Butter Cookies

These delightful Butter Cookies are a timeless treat that brings joy to any occasion. With their soft and tender texture, they are perfect for holiday gatherings or simply enjoying with a cup of tea. The rich buttery flavor and simple preparation make these cookies a favorite among bakers of all skill levels. Whether you choose to pipe them into festive shapes or keep them classic, these cookies are sure to impress.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Cookies
• How to Make Butter Cookies
• Step 1: Preheat the Oven
• Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
• Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
• Step 4: Incorporate Flour and Salt
• Step 5: Adjust Consistency with Milk
• Step 6: Pipe the Cookies
• Step 7: Chill Before Baking
• Step 8: Bake the Cookies
• Step 9: Cool Down
• How to Serve Butter Cookies
• With Hot Beverages
• At Celebrations
• With Ice Cream
• How to Perfect Butter Cookies
• Best Side Dishes for Butter Cookies
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Butter Cookies
• Reheating Butter Cookies
• Frequently Asked Questions
• How do I make my Butter Cookies more festive?
• What type of butter is best for Butter Cookies?
• Can I substitute ingredients in the Butter Cookies recipe?
• How do I store leftover Butter Cookies?
• Are these Butter Cookies suitable for holidays?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up a batch in no time.
• Versatile Presentation: Pipe them into fun shapes or simply drop spoonfuls onto the baking sheet for a rustic look.
• Rich Flavor: Made with high-quality butter, these cookies deliver an unparalleled taste that melts in your mouth.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday party or an afternoon snack, these cookies fit right in.
• Great for Sharing: Bake a batch to gift to friends and family, or serve them at your next gathering.

Tools and Preparation

To ensure your baking experience goes smoothly, gather the essential tools needed for making Butter Cookies.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or large mixing bowl
• Piping bag with a large star tip
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Refrigerator

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Makes creaming butter and sugar effortless, ensuring a light and fluffy texture.
• Piping bag: Allows you to create beautiful shapes for your cookies, enhancing their visual appeal.
• Baking sheet: Provides an even surface for baking, promoting uniform cooking of your cookies.

Ingredients

For the Cookies

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (use high-quality brand such as Kerrygold, Challenge, or Tillamook)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1–2 tablespoons milk (any kind, use as needed for piping consistency)

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How to Make Butter Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, cream the softened butter and sugar together on medium-low speed until light and fluffy.

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Add the egg and vanilla extract. Continue mixing until smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Incorporate Flour and Salt

Gradually add the flour and salt. Mix just until fully incorporated—be careful not to overmix.

Step 5: Adjust Consistency with Milk

Add milk one tablespoon at a time until the dough reaches a pipeable consistency. Use only as much milk as necessary.

Step 6: Pipe the Cookies

Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip. Pipe small circles or shapes onto the prepared baking sheet. If desired, add festive sprinkles on top.

Step 7: Chill Before Baking

Chill the baking sheet in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes. This step helps prevent spreading during baking.

Step 8: Bake the Cookies

Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges just begin to turn golden brown.

Step 9: Cool Down

Let cookies cool completely on the baking sheet before serving or transferring them to an airtight container.

How to Serve Butter Cookies

Butter cookies are delightful on their own, but serving them in creative ways can elevate your experience. These cookies pair wonderfully with various accompaniments that enhance their rich flavor.

With Hot Beverages

• Coffee: Enjoy butter cookies with a freshly brewed cup of coffee. The bitterness balances the sweetness perfectly.
• Tea: Pair with herbal or black tea for a soothing afternoon treat. The warmth of tea complements the buttery texture.
• Hot Chocolate: Dip your cookies into hot chocolate for a decadent dessert experience, especially during colder months.

At Celebrations

• Holiday Platters: Arrange butter cookies on festive platters for parties. Add colorful sprinkles for a cheerful touch.
• Gift Boxes: Package them in decorative boxes as homemade gifts. Everyone loves receiving sweet treats!
• Dessert Table: Include butter cookies as part of a dessert spread at birthdays or celebrations. They are sure to be a hit!

With Ice Cream

• Ice Cream Sandwiches: Use two butter cookies to create delicious ice cream sandwiches. Choose your favorite flavor for a fun twist.
• Crumbled Topping: Crumble butter cookies over ice cream or desserts as a crunchy topping. It adds texture and flavor.

How to Perfect Butter Cookies

To ensure your butter cookies turn out perfectly every time, follow these essential tips that will enhance their taste and appearance.

• Use Quality Butter: High-quality unsalted butter makes all the difference in flavor and texture. Brands like Kerrygold are recommended.
• Chill the Dough: Always chill the piped dough before baking. This prevents spreading and helps maintain shape.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix the dough just until combined to keep the cookies tender. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
• Pipe Consistently: Maintain even pressure while piping for uniform shapes and sizes, ensuring even baking.
• Monitor Baking Time: Keep an eye on the cookies while they bake. Remove them when the edges begin to turn golden brown for perfect softness.

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Best Side Dishes for Butter Cookies

Butter cookies make a lovely addition to any meal, particularly during dessert time. Here are some side dishes that complement their buttery flavor beautifully.

1. Fruit Salad: A light and refreshing fruit salad balances the richness of butter cookies and adds vibrant color.
2. Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses like brie or gouda for a sophisticated pairing that enhances flavors.
3. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with fruits and granola to create a creamy contrast to the crunchy texture of the cookies.
4. Chocolate Fondue: Serve with melted chocolate fondue for dipping, creating an interactive dessert experience that’s always fun.
5. Pudding Cups: Rich chocolate or vanilla pudding served in cups pairs well with soft butter cookies, making for a comforting dessert duo.
6. Nut Mixes: A variety of nuts provides crunch and healthy fats, balancing sweetness with salty flavors alongside butter cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Butter Cookies can be simple and fun, but a few common mistakes can lead to disappointing results. Here are some key pitfalls to avoid.

• Using cold butter: Cold butter won’t cream well with sugar, resulting in dense cookies. Always use softened butter for the best texture.
• Overmixing the dough: Mixing too much after adding flour can make cookies tough. Combine just until incorporated for tender Butter Cookies.
• Skipping the chilling step: Not chilling the piped dough can cause cookies to spread while baking. Always chill for 20-30 minutes to maintain shape.
• Improper measuring of flour: Too much flour can make cookies dry and crumbly. Use a spoon to scoop flour into your measuring cup and level it off for accuracy.
• Ignoring oven temperature: An oven that’s too hot can brown the edges too quickly. Always preheat your oven and use an oven thermometer for accuracy.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Butter Cookies in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to 5–7 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Butter Cookies

• Place cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen.
• Transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 6–8 months.

Reheating Butter Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm cookies for about 5 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies on a plate for 10-15 seconds or until warm.
• Stovetop: Warm in a non-stick skillet over low heat for about a minute.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make my Butter Cookies more festive?

You can add colorful sprinkles or icing on top before baking. Using cookie cutters also helps create fun shapes.

What type of butter is best for Butter Cookies?

High-quality unsalted butter, such as Kerrygold or Challenge, is recommended for rich flavor and texture.

Can I substitute ingredients in the Butter Cookies recipe?

Yes! You can replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour or use almond extract instead of vanilla for a different taste.

How do I store leftover Butter Cookies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them to keep them fresh longer.

Are these Butter Cookies suitable for holidays?

Absolutely! These classic cookies are perfect for any holiday occasion, especially when decorated festively.

Final Thoughts

These Butter Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them with various toppings and flavors to suit your taste. Whether you enjoy them during the holidays or as an everyday treat, they are sure to please anyone who tries them. Give this easy recipe a try, and enjoy these delightful bites!