This easy butter cookies recipe makes soft, buttery cookies with lightly crisp edges and tender centers. The dough comes together with simple pantry ingredients, and the cookies can be baked plain, rolled in sprinkles, or dressed up for holidays, birthdays, and cookie trays. They’re simple, classic, and perfect when you want a homemade cookie without a complicated process.
These butter cookies are soft, buttery, and made with simple pantry staples. They’re perfect plain or rolled in sprinkles for an easy homemade cookie that works for holidays, parties, or everyday baking.
These are the kind of cookies I grew up loving. Soft, buttery, and simple in the best way, with that classic homemade flavor that never gets old. You can leave them plain, roll them in sprinkles, add a little glaze, frost them, or even press some jam into the middle. They’re easy to dress up or keep simple, and either way they have that nostalgic homemade feel that’s just so good.
Ingredients
Unsalted butter – Room temperature butter mixes up light and fluffy and gives these cookies their rich buttery flavor.
Sugar – Adds sweetness and helps create the perfect cookie texture.
Vanilla extract – Brings in that classic homemade cookie flavor.
Egg – Helps bind the dough and adds structure.
Flour – The base of the cookie dough that keeps everything soft and tender.
Baking soda – Gives the cookies a little lift and helps with texture.
Sprinkles – Optional, but such a fun way to dress them up for birthdays, holidays, or cookie trays.
How to Make Butter Cookies
Cream the butter and sugar: Add the butter and sugar to a mixing bowl and mix on high for about 5 minutes, until light and fluffy.
Add the wet ingredients: Mix in the vanilla extract and egg until fully combined.
Add the dry ingredients: Add the flour and baking soda and mix just until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix.
Scoop the cookies: Use a 1 tablespoon cookie scoop to portion the dough into equal-sized balls. If using sprinkles, roll each dough ball in the sprinkles before placing on the baking sheet.
Bake the cookies: Place the cookies on parchment-lined baking sheets and bake at 400°F for 7 to 9 minutes, depending on your preferred texture.
Cool and serve: Let the cookies cool slightly on the baking sheet before serving
Tips
Do not overmix the dough: Once the flour is added, mix just until combined so the cookies stay soft and tender.
Watch the bake time closely: Bake closer to 7 minutes for softer cookies with a slightly gooey center, or closer to 9 minutes for a crispier cookie.
Use room temperature butter: This helps the butter and sugar cream together properly for the best texture.
Keep the cookies even in size: A cookie scoop helps them bake evenly and keeps the finished cookies looking consistent.
Store leftovers in an airtight container: Keep them at room temperature for up to 4 days so they stay soft and fresh.
Add sprinkles if you want: They’re completely optional, but they make these extra fun for holidays, birthdays, or cookie trays.
These Butter Cookies are soft, buttery, and so simple to make. They have crisp edges, tender centers, and can be rolled in sprinkles for a fun extra touch.
They have a rich buttery flavor, a simple ingredient list, and the perfect balance of soft centers and lightly crisp edges.
Can I roll these butter cookies in sprinkles?
Yes. Rolling the dough in sprinkles adds a fun finish that makes them great for birthdays, holidays, and cookie trays.
Are these more like shortbread cookies?
Not exactly. These are softer and lighter than classic shortbread, with a more tender cookie texture.
Can I make these butter cookies ahead of time?
Yes. You can make the dough ahead and refrigerate it before baking, or bake the cookies and store them in an airtight container until ready to serve.
Can I add jam to the middle?
Yes. Scoop and roll the dough, then gently press your thumb or the back of a spoon into the center of each cookie before baking. Add a small spoonful of jam to the middle, being careful not to overfill.
Do I need to chill butter cookie dough?
No, this dough does not need to chill before baking. If your kitchen is warm or the dough feels too soft, chill it for 15–20 minutes before scooping.
Can I freeze butter cookies?
Yes. Freeze baked butter cookies in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Let them thaw at room temperature before serving.
