Homemade Butter Cookie Recipe: A Classic Treat for Any Occasion

There’s just something so comforting about the smell of butter cookies baking in the oven. Butter cookies are a timeless classic perfect for any occasion, whether it’s the buttery, melt-in-your-mouth goodness or the nostalgia that comes with every bite. Today, I’m sharing my go-to butter cookie recipe, and trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked! It’s simple, quick, and delicious—a total win.

Why I Love Butter Cookies

These cookies are incredibly versatile. You can keep them simple, go crazy with fun toppings, or even dip them in chocolate! Plus, they’re easy to whip up with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Perfect for when you’re craving a sweet treat or need a last-minute dessert for guests.

Alright, let’s get baking!

Ingredients You’ll Need:

Prep Time: 15 minutes       Cook Time: 15 minutes     Servings: 20 Cookies

• 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 cup (60g) granulated sugar
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (or almond extract if you like a nutty twist)
• 1 tbsp heavy cream
• 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 1/4 tsp salt

Optional Toppings:

• Sprinkles
• Melted chocolate for dipping (My favorite)
• Crushed nuts
• Powdered sugar for dusting

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 340°F (170°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

2. Cream the Butter, Sugar, and egg yolk

Grab a large bowl and toss in the room-temp (or softened) butter. Add sugar and a pinch of salt. Start mixing with a spatula so the sugar doesn’t fly everywhere. Then, switch to an electric mixer and blend it until everything looks creamy, pale, and fluffy. Add the egg yolk, cream, and a dash of vanilla extract. Mix it all together until it’s nicely combined.

4. Add Dry Ingredients

It’s time to sift in the cake flour and cornstarch, but do it in two batches. Fold it in gently with a spatula. Sift the rest of the dry ingredients and fold again until all the flour disappears.

4. Shape the Cookies

Transfer the dough into a piping bag. I use a 1M tip but feel free to use what you have. If your piping bag feels thin, double it up to prevent any breaks—it’ll also make piping smoother.

5. Bake to Perfection

Pop the cookies into your oven and bake them for 15-18 minutes. If you like them a bit softer, aim for 15 minutes. For crispier cookies, go for the full 18 minutes or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. You don’t want them to brown too much—they’re best when light and tender.

6. Cool and Decorate

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, you can dust them with powdered sugar, dip them in melted chocolate, or enjoy them as-is.

Tips for Perfect Butter Cookies:

• Use Room-Temperature Butter. Softened butter ensures the perfect texture. Too cold, and your cookies will be dense; too warm, and they’ll spread too much.
• Chill the Dough: If your dough seems too soft, pop it in the fridge for 10-15 minutes to firm up. This will help the cookies hold their shape.

Final Thoughts:

Butter cookies are timeless treats that never go out of style. Whether you enjoy them with a cup of tea, serve them at a party, or snack on them throughout the day, they will surely bring a smile to your face. Plus, they make the perfect gift—pack them up in a cute tin, and you’ve got a homemade present that everyone will love.

I’d love to hear how your batch turns out! Don’t forget to tag me if you post your cookies on social media. Happy baking!