How to Make Butter Cookies: 11 Steps
Butter cookies are a classic treat that everyone loves. With their rich, buttery flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture, it’s no wonder they’re so popular. Follow these 11 easy steps to make perfect butter cookies every time.
1. Gather your ingredients
To make butter cookies, you’ll need:
– 1 cup (2 sticks) of unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
2. Preheat your oven and prepare the baking sheet
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone baking mat to prevent the cookies from sticking.
3. Cream the butter and sugar together
In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the softened butter and sugar together until pale and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
4. Add wet ingredients
Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Mix until well combined.
5. Combine dry ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
6. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients
Slowly add the flour mixture to the butter mixture while mixing on low speed until just combined.
7. Chill the dough (optional)
For easier handling, cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator. This step is optional but recommended for best results.
8. Roll out the dough
On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness using a rolling pin. If you chilled your dough, let it sit at room temperature for about 5 minutes before rolling it out.
9. Cut out cookies with cookie cutters or an improvised cutter
Using your favorite cookie cutters or the rim of a drinking glass, cut out cookie shapes from the dough. You may need to re-roll the dough scraps to use all the dough efficiently.
10. Place cookies on the baking sheet
Transfer the cut cookies to the prepared baking sheet, leaving 1-2 inches of space between them for spreading.
11. Bake and cool the butter cookies
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8 to 12 minutes, or until they start to turn a light golden color around the edges. Remove from oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy your homemade butter cookies! You can store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.