Cozy Butter Cookies Recipe

I developed this homemade butter cookies recipe to capture that same delicate texture but with a much fresher, richer flavor.

These treats melt in your mouth with a perfect balance of sweet and salty notes. You will find that making them in your own kitchen is surprisingly simple and deeply satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Butter Cookies Recipe

The texture here is absolutely unmatched compared to anything you buy at the grocery store. I love how the edges get slightly crisp while the center stays tender and soft.

You only need a handful of basic pantry staples to whip these up on a whim. It is the kind of reliable dough that pipes beautifully without spreading all over the pan.

This dough is incredibly versatile and takes well to all sorts of festive decorations. My family enjoys dipping them in melted chocolate or adding sprinkles for a pop of color.

If you enjoyed this classic treat, you have to try my Savory Lemon Snowball Cookies Recipe for a citrus twist, and the Zesty Shortbread Cookies Recipe is another must-bake for your list. Both recipes share that melt-in-your-mouth quality that makes homemade baking so special.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Butter Cookies

Here are the simple pantry staples required to make this recipe:

• Unsalted butter: Softened to room temperature to ensure it creams perfectly with the sugar.
• Granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a crisp texture on the edges.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the rich butter flavor.
• Egg yolks: Adds richness and tenderness to the dough without making it too puffy.
• Vanilla extract: Use pure vanilla for the best flavor profile.
• All-purpose flour: The base of the cookie that provides structure.
• Milk: Used sparingly to get the dough to the perfect pipeable consistency.
• Chocolate: Optional for dipping, either semi-sweet or white chocolate works well.
• Sprinkles: Optional for adding a festive touch to the dipped cookies.

My Method for Perfect Butter Cookies

Let’s get baking with these simple steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and salt together until well combined.
3. Mix in the egg yolks and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
4. Add the all-purpose flour and mix just until the dough looks crumbly.
5. Add 2 teaspoons of milk and mix, adding 1-2 more teaspoons if needed until the dough is soft enough to pipe but still holds its shape.
6. Transfer the dough to a strong piping bag fitted with a large open star tip (like Ateco 826 or 827).
7. Pipe the dough into rounds onto ungreased baking sheets, spacing them about an inch apart.
8. Bake one sheet at a time for 12-16 minutes, or until the bottoms are golden brown.
9. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. If desired, melt chocolate in the microwave in 20-second intervals until smooth.
11. Dip half of each cooled cookie into the chocolate and place on parchment paper to set.

My Best Tips for Perfect Butter Cookies

The consistency of your dough is the most critical factor for successful piping. I always add the milk gradually until the mixture is soft enough to push through the tip without struggle.

If your kitchen is very warm, chill the piped butter cookies on the baking sheet for ten minutes before putting them in the oven. This quick step helps them hold those beautiful sharp ridges during the baking process.

Use a high-quality piping bag and a large open star tip like an Ateco 826 for the best definition. A smaller tip will just frustrate you and make it nearly impossible to form the shapes.

How I Like to Serve These Butter Cookies

These treats are a stunning addition to any holiday dessert spread or gift box. I like to arrange them on a platter alongside fresh berries or a bowl of whipped cream.

They also pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea in the afternoon. My favorite way to enjoy this butter cookies recipe is simply with a tall glass of cold milk.