Butter cookies are the definition of simple elegance. With only a handful of ingredients — butter, sugar, flour, and vanilla — you create cookies that are soft yet crisp, delicate yet full of flavor. They’re perfect for tea time, holiday cookie tins, or just to satisfy that sweet craving any day of the week.
What makes this recipe special is the butter-to-flour balance, which gives the cookies their iconic melt-in-the-mouth texture. And the best part? You can enjoy them plain or dress them up with sprinkles, chocolate drizzle, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks / 226g) unsalted butter, softened
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar (or powdered sugar for an even smoother finish)
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 2 tsp vanilla extract (or almond extract for variation)
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ tsp salt
Optional toppings: sprinkles, chocolate drizzle, or powdered sugar