Soft butter cookies are a delightful treat that everyone loves. With their tender texture and rich buttery flavor, these cookies can bring joy to any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a special event, hosting friends, or just treating yourself, soft butter cookies are a go-to recipe. The simplicity of the ingredients makes it easy, while the outcome is nothing short of incredible. These cookies are perfect for dipping in milk, enjoying with coffee, or simply savoring on their own. You don’t need to be a baking expert to make them; just follow the steps and enjoy the delicious results!
Why We Love This Soft Butter Cookies Recipe
There’s something universally appealing about soft butter cookies. They are versatile and can be enjoyed at any time of the day. You can eat them as a snack or serve them as a dessert after a meal. The rich, buttery goodness captivates your taste buds, making each bite irresistible. Additionally, the dough is easy to work with, allowing you to get creative in how you shape and decorate your cookies. These cookies are perfect for baking with children, as they can help with the mixing and piping. Plus, the smell of fresh cookies baking in your home is simply inviting.
Ingredients about Soft Butter Cookies
To get started on your baking adventure, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar
- 2 egg yolks
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (or any other extract of your choice)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ tsp salt (omit if using salted butter)
- 2 Tbsp milk (whole or 2%, with additional if necessary)
Having all your ingredients prepared in advance will make the process smoother and more enjoyable. Measuring everything properly ensures that your cookies turn out just right.
How to Make Soft Butter Cookies Directions
Making soft butter cookies is a straightforward process that will fill your kitchen with delightful aromas.
Preheat your oven to 350°F. While the oven is heating, take a moment to line your cookie trays with parchment paper. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and facilitate easy cleanup later on. If the weather is warm, consider chilling your cookie dough for 30 minutes before baking, ensuring they hold their shape well in the oven.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using a hand mixer. Beat until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is crucial as it incorporates air into the batter, making your cookies soft and tender.
Next, add in the egg yolks and vanilla extract. Continue to mix on medium speed until these ingredients are fully combined. You will notice that the batter begins to come together and becomes a bit thicker.
Now it’s time to incorporate the flour and salt. Slowly add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until you see large crumbles forming. It’s important not to over mix at this stage, as this can toughen your cookies.
Once the mixture resembles crumbly dough, add the two tablespoons of milk. Continue to mix until the milk is absorbed into the dough. If you find that the dough isn’t sticky enough, you can add another teaspoon of milk at a time until you achieve a thick buttercream-like consistency. Be mindful not to add too much milk, as this can cause the cookies to spread too much during baking.
Transfer the dough to a heavy-duty piping bag fitted with a large open star tip. This is where the fun part begins! Pipe the dough onto your lined cookie trays by holding the bag upright. Squeeze gently while pulling up slightly to form a rosette shape. Then, wrap around the center and gently pull away to release the dough. This technique will give your cookies a beautiful flair.
If your cookie dough is warm, or if the weather is particularly hot, chilling the piped cookies in the fridge for a few moments will help them retain their shape during baking. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for approximately 13 to 15 minutes, or until the edges turn a light golden brown. Remove them from the oven and allow them to cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack.
How to Serve Soft Butter Cookies
When it comes to serving soft butter cookies, the possibilities are endless! These cookies are delightful just as they are, showcasing their simple yet rich flavor. You can enjoy them with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of tea or coffee.
For an impressive presentation, consider dusting the cookies lightly with powdered sugar or drizzling a simple icing over the top. You could even decorate them with colorful sprinkles to make them visually appealing.
If you’re hosting a gathering, arrange the cookies on a beautiful platter. Pair them with other treats like fruit or chocolate for a delightful dessert table. You might also consider using these cookies as a base for ice cream sandwiches, layering your favorite flavors between two soft cookies for a refreshing treat.
Expert Tips: Soft Butter Cookies
To ensure your soft butter cookies turn out perfectly every time, here are some expert tips:
- Use room temperature ingredients: Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for easy creaming. The same goes for eggs; they mix better when they’re not cold.
- Measure flour accurately: Measuring your flour using the spoon and level method will help prevent using too much, which can lead to tougher cookies.
- Chill the dough if necessary: If your dough feels too warm or soft, chilling it can help maintain the shape of your cookies.
- Piping technique: Practice your piping technique to create uniform cookie shapes. This makes for a more appealing presentation.
- Watch the bake time: Keep an eye on your cookies in the oven. Once the edges begin to turn golden brown, they are ready to be taken out. Remember, the cookies continue to bake slightly even after they are out of the oven.
How to Store Soft Butter Cookies
To keep your soft butter cookies fresh and delicious, proper storage is key. Allow the cookies to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They can last for up to one week at room temperature if stored properly.
For longer storage, consider placing the cookies in the refrigerator, where they can stay fresh for up to two weeks. If you want to keep them even longer, you can freeze the cookies. Just ensure they are fully cooled and stored in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply let them thaw at room temperature before serving.
Variation of Soft Butter Cookies
One of the best things about soft butter cookies is their versatility. You can easily customize the base recipe to create different flavors and textures. Here are some variations you might consider trying:
- Chocolate Chip Soft Butter Cookies: Add a cup of chocolate chips into the dough for a classic treat.
- Lemon Zest: Stir in a tablespoon of lemon zest for a fresh citrusy flavor. You can also add lemon juice to enhance this tangy sweetness.
- Almond Extract: Substitute vanilla with almond extract for a distinct nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the butter.
- Nutty Addition: Incorporate chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans into the dough for added texture and flavor.
- Cocoa Powder: Replace a bit of flour with cocoa powder to turn the cookies into a chocolate delight.
- Sprinkles: Mix in colorful sprinkles to make these cookies extra festive and fun for occasions like birthdays or holidays.
FAQ
What are soft butter cookies?
Soft butter cookies are a type of cookie characterized by their rich, buttery flavor and tender texture. They are made primarily with butter, sugar, flour, and eggs, yielding a delightful treat that melts in your mouth.
How do you achieve soft butter cookies?
To achieve soft butter cookies, it’s important to cream the butter and sugar thoroughly to incorporate air, use the correct amount of flour, and avoid adding too much liquid. Chilling the cookie dough before baking may also help maintain their structure.
Can I make soft butter cookies ahead of time?
Yes, you can make soft butter cookies ahead of time. They can be stored in an airtight container for up to one week at room temperature. For longer storage, freeze the cookies for later enjoyment.
What variations can I try with soft butter cookies?
You can experiment with various flavors, such as adding chocolate chips, nuts, or different extracts. You can also incorporate lemon zest for a refreshing twist.
Do I need to chill the dough?
Chilling the dough is not always necessary, but if you are baking on a warm day or if the dough feels particularly soft, chilling it for about 30 minutes can help the cookies hold their shape.
Soft Butter Cookies
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened) Make sure it is room temperature for easy creaming.
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar
- 2 pieces egg yolks
- 1 tsp vanilla extract Or any other extract of your choice.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour Use spoon and level method for accurate measurement.
- ¼ tsp salt Omit if using salted butter.
- 2 Tbsp milk Whole or 2%; additional if necessary.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your cookie trays with parchment paper.
- If the weather is warm, chill your cookie dough for 30 minutes before baking.
Mixing Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using a hand mixer until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg yolks and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
- Add the flour and salt slowly to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until large crumbles form.
- Stir in the milk until absorbed into the dough; add more milk if needed for the desired consistency.
Piping and Baking
- Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a large open star tip.
- Pipe the dough onto the lined trays, forming rosettes.
- Chill piped cookies if the dough is warm; then bake for 13-15 minutes or until lightly golden.
- Allow them to cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack.
Send me this recipe!
Just enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox!