Classic Melt-in-Your-Mouth Butter Cookies
Learn how to make rich, buttery cookies that melt in your mouth using simple pantry ingredients. This recipe gives you those satisfying homemade butter cookies everyone loves.
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 12 min
- Total Time: 52 min
- Yield: 3 dozen 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is key for a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Beat in the egg yolk and vanilla extract until just combined.
- Gradually add the flour and salt to the butter mixture. Mix on low speed until a soft dough forms. Do not overmix.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll the chilled dough out to about 1/4 inch thickness on a lightly floured surface. Cut into desired shapes using cookie cutters.
- Place the cut-out cookies onto the prepared baking sheets. Prick the tops lightly with a fork if desired for a classic look.
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For extra rich flavor, substitute 1/4 cup of the butter with browned butter. Let the butter cool slightly before creaming with the sugar.
- These cookies are perfect for cookie tin fillers and make great Christmas cookie baking additions.
- If you want softer cookies, reduce the baking time by one minute.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 35
- Fat: 7
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Unsaturated Fat: 3
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 10
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 1
- Cholesterol: 25