Easy Butter Cookies Recipe

Serving Suggestions

• Serve these butter cookies with a cup of Turkish coffee or Iced tea for an afternoon treat.
• They make a great addition to a holiday cookie platter or as part of a dessert buffet at parties like shaped fruit platters, turkey-shaped platter, or can be added to cranberry brie bites.
• Dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate and sprinkle with crushed nuts or sprinkles for a fancier presentation or put a white vanilla whipped cream on top.
• These cookies are perfect for gifting! Wrap them up in a decorative box or tin for a sweet homemade gift.

Tips for Success

• Soften the butter: Make sure your butter is at room temperature before starting. Softened butter blends more easily with sugar, creating a smooth, creamy texture. Cold butter won’t mix well and may result in denser cookies.
• Don’t overmix the dough: Once you add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stir gently until everything is just combined. Overmixing can make the cookies tough instead of tender.
• Measuring flour correctly: Be sure to spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife, rather than scooping directly from the bag. Scooping can pack too much flour into the cup, leading to dry cookies.
• Even cookie size: Roll the dough into even-sized balls to ensure that all cookies bake at the same rate. If some are larger than others, the smaller cookies may overbake while the larger ones remain undercooked.
• Watch the baking time: Every oven is different, so keep an eye on the cookies around the 8-minute mark. They should be lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center when removed from the oven. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool.

Variations and Substitutions

• Add a citrus twist: For a zesty flavor, add the zest of a lemon or orange to the cookie dough. The citrus will complement the buttery richness of the cookies and add a fresh, bright note.
• Chocolate drizzle: Melt some chocolate (milk, dark, or white) and drizzle it over the cooled cookies for an extra touch of sweetness and decoration. This adds visual appeal and a different texture to the cookies.
• Nutty flavor: Mix finely chopped nuts like pecans, walnuts, or almonds into the dough for a delightful crunch. You can also press a whole nut on top of each cookie before baking.
• Spiced butter cookies: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even cardamom to the dough for a warm, cozy flavor. These spices will add a subtle depth to the cookies without overpowering their buttery taste.
• Gluten-free option: You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking mix in a 1:1 ratio. Be sure to use a mix that contains a binder, like xanthan gum, for the best texture.
• Sugar-free alternative: If you need a sugar-free option, use a granulated sugar substitute that measures cup-for-cup, such as erythritol or monk fruit sweetener. This way, you can enjoy the cookies without added sugar.

Storage and Reheating

• Storing: These butter cookies can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to one week. Make sure they are fully cooled before placing them in the container to avoid any moisture buildup, which could affect their texture.
• Freezing: If you want to store them longer, you can freeze the baked cookies. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze for about an hour, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They will stay fresh for up to 3 months.
• Thawing: To enjoy frozen cookies, simply let them thaw at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. You can also pop them in the oven at 300°F for a few minutes to warm them up and restore their crisp edges.
• Reheating: If you prefer your cookies warm, reheat them in the oven at 300°F for 5 minutes. This will give them a fresh-baked taste and slightly crispy texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the cookie dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before baking. Just be sure to wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out. When you’re ready to bake, let the dough soften at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before shaping and baking.

Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Absolutely. After mixing the dough, roll it into balls, flatten them slightly, and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze the dough for about an hour until firm, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. The dough can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, place the frozen dough on a baking sheet and bake as directed, adding 1-2 extra minutes to the baking time.

Why are my cookies spreading too much in the oven?

If your cookies are spreading too much, it’s likely that your butter was too warm or soft. Ensure the butter is just at room temperature, not melted. You can also try chilling the cookie dough for 20-30 minutes before baking to help them hold their shape.

Can I make these cookies without an electric mixer?

Yes, if you don’t have an electric mixer, you can still make these cookies by creaming the butter and sugar together with a whisk or a wooden spoon. It will take a bit more effort, but the results will be just as delicious. Just make sure the butter is softened to make mixing easier.

Can I substitute the butter with margarine or another fat?

For the best flavor and texture, it’s recommended to use real butter in this recipe. However, you can substitute unsalted margarine or a plant-based butter substitute if needed. Keep in mind that the flavor and texture of the cookies may differ slightly depending on the fat used.

Other Easy Cookie Recipes

White Chocolate Chip Chocolate Cookies Recipe: These rich, fudgy chocolate cookies are studded with creamy white chocolate chips, creating the perfect sweet treat.

Best Lemon Bars Dessert Recipe: These tangy and sweet lemon bars feature a zesty lemon filling on a buttery shortbread crust, making them a perfect dessert for any occasion.

Double Chocolate Chip Cookies – Soft and Chewy: These decadent double chocolate chip cookies are packed with chocolate flavor and stay soft and chewy with every bite.

Easy Gingerbread Cookies Without Molasses Recipe: These simple gingerbread cookies are full of warm spices and perfect for the holidays, without the need for molasses.

Freezing Cookie Dough Guide: Drop, Rolled, and Slice-and-Bake Cookies: Learn how to freeze and store different types of cookie dough to have fresh-baked cookies whenever you want.

Enjoy these yummy and easy butter cookies!  If you like easy cookie recipes, check out my easy chocolate chip cookie recipe and double chocolate white chip cookie recipe.  Baking cookies for a bake sale?  Check out my cookie packaging bake sale ideas.