If you’re searching for a classic, melt-in-your-mouth cookie that never disappoints, you’ve just hit the jackpot with this Buttery Sugar Cookie Recipes Recipe. I remember the first time I made these — the buttery aroma alone drew my whole family into the kitchen! These cookies have that perfect balance of sweet, soft, and slightly crisp edges that make them utterly addicting. Stick around, and I’ll share all my favorite tips so your batch comes out just as heavenly every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: Easy-to-find pantry staples that come together quickly without any fuss.
- Perfect Texture: Soft, buttery centers with just a touch of crunch on the edges — a cookie everyone raves about.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Dough can chill up to two days, making it great for prepping in advance.
- Customizable Finish: Roll your cookie logs in coarse sugar or sprinkles for a festive look and extra texture.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient here plays its part in making these cookies just right — creamy butter for tenderness, the egg yolk for richness, and vanilla for that warm flavor. I always recommend using real butter (not margarine) and fresh baking powder to get that light fluffiness.

- Butter: Make sure it’s at room temperature; this helps you cream it properly for fluffy texture.
- Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create those slightly crisp edges I love.
- Egg Yolk: Provides richness and helps bind the dough just enough.
- Vanilla Extract: Always opt for pure vanilla — it makes a noticeable difference.
- Kosher Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the butter’s flavor.
- Baking Powder: Gives the cookies a gentle lift for a tender bite.
- All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of the dough — be sure to measure it properly to avoid dry cookies.
- Coarse Sugar or Sprinkles: For rolling the cookie logs before chilling — adds sparkle and crunch.
Variations
I love that this Buttery Sugar Cookie Recipes Recipe is like a blank canvas — you can easily tweak it to fit your mood or occasion. Whether you want to switch up the flavor or add some festive flair, these cookies welcome your creativity.
- Lemon Zest Twist: I tried adding fresh lemon zest once; it gave these classic cookies a bright, fresh note my family adored.
- Chocolate-Dipped: For a bit of indulgence, dip cooled cookies halfway in melted dark chocolate — it’s a game-changer.
- Gluten-Free Swap: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour for a simple GF alternative without sacrificing texture.
- Sprinkle or Sugar Toppings: Rolling the logs in colored sprinkles makes these cookies perfect for birthdays and holidays.
How to Make Buttery Sugar Cookie Recipes Recipe
Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar
Start by placing your softened butter and granulated sugar in the stand mixer bowl. Using the paddle attachment, beat them together for about 2 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial — it creates tiny air pockets that help give the cookies their lovely tender texture. Pro tip: scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl often so everything mixes evenly.
Step 2: Add Egg Yolk, Vanilla, Salt, and Baking Powder
Once your butter and sugar are perfectly creamed, add your egg yolk, vanilla extract, kosher salt, and baking powder. Mix again until combined and smooth. This blend packs in flavor and helps with the texture — don’t rush it. If the dough looks a bit sticky, that’s totally normal.
Step 3: Fold in Flour Gently
Switch the mixer to low speed and gradually add the all-purpose flour until just incorporated — overmixing at this stage can make your cookies tough. The dough will be soft but firm enough to shape easily.
Step 4: Shape and Roll in Sugar
Divide the dough into two equal portions. Roll each portion into a log about 1½ inches thick. Then, sprinkle coarse sugar or your chosen sprinkles on a clean counter, and gently roll the logs until coated evenly. This not only adds a beautiful sparkle but also gives a sweet crunch on the edges after baking.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Wrap each sugar-coated log tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour or up to two days. I’ve learned chilling is key because it firms up the dough, making it easier to slice and preventing the cookies from spreading too much in the oven.
Step 6: Slice and Bake
When you’re ready to bake, preheat the oven to 325°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Remove the dough from the fridge, unwrap, and slice into ¼-inch rounds. Arrange the cookies about 1 inch apart on the sheet. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, until the edges turn a gorgeous golden brown. Let them cool for a few minutes on the sheet before transferring to a wire rack — that little cooling time helps them set perfectly.
Pro Tips for Making Buttery Sugar Cookie Recipes Recipe
- Room Temperature Butter: Taking the time to soften butter properly makes creaming easier and results in a fluffier cookie.
- Don’t Overmix Your Dough: Mixing the flour just until combined keeps the cookies tender, not dense.
- Chill Twice if Needed: If your kitchen is warm, pop the logs back in the fridge after rolling in sugar; this prevents spreading.
- Use Parchment Paper: It ensures even baking and easy cleanup – trust me, it’s worth the small effort.
