Forktionary

Butter Cookies Recipe

Unleash your inner artist with these delightful butter cookies! Perfect for creating adorable holiday ornaments – snowmen, stars, candy canes, and more! This easy recipe from Land O'Lakes yields wonderfully rich cookies that are as fun to make as they are to eat. Simply roll, cut, bake, and decorate with colorful sugars or confectioners' glaze. These charming treats will add a homemade touch to your holiday celebrations.

Prep Time 30 mins
Cook Time 23 mins
Calories 199.8 kcal
Protein 3g
Rating 5.0 (2 Reviews)
Butter Cookies 82

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Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Recipe adapted from Food.com. Standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Butter Cookies

  • 1 1/4 cups (150g) powdered sugar
  • 1 cup (2 sticks, 227g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • decorative sugars (optional)
  • 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar (for glaze)
  • 1/4 cup (57g) unsalted butter, softened (for glaze)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze)
  • 1-2 tablespoons milk (for glaze)
  • food coloring (optional, for glaze)
  • sprinkles (optional, for glaze)

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How to Make Butter Cookies

  1. In a large bowl, cream together 1 1/4 cups (150g) powdered sugar, 1 cup (2 sticks, 227g) unsalted butter, 1 large egg, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until light and fluffy.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon baking soda.
  3. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
  4. Divide the dough in half.
  5. Wrap each half tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 days).
  6. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly flour a clean work surface.
  7. Roll out one half of the dough to 1/8 to 1/4-inch thickness. Keep the remaining dough chilled.
  8. Use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes. Place cookies 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets.
  9. Sprinkle with decorative sugars, if desired.
  10. Bake for 6-10 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden brown.
  11. **For Ornaments:** While cookies are still warm, use a toothpick to make a small hole near the top of each cookie for hanging.
  12. Let cookies cool completely on baking sheets before transferring to a wire rack.
  13. **Confectioners' Glaze (Optional):** In a small bowl, combine 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar, 1/4 cup (57g) softened unsalted butter, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
  14. Gradually add milk (1-2 tablespoons) until you reach your desired consistency. Add food coloring, if desired.
  15. Once cookies are completely cool, decorate with glaze and sprinkles.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

5 g

Sugar

63g

Fat

30g

Carbs

8g

Recipe Categories (Choose a category and find related recipes!)

Sweets & Sides Desserts The Americas American Vegetarian Holiday Recipes Baking

Recipe Tags (Choose a tag and find related recipes!)

30 Minutes Or Less Time To Make Course Main Ingredient Preparation Occasion For Large Groups Desserts Eggs Dairy Holiday Event Cookies And Brownies Dietary Christmas Seasonal Number Of Servings