If you’re looking for a classic butter cookie recipe, these cookies are simple, buttery, and so easy to make. They have soft centers, lightly crisp edges, and that rich butter flavor that makes a homemade cookie so good. You only need a handful of basic ingredients, and the dough comes together quickly for an easy dessert that works any time of year.
What I love about these butter cookies is how versatile they are. You can leave them plain for a simple everyday cookie, or roll them in sprinkles for a fun colorful finish that makes them perfect for birthdays, holidays, and cookie trays. If you’ve been wanting easy butter cookies that feel classic and homemade without a complicated process, this is such a good one to keep on repeat.
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.
Here is how it all comes together
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.
