Melt-in-Your-Mouth Butter Cookies
Light, tender, and delicately sweet, these butter cookies are the perfect treat for any occasion. Whether served with tea or shared as a holiday favorite, each bite truly melts in your mouth.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Bake Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: About 24 cookies
Why You’ll Love These Butter Cookies
These classic butter cookies are made with simple pantry staples but deliver an indulgent, bakery-quality texture and flavor. Thanks to the combination of powdered sugar and cornstarch, they’re incredibly soft and tender, with a rich buttery taste and crisp golden edges. They’re also perfect for gifting and can be made ahead!
Ingredients
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- ½ cup (100g) powdered sugar (also known as icing sugar or confectioners’ sugar)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup (30g) cornstarch
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- (Optional) Granulated sugar, for coating or sprinkling before baking
Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar using a hand or stand mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color – about 2–3 minutes.
Add the vanilla extract and mix until well incorporated.
2️⃣ Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and salt.
Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter mixture, beating on low speed until a soft, pliable dough forms. Avoid overmixing.
3️⃣ Shape and Chill
Transfer the dough onto a sheet of plastic wrap. Shape it into a log about 2 inches (5 cm) in diameter. Wrap tightly and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or until firm enough to slice.
Chilling is essential for maintaining shape and enhancing texture.
4️⃣ Slice and Bake
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Slice the chilled dough into ½-inch (1.3 cm) thick rounds and place them on the prepared baking sheet about 1 inch apart.
(Optional) Roll each slice lightly in granulated sugar for a delicate sparkle and light crunch.
Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden. The tops should remain pale.
5️⃣ Cool and Serve
Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy with coffee, tea, or a glass of milk!
Expert Tips
- Use high-quality butter for the best flavor and texture.
- The cookies can also be piped using a star-tipped bag if the dough is softened slightly before baking.
- Want a festive touch? Add a small dot of jam in the center or drizzle with melted chocolate after baking.
Storage & Freezing
- Storage: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- Freezing: Freeze the unbaked dough log tightly wrapped for up to 2 months. Slice and bake directly from frozen, adding 1–2 extra minutes to the baking time.
More Classic Cookie Recipes to Try
These Melt-in-Your-Mouth Butter Cookies are a timeless treat you’ll return to again and again. Simple, elegant, and delicious—just the way cookies should be.