How to Serve Buttery Sugar Cookie Recipes Recipe

Garnishes
I typically keep it simple with a sprinkle of coarse sugar on top for that satisfying crunch, especially if serving at gatherings. But for festive vibes, I love rolling the dough logs in colorful sprinkles before slicing — it’s fun, pretty, and perfect for kids’ parties!
Side Dishes
These cookies are fantastic alongside a cup of hot tea or coffee. On special occasions, I like pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or even a dollop of whipped cream for a simple, elegant treat that impresses everyone.
Creative Ways to Present
One fun trick I discovered is to assemble a cookie box layered with parchment and decorate with seasonal ribbons — they make perfect homemade gifts. You can also stack them on a pretty platter, dust with powdered sugar, and add fresh berries around for a charming dessert table centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature — they stay fresh for up to a week. If the cookies soften a bit over time, a brief pop in the oven for a few minutes revives that freshly-baked texture.
Freezing
I often freeze the sliced cookie rounds before baking, placing them on a tray in a single layer, then transferring to a freezer bag once frozen. This way, I can bake fresh cookies anytime without prepping from scratch, and they taste just as delightful.
Reheating
Leftover cookies reheat beautifully in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes — I learned this brings back that fresh-baked warmth without drying them out. Avoid microwaving, which can make them gummy.
FAQs
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Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted for this recipe?
You can, but I recommend reducing or skipping the added kosher salt since salted butter already contains salt. This helps keep the cookie’s flavor balanced without becoming too salty.
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Why do I need to chill the dough before baking?
Chilling firms up the butter in the dough, which prevents the cookies from spreading too much and helps maintain their shape while baking. It also deepens the flavors for a tastier cookie.
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Can I make these cookies without a stand mixer?
Absolutely! You can cream the butter and sugar by hand using a sturdy wooden spoon or electric hand mixer. It might take a little extra muscle, but the cookies will turn out just as delicious.
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How do I prevent my cookies from turning out flat?
Make sure your dough is well chilled and don’t overmix the flour. Using fresh baking powder is important too because old leavening agents lose effectiveness, leading to flat cookies.
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What’s the best way to measure flour for this recipe?
I always recommend spooning the flour into your measuring cup and leveling it off with a knife instead of scooping directly from the bag. This method helps avoid packing and keeps your cookies tender.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Buttery Sugar Cookie Recipes Recipe brings a little joy and warmth to my kitchen every time. It’s simple to make, endlessly adaptable, and always a crowd-pleaser — whether it’s a weekday cookie craving or a special holiday treat. I hope you give it a try and find yourself coming back to it as often as I do. Just think: buttery, sweet bites with that perfect crunch, fresh from your oven — you deserve this kind of delicious, don’t you?
Print
Buttery Sugar Cookie Recipes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 33 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: Approximately 40 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Classic homemade butter cookies that are crisp, buttery, and perfect with a cup of tea or coffee. These cookies are simple to prepare with basic pantry ingredients, featuring a tender crumb and a slightly golden edge for a delightful texture contrast. Rolled in coarse sugar for a sweet crunch, they make an excellent treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup butter, room temperature
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 cups all purpose flour
For Rolling
- 1/4 cup coarse sugar or sprinkles for rolling
Instructions
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, mix the butter and granulated sugar together for 2 minutes until light and fluffy. Add in the egg yolk, vanilla extract, kosher salt, and baking powder, then mix until fully combined and smooth, scraping the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed to ensure an even mixture.
- Add Flour and Form Dough: Lower the mixer speed to low and gradually add the all-purpose flour, mixing until just incorporated to avoid overworking the dough. Divide the dough into two equal halves and roll each into a 1 1/2-inch thick log.
- Coat with Sugar: Sprinkle the coarse sugar onto a clean counter surface. Roll each dough log in the sugar thoroughly to coat the exterior evenly, adding a sweet, crunchy crust to the cookies.
- Chill the Dough: Wrap each sugar-coated dough log tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 2 days. Chilling firms the dough, making it easier to slice and helping the cookies maintain their shape during baking.
- Preheat and Prepare to Bake: When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and allow even browning. Set aside.
- Slice and Arrange Cookies: Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator and unwrap. Using a sharp knife, slice each log into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Place the cookie slices onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart to allow for slight spreading.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies turn a light golden brown, indicating crispness while maintaining a tender center.
- Cool: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheet for 3 minutes to firm up. Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. This step ensures they remain crisp and do not become soggy from residual heat.
Notes
- Store the butter cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days to maintain freshness and texture.
- For a festive twist, roll the dough logs in colored sprinkles instead of coarse sugar before chilling.
- Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature for easy creaming with sugar and a smooth dough.
- Do not overmix the flour to keep the cookies tender and avoid a tough texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 95
- Sugar: 4.5g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 6.5g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 0.1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg

