Irresistible Classic Butter Cookies Recipe for Sweet Cravings

Butter lovers swoon over this classic butter cookies recipe that melts in your mouth with delicate, buttery perfection.

These delightful treats bring golden memories of childhood bakeries and cozy kitchen moments.

Simple ingredients combine to create an irresistible cookie that celebrates pure, rich flavor.

Crisp edges and tender centers make each bite a delectable experience.

European bakers have long cherished these delicate, melt-in-your-mouth morsels.

The recipe promises a straightforward path to creating bakery-worthy cookies right in your own kitchen.

Serve these elegant cookies with afternoon tea or as a sweet companion to your favorite coffee.

Sweet Holiday Classic: Why It’s Timeless

• Quick Kitchen Magic: Whip up these delightful cookies with minimal kitchen skills, perfect for bakers of all levels.
• Festive Crowd-Pleaser: Versatile treats that shine at holiday gatherings, potlucks, and family celebrations with their elegant swirled design.
• Stress-Free Baking: Simple step-by-step process allows you to create professional-looking cookies without complicated techniques or fancy equipment.
• Customizable Delight: Flexible recipe lets you dress up the cookies with chocolate dips, sprinkles, or creative decorations to match any mood or occasion.

Ingredients in a Sweet Holiday Classic

• Butter: A rich, creamy base that provides flavor and helps create a tender texture.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a golden color and crisp edges.
• Egg Yolks: Contribute richness, color, and help bind the cookie dough together.

• Flour: Provides structure and creates the classic cookie texture.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the sweet treats.

• Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, classic flavor that complements the sweet cookie.
• Milk: Helps bring the dough together and adds moisture.

• Chocolate, Sprinkles: Provide extra decoration and festive flair to the holiday classic.

Sweet Holiday Classic Step-by-Step

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Warm up your oven to 350°F and grab a baking sheet.

Line it with a silicone mat to prevent sticking and ensure easy cookie removal.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, whip the butter and sugar together until they become light, fluffy, and perfectly blended.

This creates the foundation for your delicious cookies.

Step 3: Incorporate Egg Yolks

Gently fold in the egg yolks and vanilla extract.

Mix thoroughly until the ingredients are completely combined and create a smooth, rich mixture.

Step 4: Create Cookie Dough

Gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture.

Pour in the milk and continue beating until a stiff, cohesive dough forms.

The dough should hold its shape and feel slightly firm.

Step 5: Shape Elegant Swirls

Prepare a piping bag fitted with an Ateco 825 tip.

Carefully pipe beautiful 1½-inch swirls onto the prepared baking sheet.

Ensure each cookie is spaced about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven.

Bake each tray individually for 9-11 minutes.

Look for slightly golden edges as a sign of doneness.

Step 7: Cool and Set

Allow the cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 5-10 minutes.

This helps them firm up.

Carefully transfer to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.

Step 8: Optional Chocolate Finale

For an extra touch of indulgence, dip the cooled cookies in melted chocolate.

Sprinkle with festive decorations while the chocolate is still wet for a stunning finish.

Tips for Sweet Holiday Classic Perfection

• Refrigerate for 30 minutes before piping to prevent spreading and maintain crisp swirl shape.
• Use room temperature butter for smoother, more even mixing and consistent cookie consistency.
• Practice steady hand pressure to create uniform, elegant swirl design with consistent height.
• Rotate baking sheet halfway through cooking to ensure even golden-brown edges without dark spots.
• Experiment with different vanilla extract qualities or add almond extract for subtle depth and complexity.

Holiday Classic – Fresh Recipe Options

• Gluten-Free Delight: Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend for celiac or gluten-sensitive bakers.
• Vegan Celebration: Swap butter with coconut oil, use aquafaba instead of egg yolks, and plant-based milk alternative.
• Chocolate Lover's Version: Add cocoa powder to dough, use dark chocolate for dipping, and sprinkle with cocoa nibs.
• Low-Sugar Option: Substitute sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reduce quantity for diabetic-friendly treat.

Serving a Sweet Holiday Classic with Charm

• Festive Dessert Plate Partner: Serve alongside hot cocoa or coffee for a delightful winter treat that warms the soul.
• Chocolate Lover's Dream: Drizzle melted dark or white chocolate over cookies, then sprinkle crushed candy canes for extra holiday flair.
• Cookie Gift Presentation: Package in clear cellophane bags tied with festive ribbons, perfect for holiday gifting or cookie exchange parties.
• Elegant Dessert Companion: Pair with vanilla bean ice cream or a dusting of powdered sugar for an elevated sweet experience.

Keeping Holiday Classics Tasting Fresh

• Store cookies in an airtight container lined with parchment paper for up to 5 days, separating layers to prevent sticking.
• Place cooled cookies in freezer-safe container, separating with wax paper, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for best texture.
• Keep cookies in sealed container away from direct sunlight and heat sources to maintain crispness and prevent softening.
• Add small silica gel packet to storage container to absorb excess humidity and preserve cookie crunchiness.

FAQs

• What is the best piping tip for these cookies?

The Ateco 825 tip creates beautiful classic swirls and gives professional-looking results with elegant ridges.

• Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 2 days before piping and baking, which helps develop richer flavor.

• How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?

Chill the piped cookie dough for 15 minutes before baking to help maintain the intricate swirl shape and prevent excessive spreading.

• Are these cookies beginner-friendly?

Absolutely! With clear steps and simple ingredients, even novice bakers can successfully create these delightful holiday treats with practice.

Classic Butter Cookies Recipe

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• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Crisp Danish Classic Butter Cookies bring sweet memories of grandma’s kitchen, melting with buttery richness. Delicate golden rounds promise simple pleasure, inviting you to savor each tender, crumbly bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 3 large egg yolks
• 2/3 cup (126g) granulated sugar

Flavoring Ingredients:

• 2 teaspoons vanilla or almond extract
• 2 tablespoons milk

Finishing Ingredients:

• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 10 ounces (283g) Ghirardelli Chocolate Wafers (optional)
• Sprinkles for decoration (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and position a silicone-lined baking sheet for perfect cookie preparation.
2. Cream butter and sugar in a mixing bowl until light and fluffy, creating a smooth base.
3. Incorporate egg yolks and vanilla extract, blending thoroughly for a rich, aromatic mixture.
4. Gradually fold in dry ingredients, alternating with milk, and mix until a firm, cohesive dough develops.
5. Transfer dough to a piping bag fitted with Ateco 825 tip, creating elegant 1.5-inch swirled shapes.
6. Carefully place piped cookies on prepared sheet, ensuring 2-inch spacing between each delicate morsel.
7. Bake individually for 9-11 minutes, watching for golden edges that indicate perfect doneness.
8. Allow cookies to rest on baking sheet for 5-10 minutes to set their structure.
9. Gently transfer to wire cooling rack to complete cooling process.
10. Optional final touch: Dip cooled cookies in melted chocolate and sprinkle with decorative toppings for festive flair.

Notes

• Use room temperature butter and eggs for smoother, more even mixing that creates a consistent dough texture.
• Chill dough for 15-30 minutes before piping to help maintain crisp swirl shapes and prevent spreading during baking.
• Hold piping bag at 90-degree angle and apply steady, consistent pressure to create uniform, elegant cookie swirls with clean edges.
• Swap regular flour with gluten-free blend and use plant-based butter for delicious vegan or gluten-sensitive versions that maintain the classic holiday cookie charm.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 133
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 23mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 36mg