Buttery, melt-in-your-mouth, and downright irresistible
There’s something magical about the scent of butter cookies wafting through the kitchen. This recipe for the world’s best butter cookies is a treasured favorite, and once you try it, you’ll know why. Whether it’s for the holidays, a cozy afternoon treat, or a gift for someone special, these cookies are as easy to make as they are to love.
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World’s Best Butter Cookies Recipe Overview
These butter cookies are buttery, crisp-edged, and delicately sweet with a tender crumb that melts in your mouth. The dough is easy to work with, and the cookies bake into beautiful golden rounds. Perfect with tea, coffee, or tucked into a cookie tin for gifting.
- Flavor: Rich buttery base with a hint of vanilla
- Texture: Crisp on the edges, soft and crumbly inside
- Prep Time: Under 15 minutes
- Bake Time: 12-15 minutes
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Ingredients List
- 8 oz unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1½ tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 large egg yolk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
Optional: Sprinkle with coarse sugar before baking for extra sparkle and crunch.
Necessary Tools for Preparation
- Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes). - Add Vanilla and Egg Yolk
Beat in the vanilla extract and egg yolk until just combined. - Add Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing on low speed until a dough forms. - Chill the Dough
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes (this helps keep the cookies from spreading). - Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. - Shape and Bake
Roll dough into small 1-inch balls or pipe into shapes. Place on the baking sheet, leaving 1 inch of space between each. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. - Cool and Serve
Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Tips for Perfecting the World’s Best Butter Cookies Recipe
- Use high-quality butter for the richest flavor.
- Chill the dough to help cookies hold their shape.
- Add a touch of almond extract for a fun variation.
- For festive flair, dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate and sprinkle with nuts or crushed peppermint.
What to Serve With It
- A warm mug of coffee, hot cocoa, or chai
- As part of a holiday dessert board
- With a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for contrast
Storage Instructions
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months. Layer with parchment in a freezer-safe container.
General Information
These cookies are wonderful for bake sales, holidays, or weekday sweet cravings. They’re simple yet elegant—perfect for gifting or impressing guests.
FAQ
Can I use salted butter?
Yes, just omit the added salt in the recipe.
Can I add chocolate chips or nuts?
Sure! Just fold in ½ cup of mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts before chilling the dough.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.
Conclusion
These truly are the world’s best butter cookies. They’re rich, buttery, and practically foolproof—perfect for novice and seasoned bakers alike. Give them a try and let me know what you think in the comments below!
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Print
World’s Best Butter Cookies
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Rich, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth cookies perfect for holidays or everyday indulgence.
Ingredients
8 oz unsalted butter
¾ cup granulated sugar
¼ tsp salt
1½ tsp vanilla extract
1 large egg yolk
2 cups all-purpose flour
Instructions
-
Cream butter and sugar
-
Add vanilla and egg yolk
-
Mix in dry ingredients
-
Chill dough
-
Preheat oven to 350°F
-
Shape and bake for 12-15 minutes
-
Cool and enjoy
Notes
Chill the dough to prevent spreading. Optional: add a touch of almond extract or dip in chocolate.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: European
