Classic Butter Cookies Recipe – Melt-In-Your-Mouth Perfection

🍪 Classic Butter Cookies – Rich, Delicate & Irresistibly Buttery

There are few things in baking as timeless and comforting as a perfectly made butter cookie. Simple yet elegant, these cookies are celebrated for their melt-in-your-mouth texture, delicate sweetness, and rich buttery flavor that feels both nostalgic and luxurious. Whether served with afternoon tea, gifted during the holidays, or enjoyed straight from the cookie jar, this recipe proves that simple ingredients can create extraordinary results.

This butter cookie recipe is designed to deliver bakery-style perfection at home. With a soft, tender crumb and just the right balance of sweetness, these cookies are irresistible from the very first bite. They are easy enough for beginners yet refined enough to impress seasoned bakers.

🧈 Ingredients & Why They Matter

Butter (¾ cup plus 1 tablespoon, room temperature)
Butter is the heart of this recipe. Using softened butter allows it to cream smoothly with the powdered sugar, creating a light, airy base that gives these cookies their signature melt-in-your-mouth texture. The extra tablespoon ensures richness without making the dough greasy.
Powdered Sugar (¾ cup)
Powdered sugar dissolves effortlessly into the butter, producing a smooth dough and a tender, delicate crumb that granulated sugar simply can’t achieve.
Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon)
Vanilla enhances the buttery flavor and adds warmth and depth, making each bite more aromatic and indulgent.
All-Purpose Flour (2 cups)
Flour provides structure while still allowing the cookies to remain soft and delicate. Measuring accurately is key to maintaining the perfect texture.
Cornstarch (¼ cup)
This secret ingredient gives the cookies their iconic ultra-soft, melt-away texture. It keeps them tender and prevents toughness.
Salt (¼ teaspoon)
A small amount of salt balances the sweetness and intensifies the buttery flavor.

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the room-temperature butter and powdered sugar together until pale, fluffy, and smooth. This step is essential for creating light, tender cookies.

2. Add Flavor

Mix in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated. The dough should be creamy and aromatic.

3. Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the butter mixture, mixing just until a soft dough forms.

4. Shape the Cookies

Scoop or pipe the dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. You can shape them into rounds, swirls, or classic fork-pressed cookies.

5. Chill for Best Results

Refrigerate the shaped cookies for 20–30 minutes. Chilling helps them hold their shape and improves texture.

6. Bake to Perfection

Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 12–15 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden. The tops should remain pale for the softest texture.

7. Cool Gently

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. They will firm up slightly as they cool.

❤️ Why Everyone Loves This Recipe

Simple pantry ingredients
Rich, buttery flavor
Soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture
Perfect for holidays and everyday treats
Customizable with dips, drizzles, or fillings

⭐ Pro Tips for Perfect Butter Cookies

Always use room-temperature butter for smooth creaming.
Do not overmix once flour is added to keep cookies tender.
Chill the dough to prevent spreading.
For extra elegance, dip cooled cookies in melted chocolate.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Serve these classic butter cookies with tea, coffee, or hot chocolate. They also make an excellent base for sandwich cookies with jam or chocolate filling. During holidays, arrange them on cookie trays or package them as edible gifts.

✨ Final Thoughts

These butter cookies are proof that baking doesn’t need to be complicated to be extraordinary. With a short ingredient list and straightforward steps, this recipe delivers maximum flavor, perfect texture, and timeless appeal. Whether you’re baking for loved ones or treating yourself, these cookies offer comfort, elegance, and irresistible buttery goodness in every bite. Once you try them, they’ll become a staple in your baking collection.