butter cookie recipe

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Bake Time: 10–12 minutes
Total Time: ~1 hour
Yield: ~36 cookies (depending on size)
Skill Level: Easy
Category: Cookies / Dessert
Cuisine: European / American

 Ingredients

• 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, room temperature

• ⅔ cup (130g) granulated sugar

• 1 large egg yolk

• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract (or almond extract)

• 2 ¼ cups (270g) all-purpose flour

• ¼ tsp salt (omit if using salted butter)

Optional Add-ins

• Zest of 1 lemon or orange

• ¼ tsp almond extract (for a Danish-style flavor)

• 2 tbsp cocoa powder (for chocolate butter cookies)

• Sprinkles or sanding sugar (for topping)

• Melted chocolate for dipping

 Equipment

• Mixing bowl + hand mixer or stand mixer

• Rubber spatula

• Cookie sheet

• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat

• Rolling pin (optional for cut-out cookies)

• Cookie cutter or cookie press (optional)

 Time & Intensity

 How to Make Butter Cookies

 Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

1. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (2–3 minutes).

2. Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.

Room-temperature butter ensures a smooth, creamy dough.

 Step 2: Add the Dry Ingredients

1. Add the flour and salt to the butter mixture.

2. Mix on low speed until a soft dough forms.

3. If dough is crumbly, press together gently with your hands — do not overmix.

Tip: You can split dough in half and roll each into a log for slice-and-bake cookies.

 Step 3: Chill the Dough

• Wrap dough in plastic wrap or shape into a log for slicing.

• Refrigerate for 30 minutes (or freeze for up to 2 months).

Chilling helps the cookies keep their shape and creates a crisper edge.

 Step 4: Shape and Bake

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Line a baking sheet with parchment or silicone mat.

3. Roll out dough to ¼” thickness for cut-outs OR slice into ¼” thick rounds from log.

4. Place on baking sheet with 1 inch of space between.

5. Optional: Add sprinkles or sanding sugar on top.

6. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are just turning golden.

7. Let cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

 Decorating Ideas

• Dip in chocolate: Dip half the cooled cookie in melted chocolate and chill

• Dust with powdered sugar for a snow-kissed look

• Add jam: Use your thumb to press a dent in the center and fill with jam before baking

• Holiday flair: Use seasonal cutters and sprinkles!

 Storage & Make-Ahead

 Nutrition (Per Cookie – Approximate)

May vary based on shape, size, and add-ins.