Baking has a way of transforming any ordinary day into something special, and there’s nothing quite like the aroma of fresh cookies wafting through your home. When I was looking for a sweet treat to enjoy with my afternoon tea, I wanted something simple yet irresistible. Enter this Simple Butter Cookies Recipe, a delightful twist on classic cookies that’s both easy to make and utterly satisfying.
Imagine crafting cookies that melt in your mouth, with a buttery flavor enhanced by a hint of vanilla. With just a handful of ingredients, including rich chocolate chips and a sprinkle of fun, these cookies are not only a crowd-pleaser but also a fantastic way to elevate your baking game. They can be ready in less than an hour, making them perfect for last-minute gatherings or a cozy evening at home. Plus, the joy of shaping the dough into lovely swirls adds a personal touch that makes baking even more enjoyable.
Join me as we dive into this delightful recipe and create a batch of cookies that are sure to bring smiles to the faces of your family and friends!
Why choose this Simple Butter Cookies Recipe?
Simplicity is key: With just a few basic ingredients, you can whip up these delicious cookies without any fuss.
Melt-in-your-mouth texture: The combination of butter and cornstarch gives these cookies a delightful softness you’ll crave.
Customizable fun: Add your favorite mix-ins, like chocolate chips or colorful sprinkles, to tailor each batch to your taste.
Quick baking time: In under an hour, you’ll have fresh cookies ready to enjoy or share, making them perfect for spontaneous gatherings.
Impressive presentation: The charming piped swirls make these cookies visually stunning and perfect for any occasion, taking your baking buffet to the next level.
Don’t forget to check out my other delightful cookie recipes that will keep your cookie jar full!
Simple Butter Cookies Ingredients
Explore the key ingredients that make this Simple Butter Cookies Recipe a family favorite!
For the Dough
• Unsalted Butter – 1 cup (226g), softened – Essential for that rich and creamy texture.
• Powdered Sugar – ⅔ cup (75g) – Gives the cookies a light sweetness that melts in your mouth.
• Vanilla Extract – 1 tsp – Infuses a warm, inviting aroma and flavor for every bite.
• All-Purpose Flour – 2 cups (240g) – The foundation for your cookie dough, creating the perfect structure.
• Cornstarch – 2 tsp – Helps achieve that melt-in-your-mouth softness that you’ll love.
• Salt – ½ tsp – Enhances the overall sweetness and balances flavors.
For the Topping
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips – ½ cup (85g) – A delightful treat to dip your cookies in for extra richness.
• Sprinkles – As desired – Adds a festive, fun flair to your cookies that everyone will adore!
How to Make Simple Butter Cookies
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Mix the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of softened unsalted butter with ⅔ cup of powdered sugar. Use an electric mixer to blend until light and fluffy, creating a creamy foundation for your cookies.
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Add the Flavor: Pour in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. It will infuse your dough with a warm aroma, making your kitchen smell wonderful as you bake!
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Combine Dry Ingredients: Gradually add in 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of cornstarch, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Mix until a smooth dough forms. If it feels crumbly, use your hands to squeeze it together and continue mixing.
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Pipe the Dough: Fit a piping bag with an open star-shaped tip and fill it halfway with the cookie dough. This technique will give your cookies their lovely swirl shape!
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Shape the Cookies: On a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, pipe small swirls of dough while leaving space between each, allowing them room to spread slightly as they bake.
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Freeze the Dough: Place the baking sheet with piped cookies in the freezer for 30 minutes. This step ensures the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
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Preheat and Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Bake the cookies straight from the freezer for 15-17 minutes, or until they’re lightly golden around the edges.
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Optional Chocolate Dip: After cooling, melt ½ cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 60-second increments at 50% power, stirring until smooth. Dip one half of each cookie in the chocolate and place on a silicone mat to set. Add sprinkles for a festive touch if desired!
Optional: Drizzle leftover melted chocolate over the cooled cookies for an added touch of sweetness.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Simple Butter Cookies
Room Temperature: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their delightful texture.
Fridge: If you prefer, keep the cookies in the fridge for up to a week, but allow them to come to room temperature before enjoying for optimal taste.
Freezer: Place unbaked piped cookie dough on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. You can freeze the dough for up to 3 months and bake straight from the freezer.
Reheating: If stored, reheat baked cookies in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore their fresh-baked goodness.
Make Ahead Options
These Simple Butter Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks who want to save time while still enjoying delicious treats! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing the ingredients and transferring the dough into an airtight container. When you’re ready to bake, simply pipe the swirls onto a baking sheet and freeze for 30 minutes before baking. Alternatively, you can freeze the piped cookies directly on the baking sheet; they can stay in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just bake them straight from the freezer, and you’ll have fresh, restaurant-quality cookies with minimal effort any day of the week!
Expert Tips for Simple Butter Cookies
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Butter Consistency: Ensure your butter is softened, not melted. Softened butter helps create a creamy texture that’s essential for flavor and tenderness.
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Mixing Technique: Don’t overmix your dough once you add the dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of the desired melt-in-your-mouth texture.
