Irresistibly Crispy Homemade Butter Cookies You’ll Love (Easy Recipe)

Thank you for stopping by, my sweet friends! Today, I’m sharing one of my absolute favorite treats: homemade butter cookies. These are the cookies that melt in your mouth, bringing back the warmth of holidays, Sunday afternoons, and coffee breaks with loved ones. They’re light, crumbly, and perfectly sweet without being overwhelming. Trust me—you’ll want to keep a jar of these on hand all year long.

If you love cozy baking and nostalgic recipes, you’ll adore these cookies. Don’t forget to subscribe to my email list so you never miss a recipe fresh from my kitchen.

Overview of Recipe Content

Butter cookies are a classic treat—perfect for Christmas cookie boxes, tea parties, or even as a simple homemade gift.

Why You’ll Love These Butter Cookies

• They are easy to make with pantry staples.
• They taste like pure nostalgia—crisp edges with a tender, buttery crumb.
• They’re versatile: dip them in chocolate, shape them with a cookie press, or enjoy them plain.
• They store beautifully, making them perfect for gifting.

What They Taste Like

These cookies are delicate, crisp, buttery, and slightly sweet, with just a hint of vanilla. They practically dissolve on your tongue.

Ingredient List

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• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (226g)
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar (150g)
• 1 large egg yolk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups + 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour (265g)

Optional for Chocolate-Dipped Butter Cookies:

• 1 cup dark chocolate chips (170g)
• 1/2 teaspoon vegetable shortening

Tools Needed

• Mixing bowl & electric mixer
• Piping bag with star tip or cookie press (optional)
• Baking sheets & parchment paper
• Cooling rack

Substitutions & Additions

• Swap vanilla for almond extract for a nutty twist.
• Add zest of one lemon or orange for a citrus variation.
• Use white chocolate or milk chocolate instead of dark for dipping.

How to Make Homemade Butter Cookies

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1. Cream the Butter & Sugar
   Beat softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy—about 2–3 minutes. This is where the magic of texture begins!
2. Add Egg Yolk, Vanilla & Salt
   Mix in the yolk, vanilla, and salt until smooth. The egg yolk adds richness without making the dough heavy.
3. Incorporate the Flour
   Gently fold in flour until a soft dough forms. Don’t overmix—just enough for the flour to disappear.
4. Shape the Cookies
   • Use a piping bag with a star tip to pipe swirls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
   • Or, roll dough into small balls and press lightly with a fork.
5. Bake
   Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden.
6. Optional Chocolate Dip
   Melt chocolate chips with shortening, dip half of each cooled cookie, and place on parchment until set.

What to Serve with Homemade Butter Cookies

• Coffee or espresso for a European-style pairing.
• Hot chocolate during the holidays.
• A light fruit tea for afternoon tea time.
• Serve alongside other cookies like Soft and Chewy Oatmeal Cookies or Best Snickerdoodle Recipe.

Tips for Making It Perfect

• Always start with room-temperature butter for the right creamed texture.
• If piping the dough, make sure it’s soft enough—otherwise add 1–2 teaspoons of milk.
• Don’t overbake! The cookies should be lightly golden, not brown.
• For holiday tins, layer cookies with wax paper to keep them crisp.

Storage Instructions

• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days.
• Freeze unbaked dough logs (wrapped in plastic) for up to 2 months. Slice and bake when ready.
• Freeze baked cookies in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months.

General Information

Butter cookies originated in Denmark and are sometimes called “Danish cookies” or “Danish biscuits.” They became especially popular thanks to those iconic blue tins we all know and love.

Homemade versions, however, are fresher, more flavorful, and customizable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! The dough can be refrigerated for up to 3 days before baking.

Do I need a cookie press?
Not at all—while it makes them look fancier, you can simply roll and flatten.

Can I use salted butter?
Yes, just skip the added salt in the recipe.

Why are my butter cookies spreading too much?
Your butter may have been too soft—try chilling the dough for 20 minutes before baking.

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Conclusion

These homemade butter cookies are a true classic—light, buttery, and so easy to make. Whether you dip them in chocolate, dust them with powdered sugar, or enjoy them plain, they’ll always bring joy.

If you loved this recipe, you might also enjoy:

• Soft Sugar Cookies with Frosting
• Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies

Happy baking, my friends!

Interactive Elements

I’d love to see your creations! Leave a comment below if you try these, or share your cookie photos on Pinterest: Poulef Pinterest Recipes and tag me so I can cheer you on.

Nutritional Information (per cookie, approx. 30 cookies)

Calories	Carbs	Sugar	Fat	Saturated Fat	Protein	Fiber	Sodium
110	13g	6g	6g	3.5g	1.5g	0.3g	30mg

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