If you’ve ever dreamed of biting into perfectly tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookies that whisper buttery sweetness with every crumb, then this Butter Cookies from Scratch Recipe is absolutely for you. Each bite bursts with the simple goodness of real butter, vanilla, and just the right touch of sugar—a classic delight that feels like a warm hug and brings a timeless joy to any occasion. Trust me, once you make these from scratch, store-bought cookies will feel like a distant memory.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things wonderfully simple, relying on a handful of essential ingredients that come together beautifully to create that rich buttery flavor, delicate crumb, and soft texture. Each ingredient plays its part perfectly, so it’s worth choosing quality basics for the best results.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup / 2 sticks / 227 g): Using unsalted butter lets you control the salt level and ensures pure buttery flavor.
- Granulated sugar (⅔ cup / 133 g): Adds sweetness and helps set the cookie’s crumb structure.
- Large egg yolks (2, room temperature): Egg yolks enrich the dough and contribute to tenderness.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Brings a warm, aromatic depth to the cookie’s flavor.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): The foundation of the dough, giving structure without heaviness.
- Kosher salt (¼ tsp): Balances sweetness and enhances all other flavors.
- Whole milk (2-3 tbsp, room temperature): Adds moisture for the perfect dough consistency.
How to Make Butter Cookies from Scratch Recipe
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Start by beating the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is essential because it incorporates air, which leads to tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookies. Don’t rush it; take about 3-5 minutes on medium speed.
Step 2: Mix in Egg Yolks and Vanilla
Next, add the egg yolks and vanilla extract to your fluffy butter and sugar base. These ingredients enrich the dough, giving it a creamy texture and those comforting flavors we all love in a butter cookie.
Step 3: Add Flour and Salt
Slowly mix in the all-purpose flour and kosher salt on low speed. You want to combine everything gently so the flour doesn’t overwork the dough, which could make the cookies tough instead of tender. The dough will start coming together now!
Step 4: Adjust Dough Consistency
If your dough feels too stiff, add whole milk, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough becomes pliable but still a little sticky. This balance helps with shaping the cookies and achieving that perfect texture after baking.
Step 5: Prepare for Baking
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. This step sets the stage for cookies that bake with golden edges and tender centers.
Step 6: Shape Your Cookies
Using a piping bag fitted with a star tip, pipe swirls or rosettes onto the baking sheet, creating lovely shapes that will hold their form beautifully. If you don’t have a piping bag, simply scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, place them on the sheet, and press gently to flatten slightly.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake your cookies for 12 to 15 minutes, or until their edges turn a light golden color. This is when those irresistible buttery aromas will fill your kitchen, signaling that your homemade treats are ready to enjoy.
Step 8: Cool Before Serving
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes to set, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step ensures they’re firm enough to handle but still tender when you bite in.
How to Serve Butter Cookies from Scratch Recipe
Garnishes
While these butter cookies are delightful on their own, adding a sprinkle of sanding sugar or a tiny dab of melted chocolate on top can elevate their appearance and taste. A little zest of lemon or orange peel grated over the cookies just before baking adds a surprising pop of freshness that pairs beautifully with the buttery base.
Side Dishes
Serve these cookies alongside a warm cup of tea, coffee, or a frothy hot chocolate for an indulgent treat. They also pair wonderfully with fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream for a simple yet elegant dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, arrange your butter cookies in a beautifully layered cookie tin or a decorative jar to gift to loved ones. You can also sandwich two cookies together with a spread of jam, Nutella, or buttercream for a playful, homemade sandwich cookie delight.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature where they will stay fresh and soft for up to a week. A little tip is to add a slice of bread to the container to help maintain moisture and tenderness in your cookies.
Freezing
Butter cookies freeze beautifully! Place cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to 3 months, ready for whenever you need a buttery treat.
Reheating
To refresh your cookies after freezing or storage, warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. This will soften them up slightly and bring back that fresh-baked aroma to delight your senses all over again.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
You can, but be mindful that salted butter adds extra salt to the recipe. You might want to reduce or omit the additional kosher salt to avoid overly salty cookies.
What can I substitute for whole milk?
If you don’t have whole milk, you can use any milk variety you have on hand, such as 2% or even almond milk. Just note that the flavor and texture might slightly change, but it will still turn out delicious.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for a one-to-one gluten-free baking flour blend. The texture will remain tender, but be cautious with mixing times as gluten-free doughs tend to behave differently.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Make sure your butter is at room temperature but not too soft or melted. Also, chilling the dough briefly before piping or scooping can help the cookies hold their shape better while baking.
Can I add flavors like almond or citrus?
Definitely! Adding a teaspoon of almond extract or a teaspoon of citrus zest to the dough can create wonderful flavor variations. Just adjust the vanilla and other flavors to balance and not overpower your cookies.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about making Butter Cookies from Scratch Recipe that fills both your kitchen and heart with warmth. With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, you can create tender, buttery cookies that are perfect for sharing or savoring on your own. Give this recipe a try—you’ll be amazed at how such a humble cookie can become an instant favorite with everyone who tastes it!
