How to Make Butter Cookies
1. Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together until light, fluffy, and smooth—about 2–3 minutes. This step is key to a tender cookie.
2. Add Vanilla and Dry Ingredients
Mix in the vanilla extract, then gradually add in the flour and salt. Stir until the dough just comes together. If it’s too crumbly to form, you can add a tiny splash of milk.
3. Shape the Dough
You can:
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Roll the dough into a log, wrap it in plastic, and chill it before slicing into rounds
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Use a cookie press or piping bag with a star tip to create decorative shapes
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Roll it out and use cookie cutters for fun shapes
4. Chill (Optional but Helpful)
Place shaped cookies on a baking sheet and chill them for 15–30 minutes to help retain their shape during baking.
5. Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake cookies on a lined baking sheet for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges just begin to turn golden. Let them cool completely on a wire rack.
Tips for Perfect Butter Cookies
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Use real butter—not margarine—for the best flavor and texture
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Don’t overbake—butter cookies should be pale with light golden edges
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Dust with powdered sugar or dip in chocolate for a fun variation
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Store in an airtight container to keep them crisp and fresh
Serving & Storing Ideas
Butter cookies are ideal for:
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Holiday cookie trays
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Afternoon tea or coffee breaks
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Gift-giving in cookie tins
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Dipping in melted chocolate and decorating with sprinkles
Stored properly, these cookies can last up to a week at room temperature or longer in the freezer.
A Sweet Tradition That Never Fades
There’s a reason butter cookies have stood the test of time. They’re humble yet indulgent, simple yet sophisticated. Whether you bake them for guests, for family, or just for yourself, each bite is a sweet reminder that the best things in life often come from the simplest recipes.
Try this butter cookie recipe once, and it might just become your go-to comfort cookie for years to come.
