Classic Butter Cookies

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how easy and reliable this recipe is. No complicated steps or fancy ingredients—just pure, old-fashioned comfort. These cookies hold their shape, don’t spread too much, and come out perfect every time. I can enjoy them as-is or dress them up with chocolate, citrus zest, or festive toppings depending on the season. They’re the kind of cookie that feels like home.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 3/4 cup granulated sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 large egg

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions

1. I preheat my oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a large mixing bowl, I cream together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.

3. I add the vanilla extract and egg, mixing well until fully combined.

4. In another bowl, I whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

5. I gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.

6. Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, I drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

7. I gently flatten each dough ball with the back of a fork or my fingers.

8. I bake the cookies for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden.

9. Once out of the oven, I let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 24 cookies.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Bake time: 10–12 minutes
Total time: About 25–30 minutes

Variations

• Add citrus zest: I love mixing in the zest of a lemon or orange for a bright, fresh twist.

• Warm spices: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg gives the cookies a cozy, spiced flavor.

• Chocolate-dipped: I dip half of each cooled cookie in melted chocolate and let them set for an elegant upgrade.

• Festive toppings: Press a whole almond or a candied cherry into the center before baking for a holiday-ready look.

• Sprinkle with sugar: A little coarse sugar on top adds sparkle and crunch.

Storage/Reheating

I store these butter cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They stay tender and flavorful, especially when kept sealed.
To freeze, I place the cooled cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container. They thaw quickly at room temperature and taste just as delicious. I don’t recommend reheating them—these are best enjoyed as-is.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead?

Yes, I’ve made them with salted butter in a pinch. I just reduce or skip the added salt in the dough.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely. I chill the dough in the fridge for up to 48 hours, or freeze it for longer storage. Just bring it to room temperature before baking.

Do these cookies spread?

Not much. That’s why I flatten them slightly before baking to help shape them evenly.

Can I use this dough for cookie cutters?

This dough isn’t ideal for cut-outs—it’s better for scoop-and-bake cookies. But if I chill it well, I can roll and gently cut basic shapes.

Why are my cookies too dry?

That can happen if the flour is overmeasured or they’re slightly overbaked. I always spoon and level my flour and keep a close eye on the bake time.

Conclusion

These Classic Butter Cookies are everything I want in a homemade treat—simple, buttery, and full of nostalgic charm. Whether I keep them traditional or dress them up for the holidays, they always hit the spot. It’s a recipe I’ll never stop making, and one I’ll be happy to pass down for generations to come.

Classic Butter Cookies

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• Author: Mia
• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These buttery, golden cookies are soft, simple, and perfect for any occasion. A family-favorite recipe passed down through generations and baked with love.

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Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

3/4 cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 large egg

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in vanilla extract and egg until well combined.

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.

Form Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.

Shape Cookies: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten slightly with the back of a fork or your fingers.

Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.

Cool: Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Citrus Twist: Add zest of one lemon or orange to the dough for extra brightness.

Spiced Variation: Sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg into the dry mix.

Chocolate Dipped: Dip cooled cookies in melted chocolate for an elegant touch.

Festive Garnish: Press an almond or candied cherry into the center before baking for a holiday look.

Store cookies in an airtight container for up to a week, or freeze for longer storage.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Dessert, Snack
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American, Midwestern