If you’re searching for a cookie recipe that is simple, classic, and guaranteed to impress, this easy butter cookies recipe is exactly what you need. Butter cookies are known for their delicate texture, soft crumb, and unmistakable buttery flavor. Whether you are prepping holiday cookie boxes, baking for family, or simply craving a homemade treat, this recipe delivers perfect results every single time.

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These cookies have been a tradition in many homes for generations. They require very few ingredients, mix quickly, and bake within minutes. Their versatility also makes them popular; you can pipe them, roll them, press them, flavor them, or decorate them as you like. With just one dough, you can create multiple cookie styles.

If you’re a cookie lover, you’ll also enjoy the Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies on MagmaKitchen — a creamy, soft, and indulgent cookie recipe that pairs perfectly with buttery classics.
https://www.magmakitchen.com/chocolate-chip-cheesecake-cookies/

Before diving into the full instructions, let’s explore why this recipe is so dependable and why home bakers consider it their go-to easy butter cookies recipe.

Why This Easy Butter Cookies Recipe Always Works

1. Simple, Straightforward Ingredients

Butter cookies do not rely on complicated add-ins or fancy baking techniques. The flavor comes from real butter, sugar, and vanilla — ingredients found in nearly every kitchen.

2. Perfect Texture Every Time

This easy butter cookies recipe produces cookies that are soft in the center with lightly crisp edges. Because the butter is creamed properly, the cookies spread evenly and bake beautifully.

3. Ready in Under 25 Minutes

From mixing to baking, the entire process is quick. These cookies are ideal for last-minute dessert needs or when you want fresh cookies without spending hours in the kitchen.

4. Beginner-Friendly Method

Even first-time bakers get excellent results from this recipe. It teaches basic techniques — creaming butter and sugar, mixing dry ingredients, rolling dough — all essential baking skills.

5. Versatile and Customizable

You can modify this easy butter cookies recipe in countless ways:

• Add lemon zest for citrus flavor
• Dip in melted chocolate
• Roll in sugar before baking
• Add sprinkles
• Use almond or coconut extract

6. Ideal for Gift Boxes and Parties

Because they stay fresh for days and hold their shape, butter cookies are perfect for gifting, party platters, and holiday cookie trays.

Ingredients for This Easy Butter Cookies Recipe

Main Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

Recommended Baking Sheet

For best crisp edges, use a thick, nonstick sheet like this one:
https://amzn.to/4pLbBT4

How to Make This Easy Butter Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
This prevents sticking and helps cookies bake evenly.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is essential because creaming incorporates air into the butter, resulting in softer cookies.

Step 3: Add the Egg and Vanilla

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.
The dough should look smooth and creamy at this stage.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately

In a separate bowl, whisk together:

• Flour
• Salt
• Baking powder

Whisking helps break up clumps and distributes the baking powder evenly.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the butter mixture.
Mix until the dough forms. Avoid overmixing to prevent the cookies from becoming tough.

Step 6: Shape the Cookies

Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the lined baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie.
Flatten each dough ball slightly with your palm or a fork for a classic butter cookie look.

Step 7: Bake

Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden.
Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before moving them to a cooling rack.

Professional Tips for the Best Results

Use Softened, Not Melted Butter

Softened butter creates the correct texture. Melted butter can make the cookies spread too much.

Chill the Dough for Crispier Edges

Chilling for 30 minutes helps the cookies bake thicker and prevents excessive spreading.

Avoid Overbaking

Butter cookies brown quickly. Remove them when the edges just begin turning golden.

Use High-Quality Vanilla

Vanilla extract improves the depth of flavor significantly.

Try Piping the Dough

For fancy shapes, use a piping bag with a star tip.

Flavor Variations

1. Lemon Butter Cookies

Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest and replace vanilla with lemon extract.

2. Chocolate-Dipped Butter Cookies

Dip half of each cooled cookie into melted dark or milk chocolate.

3. Almond Butter Cookies

Add 1 teaspoon almond extract for a soft marzipan-like flavor.

4. Cinnamon Butter Cookies

Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon for a warm, cozy taste.

5. Holiday Butter Cookies

Roll the dough balls in colored sugar or sprinkles before baking.

These variations all work perfectly with the easy butter cookies recipe base.

Serving Ideas

These cookies go well with:

• Hot tea or coffee
• Milk
• Ice cream
• Holiday charcuterie-style dessert boards

They also make excellent edible gifts when packaged in tins or clear bags with ribbons.

Storage Instructions

Room Temperature

Store in an airtight container for 5 to 7 days.

Refrigerator

Store chilled cookies for up to 10 days.

Freezer

Butter cookies freeze extremely well.
Freeze baked cookies or unbaked cookie dough balls for up to 3 months.

Thaw at room temperature and enjoy.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Butter Cookies Recipe

• Made with basic ingredients
• Ready in under 25 minutes
• Perfect softness with lightly crisp edges
• Great for gifting, holidays, and everyday dessert
• Beginner-friendly and foolproof
• Delicious plain or decorated

This easy butter cookies recipe is one you’ll return to again and again. It’s reliable, customizable, and absolutely delicious.