Whoever first said “simplicity is key” must have been talking about these butter cookies! Made with just 6 simple ingredients and quick, easy to follow steps, these simple and delicious cookies are sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Easy Butter Cookie Recipe – 6 Ingredients
Don’t let the lack of extensive ingredients fool you – these easy butter cookies are seriously delicious! They’re thick, chewy cookies that have a perfectly rich and buttery flavor.
No matter why you’re making them, you’ll probably want to double up this recipe. No one is able to resist these simple, buttery, tasty cookies!
Why You’ll Love this Butter Cookies Recipe:
- Inexpensive: With so few ingredients, you can make these butter cookies without breaking the bank.
- Classic: The best thing about classic, simple recipes is that everyone enjoys them! I haven’t met a single person who doesn’t smile when being handed a butter cookie.
- Easy: When it comes to easy cookie recipes, I think this one may take the cake. The steps are very minimal and easy – if you have kids running around the house, they could probably do most of the work!
How to Make Butter Cookies
Be sure to see the recipe card below for full ingredients & instructions!
- Beat the butter and sugar together.
- Add the flour and salt, and beat until the mixture is smooth.
- Place the dough on a prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 9-11 minutes in a preheated oven.
- Allow to cool fully on a wire rack before serving or storing.
All ovens are a bit different, even when they’re set to the same temperature. When the bottoms of your butter cookies begin to brown, they’re most likely done baking! That could happen anywhere in the 9-11 minute window. Just be sure to keep an eye on them so they don’t bake for too long!
Truly, that’s entirely up to you! I’ve made these cookies using both types of butter, and each batch is delicious. If you opt for salted butter, the cookies will have a noticeable salty element to them. But don’t worry; it’s not overpowering. If you choose unsalted butter, they will not have as salty of a taste. It all just depends on what you’d prefer!
Once they’re fully cooled off from the oven, these butter cookies will stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can extend that time by keeping them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days. The best part? These cookies are also tasty when they’re cold!
I love making these cookies for Easter, Christmas, or any holiday. Simplicity is best!
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- If you want to really enhance the buttery flavor of these cookies, try adding a teaspoon or two of butter extract to your dough! You can toss it in while you’re stirring in the egg and vanilla.
- I love these cookies just the way they are. However, if you wanted to add a little something on top, a drizzle of vanilla glaze would be delicious! A light sprinkle of powdered sugar is also never a bad idea.
- To make sure every cookie is exactly the same size, use a 1-inch cookie scoop! While you could always just use your hands, cookie scoops ensure each cookie is identical in size. This means that every cookie will be picture perfect AND cook evenly!
Thick, chewy, buttery goodness in the most simplistic fashion – that’s how I’d describe these cookies! Make a big batch today and prepare to meet your new favorite easy cookie recipe. And, yes… they’re even better than what Grandma used to make!
If you make this recipe be sure to leave us a comment or rating. Enjoy!
Butter Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter 226 grams, room temperature (2 sticks)
- 1 cup granulated sugar 200 grams
- 1 large egg 50 grams, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract 8 grams
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour 300 grams
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
Equipment
- Kitchen Scale (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter and sugar together until fluffy.1 cup unsalted butter, 1 cup granulated sugar
- Add the egg and vanilla, beating until well mixed.1 large egg, 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- Add the flour and salt, beating just until smooth.2½ cups all-purpose flour, ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- Using a 1-inch cookie scoop, portion the dough onto the baking sheet. Bake for 9-11 minutes or until the bottom begin to brown.
- Allow to cool and store in an airtight container.
Notes
- If you want to really enhance the buttery flavor of these cookies, try adding a teaspoon or two of butter extract to your dough! You can toss it in while you’re stirring in the egg and vanilla.
- I love these cookies just the way they are. However, if you wanted to add a little something on top, a drizzle of vanilla glaze would be delicious! A light sprinkle of powdered sugar is also never a bad idea.
- To make sure every cookie is exactly the same size, use a 1-inch cookie scoop! While you could always just use your hands, cookie scoops ensure each cookie is identical in size. This means that every cookie will be picture perfect AND cook evenly!
How much flour please? It just says 2 1/2.
apologies! it should be cups.
Can I freeze the cookies?
We really like these cookies. Remind me of shortbread but much softer. I followed the recipe and used salted butter (I always use salted). Used a 1” cookie scoop and made 35 cookies. Very good AND easy!
Thanks so much for sharing what worked for you, Sharon! I’m so glad you enjoyed them!
Needed more sugar :/
I’m sorry this recipe wasn’t quite to your tastes, Nikolai!
Not for me. Not that sweet. More of a shortbread taste/texture. I’m sure some people love that but not me.
I’m sorry this recipe wasn’t to your tastes, Elizabeth!
Can you use cake flour?
Yes, but the cookies will have a lighter, fluffier texture!
Pretty good 👍. Will make more
I’m so glad you enjoyed them, Tina!