The Perfect Butter Cookies Recipe
These Perfect Butter Cookies are crisp on the edges and soft in the middle, offering the ideal balance of sweetness and buttery flavor. Whether you enjoy them plain or with a sprinkle of coarse sugar or festive sprinkles, these cookies are a crowd-pleaser for any occasion!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-14 minutes
- Total Time: 27-29 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert, Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Holiday Baking
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (2 sticks or 225g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2/3 cup (130g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Optional: Coarse sugar or sprinkles for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add the Egg Yolk and Vanilla: Beat in the egg yolk and vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Mix in the Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Shape the Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Optional: Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass or your palm. Sprinkle with coarse sugar or sprinkles for a festive touch.
- Bake: Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers should still be soft.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely
Notes
- These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- For a twist, try adding chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or citrus zest to the dough.
- If you prefer crispier cookies, flatten the dough balls more before baking.
- The optional coarse sugar or sprinkles give the cookies a festive touch, perfect for holidays or special occasions.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 25mg