Easy Butter Cookies Recipe (You Won’t Be Able to Stop!)

In a world overflowing with complex, multi-layered desserts, have you ever found yourself craving the simple perfection of a truly classic cookie? Sometimes, the most memorable treats aren’t the ones with a dozen exotic ingredients, but the ones that master the basics: butter, sugar, and a hint of vanilla. This is that cookie.

We call these “Can’t Stop Baking These Cookies” for a reason. This simple butter cookies recipe yields the most tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookies with crisp, golden edges and a soft, chewy center. They are addictively delicious and so easy to whip up with just a few pantry staples. Get ready to find your new go-to recipe for any occasion—or for a simple Tuesday afternoon when you need a little something sweet.

Ingredients

The magic of this recipe is in its simplicity. You only need seven basic ingredients to create these incredibly tender and flavorful butter cookies.

Ingredient	Amount/Quantity
Unsalted Butter, softened to room temperature	1 cup
Granulated Sugar	1 cup
Pure Vanilla Extract	1 teaspoon
All-Purpose Flour	2 cups
Baking Powder	½ teaspoon
Salt	¼ teaspoon
Whole Milk	2 tablespoons

this now & bake later ❤️

Timing

This is the perfect recipe for a spontaneous baking session, as it requires no chilling and comes together in about half an hour.

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 30 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create a batch of irresistible, fork-pressed butter cookies that are perfect every time.

Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking and to ensure even browning.

• Actionable Tip: Using parchment paper not only makes cleanup a breeze but also helps insulate the bottom of the cookies, preventing them from becoming too dark.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, using an electric hand mixer or a stand mixer, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar on medium-high speed. Continue beating for 2-3 minutes until the mixture is very light, pale in color, and fluffy.

• Actionable Tip: This creaming step is the most important for the cookie’s texture. Beating the butter and sugar together incorporates air into the dough, which is the secret to a light, tender cookie rather than a dense, heavy one.

Step 3: Mix in the Vanilla

Add the vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugar mixture and mix until just combined.

• Actionable Tip: For an extra layer of flavor, you can substitute half of the vanilla extract with almond extract for a subtle, nutty aroma.

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures the leavening and salt are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 5: Form the Cookie Dough

With your mixer on low speed, gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in three additions, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients (Dry, Milk, Dry). Mix until a soft, uniform dough forms.

• Actionable Tip: Be careful not to overmix! Mix only until the last streaks of flour have disappeared. Overworking the dough can make the cookies tough.

Step 6: Shape the Cookies

Roll the soft dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheet.

• Actionable Tip: Use a small cookie scoop for perfectly uniform balls. This not only looks professional but also ensures all your cookies bake evenly in the same amount of time.

Step 7: Create the Washboard Pattern

Dip the tines of a fork into a small bowl of granulated sugar or flour. Gently press the fork down onto each ball of dough, first in one direction and then in the opposite direction, to create a classic crisscross or “washboard” pattern.

• Actionable Tip: Dipping the fork in sugar or flour is a simple trick that prevents it from sticking to the soft cookie dough, creating a clean, beautiful pattern every time.

Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place the baking sheet on the center rack of your preheated oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn a light golden brown. The centers should still look soft.

• Actionable Tip: The secret to a soft butter cookie is to slightly underbake it. The cookies will continue to set on the hot baking sheet after you remove them from the oven.

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutritional Information

This is an estimate for one cookie, assuming the recipe yields approximately 3 dozen cookies. Please note that values are approximate.

• Calories: 95 kcal
• Protein: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 11 g
• Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Sugar: 6 g

Healthier Alternatives

While this is a classic treat, you can make a few simple swaps for a more wholesome version.

• Add Whole Grains: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with white whole wheat flour. This will add fiber and a slightly nuttier flavor without making the cookies too dense.
• Reduce the Sugar: You can reduce the granulated sugar by up to ¼ cup for a less sweet, but still delicious, cookie.
• Vegan Butter Cookies: For a completely plant-based version, use a high-quality vegan butter substitute and your favorite plant-based milk, such as oat or almond milk.

Serving Suggestions

This classic butter cookies recipe is wonderfully versatile and perfect for any occasion.

• Coffee Break Treat: There’s nothing better than one of these simple, buttery cookies alongside a hot cup of coffee, tea, or a latte.
• Decorate Them! Before baking, press some colorful sprinkles onto the tops of the cookies for a festive touch perfect for birthdays or holidays.
• Chocolate-Dipped Delight: Once the cookies have cooled completely, dip half of each cookie into melted dark or white chocolate for an elegant and delicious upgrade.
• Ice Cream Sandwiches: Sandwich a small scoop of your favorite ice cream between two cookies for a simple and delightful dessert.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

For a perfect batch of cookies every time, be sure to avoid these common baking mistakes.

• Using Cold or Melted Butter: Butter that is too cold won’t cream properly, and butter that is melted will cause the cookies to spread into thin, greasy wafers. Solution: Let your butter sit on the counter for about an hour to soften to the perfect room temperature.
• Overmixing the Dough: This is the most common cause of tough, dense cookies. Solution: Mix the flour in on low speed and stop as soon as it is incorporated. A gentle hand is key to a tender crumb.
• Not Spacing the Cookies: These cookies will spread slightly as they bake. Solution: Be sure to leave about 2 inches of space between each cookie on the baking sheet to prevent them from running into each other.

Storing Tips

These cookies have a wonderful shelf life and are great for making ahead.

• Room Temperature: Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and delicious for up to a week.
• Freezing Baked Cookies: You can freeze the baked cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
• Freezing the Dough: For fresh-baked cookies on demand, roll the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once solid, transfer them to a freezer bag. You can bake them directly from frozen, adding 2-3 minutes to the baking time.

Conclusion

This easy butter cookies recipe is a true classic for a reason. It’s simple, reliable, and produces a cookie that is pure, buttery bliss. With its tender texture and delicate vanilla flavor, it’s a timeless treat that proves you don’t need complicated ingredients to create something truly special. These are the cookies you’ll find yourself baking again and again.

We can’t wait for you to try this beloved recipe! If you make these cookies, please leave a comment and a rating below to let us know how they turned out. Your feedback helps our community of bakers! For more simple and delicious recipes, don’t forget to subscribe.

FAQs

Q1. Can I chill the dough before baking?

Yes! While this recipe doesn’t require it, chilling the dough for 30 minutes before rolling and baking can help prevent the cookies from spreading, especially if your kitchen is warm.

Q2. Why did my cookies spread too much and become flat?

Flat cookies are usually the result of the butter being too soft or melted. Another culprit could be an inaccurate measurement of flour. Make sure your butter is at a cool room temperature and that you are properly measuring your flour by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off.

Q3. Can I add different extracts or flavors?

Absolutely! This dough is a wonderful blank canvas. Try swapping the vanilla for ½ teaspoon of almond extract or adding 1 teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the creamed butter and sugar for a bright, citrusy twist.

Q4. Can I make these cookies without an electric mixer?

Yes, you can. It will require a bit more elbow grease, but you can cream the butter and sugar together with a sturdy wooden spoon in a large bowl. Just be sure to mix until the mixture is visibly lightened and fluffy.

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