Name: Classic Butter Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 24
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, room temperature; 2/3 cup (126g) granulated sugar; 3 large egg yolks; 2 tablespoons (30ml) milk; 1/8 teaspoon salt; 2 teaspoons vanilla or almond extract; 10 ounces (283 grams) Ghirardelli Chocolate Wafers (optional); Sprinkles (optional)

Butter lovers unite for a delightful classic butter cookies recipe that melts in your mouth with pure buttery goodness.

These simple yet elegant treats bring warmth to any kitchen with their golden, crisp edges and delicate texture.

Every baker dreams of creating the perfect shortbread-like cookie that crumbles beautifully and tastes like childhood memories.

Generations have cherished this timeless recipe passed down through kitchens around the world.

The secret lies in using high-quality butter and mixing ingredients with gentle care.

These cookies require minimal ingredients but deliver maximum flavor and satisfaction.

You’ll fall in love with how quickly they come together and how beautifully they complement afternoon tea or coffee.

Main Ingredients:

Butter Ingredients:

Unsalted Butter: The core ingredient that provides rich flavor and creates a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture for the cookies.
Egg Yolks: Add richness, moisture, and help bind the cookie dough together.

Dry Ingredients:

All-Purpose Flour: The primary structural ingredient that gives the cookies their classic shape and tender crumb.
Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a light, crisp texture in the butter cookies.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the cookies.

Flavor and Finishing Ingredients:

Vanilla Extract, Almond Extract: Adds depth of flavor and aromatic complexity to the butter cookies.
Milk: Helps achieve the perfect dough consistency and adds softness.
Ghirardelli Chocolate Wafers: Optional ingredient for creating a chocolate-dipped finish.
Sprinkles: Optional decorative topping to add visual appeal and extra festivity.

Baking Preparation Ingredients:

Silicone Baking Mat, Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and ensures easy cookie removal from the baking sheet.

How to Make Classic Butter Cookies Easily

Step 1: Prepare Baking Space

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Cover a large cookie sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat to prevent sticking and simplify cleanup.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, blend unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

This process takes about 2-3 minutes.

Add egg yolks one at a time, then mix in vanilla or almond extract until fully combined.

Step 3: Create Cookie Dough

Gradually incorporate dry ingredients into the wet mixture:

All-purpose flour
Salt

Beat on low speed until dough starts forming.

Pour in milk and continue mixing until dough becomes smooth and firm yet flexible.

Step 4: Shape Delicate Swirls

Attach an Ateco 825 tip to a piping bag.

Fill the bag with cookie dough.

Pipe elegant swirls approximately 1½ inches wide onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing each cookie 2 inches apart.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake cookies one tray at a time on a room-temperature baking sheet.

Cook for 9-11 minutes until edges turn light golden.

Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 5-10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.

Step 6: Optional Chocolate Decoration

Once cookies are fully cooled, melt Ghirardelli Chocolate Wafers in a microwave-safe bowl.

Use 50% power and stir every 30 seconds to prevent burning.

Dip each cookie halfway into melted chocolate.

Place on a lined baking sheet and sprinkle with decorative toppings if desired.

Let butter sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before mixing to ensure smooth, creamy consistency without overbeating.
Use a consistent pressure when piping to create uniform cookies with equal size and beautiful swirl patterns.
Melt chocolate slowly and stir frequently to prevent burning, ensuring a smooth and glossy chocolate coating.
Bake one tray at a time on a room-temperature baking sheet to maintain even heat distribution and consistent browning.
Add sprinkles immediately after dipping in chocolate to help them adhere perfectly to the surface.

Storing Classic Butter Cookies the Right Way

Store butter cookies in an airtight container between parchment paper layers for up to 5 days. Keep them away from humid areas to maintain crispness.
Place cookies in a freezer-safe container with wax paper separating each layer. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving.
Warm cookies at 275°F for 3-5 minutes to restore original crispness. Avoid overheating to prevent burning or drying out.
Keep cookies in a sealed container at room temperature for 2-3 days. Place a piece of bread inside to help maintain moisture and softness.

Serving Ideas for Classic Butter Cookies

Savor Classic Butter Cookies with Delightful Pairings
Brew Complementary Coffee: Select a medium-roast Colombian coffee with smooth, nutty undertones that beautifully balance the butter cookie's rich, delicate sweetness. The coffee's mild acidity enhances the cookie's buttery texture without overwhelming its subtle flavor profile.
Match with Creamy Dessert Wine: Pair these elegant cookies with a chilled glass of Moscato d'Asti, a light, sweet Italian wine featuring delicate peach and orange blossom notes. Its gentle effervescence and soft sweetness perfectly complement the cookie's rich, crumbly texture.
Create Chocolate Companion Experience: Serve alongside a small cup of dark hot chocolate with 70% cocoa content, allowing the intense chocolate warmth to contrast wonderfully with the cookie's delicate, crisp composition. The bittersweet chocolate depth elevates the butter cookie's subtle sweetness.
Enhance with Fruity Herbal Tea: Steep a fragrant chamomile or lavender tea that introduces subtle floral undertones, creating a sophisticated pairing that highlights the cookie's buttery elegance and provides a light, refreshing counterpoint.

Gluten-Free Cookie Delight: Swap all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, ensuring the same texture and taste for those with wheat sensitivities.
Vegan Butter Cookie Alternative: Replace butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine, and use aquafaba or flax egg instead of egg yolks to create a plant-based version.
Low-Sugar Cookie Option: Substitute granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reducing overall sugar content while maintaining a sweet flavor profile.
Almond Flour Variation: Use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour for a nutty flavor and protein-rich cookie that's perfect for low-carb diets.

FAQs

What type of piping tip works best for these butter cookies?

The Ateco 825 tip is ideal for creating beautiful, large swirls with consistent shape and professional-looking results.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

It’s recommended to use unsalted butter to control the salt content and ensure a more balanced flavor in your cookies.

How do I know when the butter and sugar are properly creamed?

The mixture should look light, fluffy, and almost white in color, which typically takes about 2-3 minutes of beating at medium speed.

Is it necessary to use a stand mixer for this recipe?

While a stand mixer makes the process easier, you can successfully use a hand mixer or even mix by hand with some extra effort and arm strength.

Why Classic Butter Cookies Are Always Loved

Prepare these delightful cookies in under half an hour, making them an ideal solution for sudden sweet cravings or last-minute dessert needs.
Adaptable for various occasions like holiday gatherings, afternoon tea, or casual family desserts, these cookies suit everyone from kids to grandparents with their classic, universally loved flavor.
Transform the basic recipe by adding chocolate dip, sprinkles, or experimenting with different extracts, allowing personal touch and endless flavor variations.

Olivia Bennett

Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Showcasing ingredients in plant-forward vegetarian dishes.
Creating adaptable weeklong menu templates centered on seasonal produce.

Education

Schoolcraft College

Program: Culinary Arts Associate Degree
Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, menu planning, and food safety.

With an Associate Degree in Culinary Arts from Schoolcraft College and a natural knack for teaching, Olivia Bennett’s all about making home cooking feel possible, even on your busiest day.
Her thing? Recipes that are budget-friendly, season-forward, and full of Southern warmth. Whether it’s a roasted veggie bowl or a five-ingredient skillet bake, Olivia makes sure it’s simple, satisfying, and something you’ll want to make again tomorrow.
When she’s not shooting step-by-step videos or testing spice blends, she’s out foraging, flipping through old cookbooks, or throwing laid-back dinner parties with a BYO-mason-jar theme.