There’s nothing quite like the scent of freshly baked vanilla butter cookies filling your kitchen. These cookies are a classic that never goes out of style, and they’re incredibly easy to make with just a handful of ingredients! Whether you’re planning to bake them for an afternoon snack, a holiday celebration, or just because you need a sweet treat, this recipe will become a go-to in your kitchen. Trust me, you’re in for a real treat!
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Why You’ll Love These Vanilla Butter Cookies
- Irresistible Taste: Buttery, sweet, and with the perfect hint of vanilla, these cookies will melt in your mouth. They strike that perfect balance between rich and light, making them truly addictive!
- Simple Ingredients: All you need are pantry staples – butter, sugar, vanilla extract, flour, and a pinch of salt. No fancy ingredients here!
- Quick and Easy: With minimal prep and only 10-12 minutes in the oven, these cookies come together in no time. They’re perfect for last-minute cravings or unexpected guests.
- Versatile: Enjoy them plain, add a little decoration, or dip them in melted chocolate – anything but boring!!
Vanilla Butter Cookies Ingredients
- 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Tools You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl
- Hand or stand mixer
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Cookie cutters (if shaping into fun designs!)
- Wire cooling rack
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Vanilla Butter Cookies
1. Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This will take about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer.
3. Add the Egg and Vanilla
Crack in the egg and add the vanilla extract. Beat again until everything is fully combined and smooth.
4. Mix in the Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the flour and salt to the wet mixture, mixing on low until a dough forms. Be careful not to overmix! You want the dough to just come together.
5. Shape the Cookies
If you prefer drop cookies, simply scoop out small spoonfuls of dough and roll them into balls. For cut-out cookies, roll the dough out to about ¼ inch thick on a floured surface and use your favorite cookie cutters to shape the dough.
6. Bake the Cookies
Place the cookies on your prepared baking sheet, leaving about an inch between them. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges just start to turn golden. Keep an eye on them—overbaking can make them dry!
7. Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. The smell when these are in the oven is incredible!!
Possible Ingredient Additions & Substitutions
- For a Citrus Twist: Add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the dough.
- Switch up the Extracts: Swap out vanilla extract for almond, coconut, or even peppermint for a fun flavor twist.
- Chocolate Lovers: Dip the cooled cookies in melted chocolate or drizzle chocolate over the top for an extra indulgent touch.
- Add Sprinkles or Nuts: Mix in some colorful sprinkles or chopped nuts for a fun and festive touch.
What to Serve with Vanilla Butter Cookies
These cookies are perfect all on their own, but if you’re looking to pair them with something, they go wonderfully with:
- A hot cup of coffee or tea. The rich butteriness of the cookies pairs beautifully with a warm beverage.
- Ice cream. Sandwich a scoop of vanilla ice cream between two cookies for an irresistible dessert.
- Milk. Nothing beats dunking a fresh cookie into a cold glass of milk!
Tips for Perfect Vanilla Butter Cookies
- Use Room Temperature Butter: This helps the dough come together smoothly and ensures your cookies have that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Don’t Overmix: Once you add the flour, mix just until the dough comes together. Overmixing can make the cookies tough.
- Chill the Dough: If your kitchen is warm or if you’re cutting out shapes, chilling the dough for about 20 minutes can make it easier to handle and help the cookies keep their shape.
Storing Vanilla Butter Cookies
- At Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezing the Dough: You can freeze the cookie dough for up to 3 months. Simply shape the dough into balls or roll it out, freeze on a baking sheet, and then transfer to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, pop them in the oven straight from the freezer—just add a couple of extra minutes to the bake time.
- Freezing Baked Cookies: These cookies freeze well! Store them in a freezer-safe container or bag, and they’ll last up to 3 months.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! The dough can be made up to 3 days in advance and kept in the fridge, or frozen for up to 3 months.
Can I use salted butter?
Yes, just omit the extra salt in the recipe if you’re using salted butter.
Why did my cookies spread too much?
If your butter was too warm or if you didn’t chill the dough, the cookies might spread. Be sure to use room temperature butter and chill the dough as needed!
Conclusion
Vanilla butter cookies are a timeless, easy-to-make treat that you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again. Their buttery richness and simple sweetness make them the perfect cookie for any occasion – or just because. Whether you’re enjoying them with a cup of coffee or gifting them to friends and family, these cookies are sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face.
If you try this recipe, please leave a review and share your cookie creations on Pinterest! I’d love to see how they turn out.
Nutritional Information (per cookie)
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Protein: 1g
- Sugar: 6g
Looking for more delicious recipes? Check out my other buttery favorites like these classic Shortbread Cookies or these fun and fruity Peach Thumbprints!
