their tender texture. If your butter is too cold, pop it in the microwave for 5–10 seconds on 50% power.

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. The mixture should look creamy and smooth.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures the leavening agent and salt are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. The dough should be soft but not sticky. Avoid overmixing, which can lead to tough cookies.

Step 6: Shape and Bake Cookies

Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets. Gently flatten each ball with the bottom of a glass or your hand.

Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Don’t overbake; these cookies should be pale in the center for a melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set without breaking.

Tips for Success

• Measure flour carefully by spooning it into the cup and leveling it off with a knife.

• Chill the dough for 30 minutes if it feels too soft to handle.

• For extra crunch, sprinkle sanding sugar on top before baking.

• Want crispier cookies? Leave them in the oven with the door slightly ajar for a few minutes after baking.

How to Store Classic Butter Cookies

At Room Temperature

Keep the cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

In the Refrigerator

Store them chilled for up to 2 weeks to maintain freshness.

Freezing Tips

Freeze the unbaked dough wrapped tightly for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before shaping and baking. You can also freeze baked cookies in an airtight container with parchment between layers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between butter cookies and shortbread?

Butter cookies have a lighter texture and slightly more sugar, while shortbread is denser and crumbly.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Butter is essential for flavor and texture in this recipe. Margarine may work, but the result won’t have the same rich taste.

Why did my butter cookies spread too much?

This often happens when the butter is too soft or the dough isn’t chilled. Try refrigerating the dough before baking.

How do I make them crispier?

Bake a minute or two longer and let them cool in the oven with the door cracked open.

Related Recipes

If you loved these Classic Butter Cookies, you might enjoy these other sweet treats:

• Christmas Whipped Shortbread Cookies: A festive melt-in-your-mouth delight.

• Easy Divinity Candy Recipe: A light, fluffy holiday classic.

• Coconut Toffee Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars: Chewy, nutty, and loaded with chocolate.

• Rice Krispie Chocolate Chip Cookies: Crispy and gooey in every bite.

• Peach Pie Cinnamon Rolls: A fruity twist on a classic roll.

Conclusion

These classic butter cookies are proof that simple ingredients can create something extraordinary. With their buttery aroma and delicate texture, they’re destined to become a family favorite.

So why not whip up a batch today? Share them with loved ones, give them as gifts, or keep them all to yourself—no judgment here.

Classic Butter Cookies Recipe

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• Author: Ava
• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Buttery, crisp, and melt-in-your-mouth cookies perfect for holidays, gifting, or enjoying with coffee. A timeless, easy-to-make recipe.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 tsp salt

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in egg and vanilla extract.
4. Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients until just combined.
6. Roll dough into 1-inch balls, place on baking sheets, and flatten slightly.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
8. Cool for 5 minutes on the tray before transferring to a wire rack.

Notes

• For extra flavor, add 1 tsp lemon or orange zest.
• Decorate with sprinkles or colored sugar before baking.
• Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Dough can be frozen for up to 3 months.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cookie
• Calories: 102
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 80mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 34mg

Keywords: Classic Butter Cookies, buttery cookies, holiday cookies, easy cookie recipes, crisp butter cookies