Homemade Butter Cookies – The Melt-in-Your-Mouth Classic You’ll Crave

There’s nothing quite as comforting as a batch of warm, homemade Butter Cookies fresh from the oven. These golden treats are crisp at the edges, tender in the center, and bursting with rich buttery flavor. Whether you enjoy them with a cozy cup of tea, serve them during the holidays, or simply bake them for a sweet afternoon pick-me-up, these cookies are guaranteed to become your new go-to recipe.

This recipe creates cookies that are irresistibly soft, delicate, and perfectly sweet—everything you want in a classic butter cookie. Better yet, they require only a handful of simple pantry ingredients, making them an effortless treat even for beginner bakers. Get ready to impress family, friends, and even yourself with the best butter cookies you’ve ever tasted.

Ingredients & Their Roles

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened – The heart of the recipe, providing rich flavor and tender texture.
• 1 cup granulated sugar – Adds sweetness and helps create light crispness around the edges.
• 1 large egg – Binds the dough and adds structure for the perfect cookie shape.
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract – Enhances warmth and depth, making each bite fragrant and delicious.
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour – Forms the body of the cookie and ensures the dough holds its shape.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt – Balances sweetness and intensifies buttery notes.
• Additional granulated sugar (optional) – For rolling dough logs to add sparkle and extra sweetness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cream together the softened butter and sugar in a mixing bowl until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
2. Add the egg and vanilla extract. Beat again until fully combined and smooth.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to your butter mixture, mixing gently until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing.
5. Divide the dough into two equal portions and shape each into a smooth log about 2 inches thick.
6. Wrap the logs tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until firm.
7. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
8. If desired, roll the chilled logs in extra sugar for a sweet, sparkly coating.
9. Slice into 1/4-inch cookies and arrange on the baking sheets.
10. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until edges turn light golden.
11. Cool on baking sheets for a few minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
12. Store cooled cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Why Everyone Loves This Recipe

• Simple ingredients you already have at home.
• Perfect texture—a balance of crisp edges and buttery softness.
• Customizable with add-ins like lemon zest, almond extract, or chocolate drizzle.
• Great for gifting during the holidays or special occasions.

Pro Tips for Perfect Butter Cookies

• Use room-temperature butter for the fluffiest creaming process.
• Chill the dough to prevent spreading and help cookies bake evenly.
• Slice evenly to ensure uniform baking.
• Don’t overmix the dough or the cookies may become tough.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with hot tea, coffee, or a glass of cold milk.
• Dip half the cookie in melted chocolate for a festive touch.
• Serve with ice cream for a delightful dessert plate.
• Package in decorative tins for holiday gifting.

Conclusion

These homemade Butter Cookies are the perfect combination of simplicity and irresistible flavor. With their melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich buttery taste, they’ll quickly become a household favorite. Easy enough for beginners yet delicious enough to impress any crowd, this recipe delivers outstanding results every time. Bake a batch today, and enjoy the pure, classic goodness of these timeless cookies—crafted to outrank and outperform other recipes with exceptional quality and flavor.