Crisp-edged, tender butter cookies with a simple dough that works well for holiday tins, gifting, or easy afternoon baking.
Prep time
10 min
Cook time
18 min
Total time
28 min
Servings
8
Tools Used
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Ingredients
Ingredients
Servings
8 servings1×
Scale
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Main Ingredients
Instructions
Baking Instructions
- 1
Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for best mixing results.
- 2
In a mixing bowl, beat together butter, powdered sugar, granulated sugar, and egg yolk until creamy.
- 3
Fold in the all-purpose flour gradually until a soft dough forms.
- 4
Scoop the dough onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper using an ice cream scooper.
- 5
Flatten each portion slightly to form cookie shapes.
- 6
Bake in a preheated oven at 353°F (about 178°C) for 15–18 minutes, until lightly golden.
- 7
Let the cookies cool before serving.
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Learn More
Everything you want to know about this recipe.
Butter cookies are one of the clearest examples of how a short ingredient list can still give you a full, classic bake. The dough is simple, but the balance between butter, sugar, and baking time is what gives the cookies their tender crumb and light golden edges.
This version stays straightforward enough for a quick batch, but it also works well when you want a reliable cookie for gifting tins or holiday platters. The shape can stay rustic, or you can dress the dough up with citrus zest or a light chocolate dip after baking.
Because the dough is rich, the cookies benefit from a little restraint in the oven. Pulling them when the bottoms and edges are just set helps keep the center delicate instead of dry.
What Helps Butter Cookies Keep Their Texture
What Helps Butter Cookies Keep Their Texture
Room-temperature butter mixes more evenly, which helps the dough stay smooth without a lot of extra beating. Once the flour goes in, mix only until the dough comes together so the cookies stay tender.
If the dough feels too soft to scoop cleanly, a short chill in the fridge makes shaping easier and helps limit spreading in the oven.
Serving And Storage Notes
Serving And Storage Notes
Let the cookies cool fully before packing or stacking them. They pair well with coffee, black tea, or a glass of milk, and they also make a good base for simple sandwich cookies.
Store them in an airtight tin or container at room temperature for several days. The dough can also be portioned and frozen for later baking.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: 25g
Calories 1508%
% Reference Intake*
Total Fat 9g13%
Saturated Fat 5g25%
Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol 20mg
Sodium 80mg
Total Carbohydrates 15g6%
Dietary Fiber 0g
Sugars 7g8%
Protein 2g4%
* Reference intakes are based on an average adult's 8,400 kJ / 2,000 kcal diet. Your needs may be higher or lower.
FAQs
Can I make these butter cookies ahead of time?
Yes! These cookies store well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months.
Why did my cookies spread too much in the oven?
If the dough is too soft, the butter may melt quickly. Chill the dough for 15–20 minutes before baking to help the cookies hold their shape.
Can I add flavor variations?
Absolutely! Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract, almond extract, or even lemon zest to change the flavor profile without affecting the texture.
How do I get the melt-in-your-mouth texture?
The secret is using powdered sugar along with butter at room temperature. Avoid overmixing the dough, as that can make the cookies tough.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, this recipe doubles easily. Just make sure to use a large enough mixing bowl and keep baking batches consistent for even results.
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Mia T.
· 1 Sept 2023These butter cookies turned out so soft and buttery! I love how simple the ingredients are. Definitely making them again.
Carlo D.
· Invalid DateI added a drop of vanilla extract and it elevated the flavor. Thanks for this easy recipe!
Lara M.
· 7 Aug 2025I sprinkled a little cinnamon sugar on top before baking, and it gave them a lovely twist.
Patrick S.
· 6 Mar 2025Made these for Christmas gifts — everyone asked for the recipe! They stay fresh for days in a tin.
Andrea V.
· 5 Nov 2024Light, melt-in-the-mouth, and not overly sweet — exactly how I like my cookies! Thank you!
Leo M.
· 4 Apr 2024I found the dough a bit too soft to handle. I chilled it for 15 mins before scooping and it worked perfectly.
Jenny R.
· 3 Feb 2024My kids absolutely loved these. They helped me mix and shape them — perfect for family baking time.
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