Butter cookies, with their melt-in-your-mouth texture and buttery, rich flavor, have been a beloved treat for centuries. Originating in Europe, these delectable cookies were first created in the 19th century in Denmark and have since become a staple in households around the world.

The recipe for butter cookies is relatively simple, requiring just a few basic ingredients such as butter, sugar, flour, and vanilla extract. Despite its simplicity, mastering the perfect butter cookie can be a bit challenging for some bakers.

Achieving the ideal balance of crispiness and tenderness can take some practice, but the results are well worth it.

Whether you enjoy them plain or decorated with colorful sprinkles, butter cookies are sure to be a hit at any gathering. From holiday parties to afternoon tea, these classic cookies are a versatile treat that can be enjoyed any time of year.

Ingredients

Butter: Butter is a key ingredient in making butter cookies as it provides flavor, richness, and moisture to the cookies. It also helps create a tender texture in the cookies. Be sure to use unsalted butter so you can control the amount of salt in the recipe.

Caster Sugar: Caster sugar, also known as superfine sugar, is used in this recipe to provide sweetness to the cookies. It dissolves easily in the dough, resulting in a smooth texture.

Egg: Eggs act as a binding agent in the cookie dough, helping to hold the ingredients together. They also add moisture and richness to the cookies.

Vanilla Extract: Vanilla extract adds a layer of flavor to the butter cookies. Its warm, sweet taste enhances the overall taste of the cookies.

Plain Flour: Plain flour, also known as all-purpose flour, is the base of the cookie dough. It provides structure to the cookies and helps them hold their shape during baking.

Salt: Salt is a crucial ingredient in baking as it helps enhance the flavors of the other ingredients. It also helps balance the sweetness of the cookies, creating a more well-rounded flavor profile. Be sure to use just the right amount to prevent the cookies from tasting too salty.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

One serving suggestion for Butter Cookies is to sprinkle them with a light dusting of powdered sugar right before serving. This adds a touch of sweetness and a pretty finish to the cookies.

Another serving suggestion is to sandwich two cookies together with a dollop of jam or preserve in the middle. This creates a delicious and colorful treat that is perfect for special occasions or afternoon tea.

For a more decadent option, try dipping the cookies halfway into melted chocolate and then allowing them to set on a wire rack. This adds a rich and indulgent touch to the classic buttery flavor of the cookies.

• To make chocolate chip butter cookies, simply fold in a cup of chocolate chips into the cookie dough before baking. This adds a delicious twist to the traditional recipe and creates a gooey, chocolatey treat.
• For a nutty variation, mix in a half cup of chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts into the cookie dough. This adds a crunchy texture and a nutty flavor to the cookies that pairs perfectly with the buttery base.
• To make Lemon Butter Cookies, add the zest of one lemon into the dough before shaping and baking. The citrusy flavor adds a refreshing twist to the classic buttery cookies and is perfect for springtime or summer gatherings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What ingredients are typically used in butter cookies?
Butter cookies typically contain ingredients such as butter, sugar, flour, and vanilla extract.

Can I make butter cookies without using butter?
While it is possible to substitute butter with margarine or shortening, the taste and texture of the cookies may be slightly different.

How do I prevent my butter cookies from spreading too much while baking?
To prevent butter cookies from spreading too much while baking, make sure the dough is chilled before baking, and avoid over-mixing the ingredients.

How long do butter cookies typically stay fresh?

Butter cookies can stay fresh for up to a week when stored in an airtight container at room temperature.

Can I freeze butter cookie dough?

Yes, butter cookie dough can be frozen for up to 3 months. Simply wrap the dough in plastic wrap and store it in a freezer-safe container.

Check Out These Other Recipes

Here are some more recipes for you to enjoy! If you my recipes don’t forget to rate and leave a comment.

• Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Chocolate Peanut Butter No Bake Cookies
• Mocha Cookies
• Oreo Cookie Dough
• M&M Cookies

If you have any recipe suggestions, please do not hesitate to ask me. A great way to stay in contact with me is through Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Don’t forget to tag me @CookwithNabeela in your recipe photos!

Butter Cookies

by Nabeela Kauser

Delight in homemade cookies bursting with rich buttery goodness. These classic treats offer a crisp exterior and a soft, melt-in-your-mouth center. Savor the irresistible blend of warmth and sweetness in each bite.

5 from 1 vote

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Course Baking

Cuisine American

Servings 24 cookies

Calories 117 kcal

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients

• ▢ 200 g Butter softened
• ▢ 100 g Caster Sugar
• ▢ 1 Egg
• ▢ 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
• ▢ 250 g Plain Flour
• ▢ Salt pinch

Instructions

• In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and caster sugar until light and fluffy.
• Add the egg and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture. Mix until well combined.
• Sift in the plain flour and add a pinch of salt. Mix until a dough forms.
• Transfer the cookie dough into a piping bag fitted with a star tip.
• Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan/ Gas mark 4).
• Pipe the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between each cookie.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden around the edges.
• Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Ensure the butter is softened but not melted for the best texture.

If you don’t have a piping bag, you can use a cookie press or roll the dough into balls and flatten them with a fork.

For added flavour, you can sprinkle the cookies with a little sugar before baking or drizzle them with chocolate once cooled.

Nutritional facts:

The provision of nutritional information is done so merely as a courtesy and should not be taken as a guarantee.

Nutrition

Calories: 117kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 1gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 56mgPotassium: 16mgFibre: 0.3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 218IUVitamin D: 0.04µgCalcium: 5mgIron: 1mg

Keyword Butter, Cookies, Cooking, Dessert, Food, Recipe

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