Classic Butter Cookies
Description
These Classic Butter Cookies are soft, buttery, and lightly crisp around the edges with a tender melt-in-your-mouth center. Made with simple pantry ingredients, they’re perfect for afternoon tea, holiday cookie trays, or anytime you’re craving a homemade treat. The dough comes together quickly, making these cookies easy enough for beginners and delicious enough for everyone.
🛒 Ingredients
- 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
👩🍳 Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together for 3–4 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing.
- Scoop about 2 tablespoons of dough and roll into smooth balls.
- Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
- Gently flatten each ball slightly using the bottom of a glass or your hand.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden while the tops remain pale.
- Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
💡 Tips
- Use room-temperature butter for the best texture.
- Don’t overbake; the cookies will continue to firm up as they cool.
- Add lemon zest, almond extract, or mini chocolate chips for a fun variation.
- Sprinkle coarse sugar on top before baking for a sparkling finish.
❓Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes. Freeze the dough balls for up to 2 months and bake directly from frozen, adding 1–2 extra minutes.
How should I store the cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes. Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
🍽️ Servings
- Makes: 12 cookies
🥗 Approximate Nutrition (Per Cookie)
- Calories: 190
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fat: 11g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Sugar: 9g