Description
These melt-in-your-mouth Butter Cookies are a simple, delicious treat made with only three ingredients. Softened unsalted butter, powdered sugar, and all-purpose flour come together to create tender, delicate cookies perfect for any occasion. With options to pipe elegant swirls or shape classic round cookies, this easy recipe bakes up in just 15 minutes, resulting in buttery, lightly golden cookies that are crisp on the edges and melt softly in your mouth.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed. Continue mixing for 2-3 minutes until the mixture becomes light, creamy, and fluffy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure even mixing.
- Add Flour Gradually: Slowly add the all-purpose flour in increments of about 1/2 cup, mixing on low speed after each addition until fully combined. The dough may look crumbly at first, but as you mix, it should come together. If needed, gently knead the dough by hand until it forms a soft, pliable ball.
- Shape the Cookies: Choose your preferred shaping method. For piped cookies, place the dough into a piping bag fitted with a large open star tip and pipe swirls or rosettes onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each cookie. Alternatively, for simple round cookies, scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll into balls, place them on the baking sheet, and gently flatten each with a fork or the bottom of a glass.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. Watch closely to ensure the edges begin to just turn golden but avoid overbaking to keep the cookies tender and pale.
- Cool: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the sheet for 5 minutes. Then, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely before serving or storing.
Notes
- Make sure butter is softened to room temperature for easy creaming.
- Do not overbake the cookies to maintain their tender texture.
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and easy clean-up.
- Cookies can be piped or shaped by hand according to your preference.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
