Butter Cookies from Scratch Recipe
Classic buttery cookies with a soft, tender texture and a rich vanilla flavor, perfect for piping and decorating. These butter cookies are easy to make and crisp up beautifully with golden edges, making them an ideal treat for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup Unsalted butter, softened (use high-quality, name brand butter)
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (any kind)
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup Granulated sugar
- 2 cups All purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside to prepare the dough.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar on medium low speed until the mixture is light and fluffy. This creates the base texture for the cookies.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract on medium low speed until the mixture is smooth and fully combined, adding moisture and flavor to the dough.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Slowly add the all-purpose flour and salt to the wet mixture and mix just until fully incorporated. Be careful not to overmix to maintain a tender texture.
- Add Milk: Add the milk one tablespoon at a time, mixing just enough to achieve a piping consistency. Use the minimal amount needed to get the right dough texture.
- Pipe the Cookies: Transfer the dough to a piping bag and pipe small circles onto the prepared baking sheet. Optionally, add sprinkles on top. Chill the baking sheets in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes to help the cookies hold their shape.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes or until the edges start turning golden brown, indicating they are perfectly baked.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool completely on the baking sheet before serving or storing.
Notes
- Use high-quality unsalted butter for the best flavor and texture.
- Do not overmix the dough after adding flour to avoid tough cookies.
- Chilling the piped dough helps maintain the cookie shapes during baking.
- You can add sprinkles for decoration before baking if you prefer.
- Milk type does not significantly affect the recipe; any kind can be used.
Keywords: butter cookies, classic cookies, vanilla cookies, piped cookies, easy dessert, soft cookies