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Freezing Dough: Don’t skip the freezing step! This helps the cookies hold their shape while baking, ensuring beautiful, swirled designs.
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Piping Bag Control: When piping the dough, apply even pressure to create uniform shapes. If you’re new to piping, practice first on parchment paper until you feel confident.
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Optional Dipping: For a more decadent treat, dip the cookies only halfway in melted chocolate to balance flavors without overwhelming the buttery goodness of these simple butter cookies.
Simple Butter Cookies Variations
Get creative with your baking and elevate these delightful cookies to new heights of flavor and fun!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a similar texture that everyone can enjoy. This swap guarantees that your cookies remain just as delicious!
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Nutty Addition: Add ½ cup of finely chopped nuts, like walnuts or almonds, to the dough for a delightful crunch. The warmth from the nuts complements the buttery goodness perfectly.
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Citrus Zest: Incorporate the zest of one lemon or orange to infuse your cookies with a refreshing citrus twist. This bright flavor elevates each bite and makes them truly memorable.
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Spiced Twist: Mix in 1 tsp of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, inviting spiciness. The aromatic spices take these cookies from classic to extraordinary, perfect for cooler months.
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Dairy-Free: Replace the unsalted butter with coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative for a dairy-free delight. The subtle coconut flavor adds an interesting flair to your cookies.
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Chocolate Lovers: Swap out chocolate chips for milk or dark chocolate chunks, or mix both for an enticing flavor combo. Experimenting with different types of chocolate enriches the overall taste experience!
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Caramel Drizzle: Top your cooled cookies with a drizzle of caramel sauce for added sweetness and a touch of elegance. This indulgent finishing touch will leave everyone craving more!
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Minty Fresh: Add ½ tsp of peppermint extract to the dough for a refreshing mint flavor that pairs perfectly with the buttery base. This twist provides a festive twist, especially during holidays!
Embrace these variations to make your Simple Butter Cookies your own; they’ll surely delight your family and friends!
What to Serve with Simple Butter Cookies?
Baking delights like these cookies deserve a wonderful spread to create the perfect treat experience.
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Fresh Milk: A classic pairing! The creamy richness of milk complements the buttery sweetness of the cookies beautifully.
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Fruit Platter: Add a burst of freshness! Fresh berries and citrus fruits provide a refreshing contrast to the rich cookies.
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Coffee or Tea: The warmth and depth of coffee or tea offer a comforting balance to the sweet, buttery flavors, perfect for afternoon tea.
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Chocolate Sauce: For indulgence, serve a small bowl of warm chocolate sauce for dipping. It elevates the cookies into a decadent dessert.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream creates a delightful contrast in temperatures, making each bite a luscious treat.
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Nutty Crumble: Consider topping the cookies with a sprinkle of crushed nuts. The added crunch and flavor enrich each bite, enhancing the cookie’s buttery goodness.
Imagine enjoying these delightful cookies with loved ones, making every moment a cherished memory!
Simple Butter Cookies Recipe FAQs
What type of butter should I use for this recipe?
Absolutely! It’s important to use unsalted butter that’s been softened, as it helps create the rich, creamy texture that’s essential for this Simple Butter Cookies Recipe. If you only have salted butter, simply omit any additional salt from the recipe.
How do I know when my cookies are done baking?
Very good question! You should look for a light golden color around the edges of the cookies, which typically takes about 15-17 minutes at 350°F (180°C). The centers may appear a bit soft, but they’ll firm up as they cool.
Can I store these butter cookies, and for how long?
Yes, you can store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to prolong their freshness, refrigerate them for up to a week, but let them come to room temperature before enjoying.
How do I freeze the cookie dough?
I often make a double batch for freezing! To freeze your unbaked dough, pipe the shapes onto a lined baking sheet and place them in the freezer until solid. Then, transfer the frozen cookie swirls to a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months and baked straight from the freezer when you’re ready!
Can these cookies be made without chocolate chips, or are there alternatives?
Absolutely! You can skip the chocolate chips entirely if you prefer a simpler cookie. Alternatively, feel free to add in your favorite mix-ins, like chopped nuts or dried fruits, to customize these treats to your taste.
Are these cookies safe for pets?
It’s best to keep these cookies away from pets, especially dogs, as chocolate can be toxic to them. If you’re looking for a pet-friendly treat, try making a batch of simple oat cookies with no added sugar or chocolate!
Simple Butter Cookies Recipe That's Soft, Sweet, and Fun
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of softened unsalted butter with ⅔ cup of powdered sugar. Use an electric mixer to blend until light and fluffy.
- Pour in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
- Gradually add in 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of cornstarch, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Mix until a smooth dough forms.
- Fit a piping bag with an open star-shaped tip and fill it halfway with the cookie dough.
- On a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, pipe small swirls of dough while leaving space between each.
- Place the baking sheet with piped cookies in the freezer for 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Bake the cookies straight from the freezer for 15-17 minutes.
- After cooling, melt ½ cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl and dip one half of each cookie in chocolate.