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Classic Butter Cookies Recipe

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“Learn how to make classic butter cookies with this easy recipe. Perfectly crisp, buttery, and ideal for any occasion!”

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

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter at room temperature
  • 2/3 cup (126g) granulated sugar
  • 3 large egg yolks
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla or almond extract
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) milk
  • 10 oz Ghirardelli Chocolate Wafers (optional) for dipping
  • Sprinkles (optional) for decoration

Instructions

1. Prepare Your Baking Sheet
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large cookie sheet with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

2. Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a stand mixer or using a hand mixer, combine the unsalted butter and granulated sugar. Beat on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the egg yolks one at a time, followed by the vanilla or almond extract, and continue to beat until everything is well incorporated.

3. Add the Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the wet mixture, beating on low speed until the dough begins to come together. Add the milk and continue to beat until the dough is smooth and stiff but still pliable.

4. Pipe the Cookies
Fit a large piping bag with an Ateco 825 tip. Place about 1 cup of dough into a separate piping bag, pressing it down to the bottom. Then, drop this dough-filled bag into the bag fitted with the piping tip. Pipe large swirls, about 1 ½ inches wide, onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.

5. Bake to Perfection
Bake one tray at a time on a room-temperature baking sheet for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are just beginning to turn golden. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5-10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

6. Decorate with Chocolate and Sprinkles (Optional)
If you’d like to add a touch of chocolate, wait until the cookies are completely cooled. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt half of the Ghirardelli Chocolate Wafers at 50% power in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval to prevent burning. Dip each cookie halfway into the melted chocolate, tapping off any excess, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Decorate with sprinkles if desired.

Notes

Serving Suggestions

Serve these butter cookies on a decorative plate or tiered stand for an elegant presentation. Pair them with a hot cup of tea, coffee, or a glass of milk for a classic and comforting treat.

  • Author: Jessica
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Christmas