Soft Butter Cookies Recipe

Introduction

Soft butter cookies are delicate, tender treats with a rich, buttery flavor that melts in your mouth. These cookies are simple to make and perfect for any occasion, whether you’re sharing them with family or enjoying a quiet afternoon snack.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• ⅔ cup granulated sugar
• 2 egg yolks
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (other extracts can be used)
• 2 cups all purpose flour
• ¼ tsp salt (omit if using salted butter)
• 2 Tbsp milk (whole or 2%) (more if needed)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F and line cookie trays with parchment paper. If your kitchen is warm, chill the cookie dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy using a hand mixer.
3. Step 3: Add the egg yolks and vanilla extract, mixing on medium speed until well combined.
4. Step 4: Gradually add the flour and salt to the mixture, mixing on low speed until large crumbles form.
5. Step 5: Stir in 2 tablespoons of milk, mixing until it’s absorbed. If the dough isn’t sticky enough, add milk by the teaspoon until it reaches the consistency of thick buttercream. Be careful not to add too much milk to avoid spreading during baking.
6. Step 6: Transfer the dough to a large, heavy-duty piping bag fitted with a large open star tip.
7. Step 7: Pipe the dough onto the prepared trays in rosettes by holding the bag upright, piping onto the tray, pulling up slightly, then wrapping around the center and gently releasing.
8. Step 8: Chill the piped cookies if needed before baking.
9. Step 9: Bake for 13 to 15 minutes, or until the edges turn a light golden brown.
10. Step 10: Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet before removing.

Tips & Variations

• For a flavor twist, try substituting vanilla extract with almond or lemon extract.
• Chilling the dough helps maintain the shape and prevents cookies from spreading too much.
• If you don’t have a piping bag, you can use a resealable plastic bag with a corner snipped off, though the shape will be less defined.
• Use whole milk for a richer dough, but 2% milk works well too.

Storage

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a sealed container for up to three months. To reheat, let frozen cookies thaw at room temperature; warm them gently in a low oven if you prefer them soft and warm.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but be sure to omit the added salt in the recipe to keep the flavor balanced.

Why do the cookies sometimes spread too much?

Adding too much milk or baking in a warm environment can cause the dough to spread excessively. Chill the dough if your kitchen is warm and add milk sparingly to keep the right consistency.

Soft Butter Cookies Recipe

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4.8 from 85 reviews

Soft Butter Cookies are delicate, melt-in-your-mouth treats with a tender crumb and rich buttery flavor. These cookies are simple to make with a classic combination of butter, sugar, and vanilla, creating light and fluffy rosettes that are perfect for tea time or any sweet craving.

• Author: Mila
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cookies

• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• ⅔ cup granulated sugar
• 2 egg yolks
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (other extracts can be used)
• 2 cups all purpose flour
• ¼ tsp salt (omit if using salted butter)
• 2 Tbsp milk (whole or 2%), plus extra if needed

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line cookie trays with parchment paper. If your environment is warm, chill the piped cookies for 30 minutes to prevent spreading.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use a hand mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, ensuring a good base texture for the cookies.
3. Add Egg Yolks and Vanilla: Mix in the egg yolks and vanilla extract on medium speed until fully incorporated, giving the cookie dough a rich flavor.
4. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Slowly add in the all-purpose flour and salt. Mix on low speed just until large crumbs form, avoiding over-mixing to keep the cookies tender.
5. Add Milk: Mix in 2 tablespoons of milk until it is absorbed. If the dough feels too dry and not sticky, add another teaspoon of milk carefully until it reaches a thick buttercream-like consistency, avoiding excess liquid which could make the cookies spread too much.
6. Pipe the Dough: Transfer the dough to a large, heavy-duty piping bag fitted with a large open star tip. Pipe the dough onto the prepared trays in rosette shapes by holding the bag upright and swirling around the center while pulling away gently to release.
7. Chill if Necessary: If the room is warm or the dough seems soft, chill the piped rosettes for 30 minutes before baking to maintain their shape.
8. Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 13 to 15 minutes until the edges turn a light golden brown, indicating they are perfectly soft yet slightly crisp on the edges.
9. Cool: Let the cookies cool fully on the baking sheet to set their delicate shape and texture before serving or storing.

Notes

• Using salted butter requires omitting the additional salt in the recipe.
• The amount of milk added can vary slightly depending on flour moisture and butter softness; add cautiously to prevent spreading.
• Chilling cookie dough or piped shapes helps maintain form and prevents excessive spreading during baking.
• Piping with a star tip creates decorative rosettes, but the dough can also be shaped with a spoon for more rustic cookies.
• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain freshness.

Keywords: soft butter cookies, butter cookies recipe, easy butter cookies, piped cookies, homemade cookies