Butter definitely makes things better. That’s why it’s got a cookie all its own – the butter cookie recipe! If these are around when we jam out, they don’t last. We have to create our own secret stash or else we’ll never get one of these rich and buttery cookies for ourselves!
Best Butter Cookie Recipe
Butter cookies have such a pleasing taste that everyone seems to love. This is the best butter cookies recipe! They’re simple yet incredible, full of flavor with a great texture that you can make any time whether it’s for the holidays, parties, or simply for a great munchie to come home to later!
Ingredients in Butter Cookies
- Butter – Of course you’ll need this for butter cookies! Make sure it’s unsalted though.
- Salt – You choose unsalted butter because you will be adding salt here.
- Sugar – For that signature sweet taste.
- Egg yolk – Just the yolk – save the white for something else.
- Vanilla extract – One of the most important ingredients for cookies.
- All-purpose flour – This builds our butter cookie dough.
- Sanding sugar – This is the kind of sugar that gives a sparkly effect, perfect for decorating as well as resisting heat. Its the perfect final touch to this butter cookies recipe.
Easy Butter Cookie Recipe
With only 7 common ingredients and within 30 minutes total, you can make this easy butter cookies recipe. Why buy store-bought when you can mix these up yourself and impress family and friends?
How do you Make Butter Cookies from Scratch
Get your oven ready at 350F and line those baking sheets with parchment paper. Take a large mixing bowl and cream your butter, salt, and sugar until it’s light and fluffy. Then add that egg yolk, scraping it down while beating. Next, it’s the vanilla, followed by gradually adding the flour mixture until fully combined. You’ll roll the dough into a log and wrap it up with plastic wrap. Let it chill in the fridge for an hour, then sprinkle sanding sugar on a clean surface and roll your dough in that. Slice it into even rounds and bake for 8 to 10 minutes. The edges should just begin to turn golden brown when they’re ready. Let them cool before serving.
Expert Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Butter Cookies Every Time
- Use cold butter. It goes against everything you’re always told for cooking and baking, but that cold butter makes the dough firmer and easier to roll up.
- Keep the right shape. It helps to pop the dough inside an empty cardboard paper towel roll to help it hold that log shape.
- Take time to chill. We all need time to chill out, and that includes butter cookie dough. This makes it easier to slice into cookies and results in a better baked product.
How to make butter cookies?
Follow this recipe and you will know how to make butter cookies. It only requires a few simple ingredients that you likely have in your kitchen. Once you combine those and let the dough chill, these bake in a matter of minutes.
What are butter cookies made of?
Butter cookies are made from unsalted butter, sugar, egg yolk, salt, all purpose flour, vanilla extract, and sanding sugar.
What kind of butter is best for cookies?
Unsalted butter is best for cookies, especially butter cookies. Butter cookies also call for salt, so using salted butter would make your cookies come out too salty.
Why are butter cookies so good?
They please everyone with a simple yet delicious taste of butter. They’re also crisp yet tender and the sugar on top gives it a nice caramelized finish.
Are butter cookies the same as shortbread?
No, they are not the same though they have similar ingredients. The difference is that butter cookies contain more sugar and are baked at a higher temperature.
What is the difference between a butter cookie and a shortbread cookie?
With butter cookies, more sugar is used. They are also baked at a higher temperature. Shortbread cookies are more crumbly in texture.
What is the difference between butter cookies and sugar cookies?
Sugar cookies tend to be rolled out thin. They are often shaped with cookie cutters too. Butter cookies have a softer dough though they retain their shape better during baking.
How Long to Bake Butter Cookies?
At 350F, you’ll be baking these butter cookies for 8 to 10 minutes until you see the edges just turning golden brown.
What makes a cookie moist and chewy?
The egg yolks. In this recipe, one is all you need to make moist, chewy, and decadent butter cookies.
How to Store Butter Cookies
You will want to seal these in an airtight container and keep them at room temperature.
How Long Do Butter Cookies Last?
Butter cookies will generally do well for about 2 to 3 weeks stored properly on your counter. You can keep them in the fridge if you’d prefer for up to 2 months.
Can You Freeze Butter Cookies?
You can absolutely freeze butter cookies. Keep them in an airtight bag or container and they’ll be good for 2 months.
How to Thaw Butter Cookies?
Put them on the counter and let them come to room temperature before enjoying!
Watch How To Make Butter Cookies (Video)
Butter Cookie Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter (unsalted)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup all purpose flour
- 1/3 cup sanding sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven at 350F and line baking sheets with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, salt, and sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the egg yolk and scrape down the sides of the bowl while beating the mixture. Add in vanilla extract. Gradually add in the flour mixture and mix until fully combined.
- Roll the dough into a log shape, then wrap in plastic wrap, allowing it to chill in the fridge for an hour. It is helpful to pop the dough inside an empty cardboard paper towel roll to help the dough keep its cylindrical shape.
- Once chilled, sprinkle sanding sugar on a clean surface. Roll the dough in the sugar so that it is evenly coated. Use a sharp knife to slice the dough into even thickness. Place the rounds on a baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes or until edges JUST begin to turn golden brown. Remove from oven and allow to cool before serving. Enjoy!
