Homemade Butter Cookies

by

Homemade Butter Cookies

These classic butter cookies are crisp around the edges, delicately crumbly, and wonderfully rich with a melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes them perfect for holiday trays, afternoon tea, or simple everyday treats. With only a handful of ingredients and a straightforward method, this recipe delivers bakery-quality cookies right from your own kitchen.

They hold their shape beautifully when piped, making them ideal for elegant swirl cookies or any design you prefer. Enjoy them plain, or finish with a luxurious dip in melted dark chocolate.

Ingredients

For the Cookies

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

Optional Chocolate Coating

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

Instructions

Prepare the Dough

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Do not line or grease your baking sheet; an unlined sheet helps the cookies hold their shape.
  2. In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until very light, creamy, and smooth. Proper creaming creates the delicate, tender texture these cookies are known for.
  3. Add the egg yolk, vanilla extract, and salt. Continue mixing, scraping down the sides and bottom of the bowl to ensure everything is fully incorporated.
  4. With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the flour. Mix just until the dough comes together and no streaks of flour remain. Overmixing can make the cookies dense, so stop once the dough appears uniform.

Shape the Cookies

  1. Fit a large piping bag with a star tip or any piping tip that allows for easy flow of dough. Fill the bag halfway with cookie dough; working in smaller batches prevents the bag from splitting and keeps piping smooth.
  2. Pipe the dough directly onto an unlined, cool baking sheet. Swirl shapes are traditional, but you may create any design you prefer.
  3. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are just barely turning golden. The centers should remain pale for the classic buttery texture.
  4. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Do not pipe new dough onto a warm baking sheet, as it will cause the cookies to lose their shape.

Optional Chocolate Dipping

  1. Place the dark chocolate chips and vegetable shortening in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 20-second increments, stirring thoroughly after each interval, until the mixture is completely melted and silky smooth.
  2. Dip each fully cooled cookie halfway into the melted chocolate and place it onto a wax paper–lined tray. If desired, decorate with sprinkles or leave plain for a simple, elegant finish.
  3. Let the chocolate set at room temperature, or speed up the process by placing the cookies in the refrigerator until firm.

These homemade butter cookies are simple, classic, and endlessly adaptable. Whether enjoyed plain or dipped in chocolate, they remain one of the most satisfying cookies to bake and share.

Leave a Comment