Homemade Butter Cookies: Easy 15-Minute Delicious Recipe

Table of Contents

• Introduction: Your Go-To 15-Minute Cookie Recipe
• Why You’ll Adore These Homemade Butter Cookies
• Ingredients for Deliciousness
• Equipment You’ll Need
• Step-by-Step Instructions
  • Step 1: Creaming Butter and Sugar
  • Step 2: Forming and Baking
  • Step 3: Cooling for Crisp Perfection
• Pro Tips for the Best Butter Cookies
• Serving Suggestions and Storage
• Common Questions About Butter Cookies

Whip up a batch of delightful **Homemade Butter Cookies: Easy 15-Minute Delicious Recipe** with this incredibly simple and quick guide! Perfect for a last-minute treat or when you’re craving something sweet without the fuss, these cookies are melt-in-your-mouth delicious and come together in a flash. Get ready to impress yourself and your loved ones with these irresistible baked goods.

Introduction: Your Go-To 15-Minute Cookie Recipe

Ever found yourself wanting freshly baked cookies but lacking the time or energy for a complicated recipe? Look no further! This recipe for **homemade butter cookies** is your new secret weapon. It’s designed for speed without compromising on flavor or texture, delivering perfect results every time.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, you’ll appreciate how straightforward these 15-minute cookies are. They require minimal ingredients and effort, making them the ultimate quick dessert solution for any occasion.

Why You’ll Adore These **Homemade Butter Cookies**

There are countless reasons to fall in love with these simple yet exquisite **butter cookies**. Their rich, buttery flavor and delicate crumb make them incredibly addictive. Plus, the sheer speed of preparation means you’re just minutes away from warm, freshly baked goodness.

These truly are the quintessential “easy cookie recipe” – perfect for sharing, gifting, or simply enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee. They’re a classic for a reason, and this recipe makes them accessible to everyone.

Ingredients for Deliciousness

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating these wonderful treats. Most of these are pantry staples you likely already have!

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Equipment You’ll Need

Having the right tools makes the baking process even smoother. You won’t need anything fancy for these delicious cookies.

• Large mixing bowl
• Electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer)
• Rubber spatula
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
• Measuring cups and spoons

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to bake your perfect batch of **homemade cookies**. You’ll be amazed at how quickly these come together!

Step 1: Creaming Butter and Sugar

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Proper creaming creates air pockets, ensuring light and tender butter cookies. You can learn more about creaming butter and sugar properly for baking success.
2. Beat in the egg yolk and vanilla extract until well combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Step 2: Forming and Baking

3. Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
4. Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough and roll them into balls. Place them about 2 inches apart on baking sheets lined with parchment paper. You can gently flatten them slightly with the back of a fork for a classic look.
5. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 8-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers might still look soft.

Step 3: Cooling for Crisp Perfection

6. Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes. This allows them to set and firm up before moving.
7. Transfer the **shortbread cookies** to a wire rack to cool completely. They will crisp up further as they cool, revealing their delightful texture. For more fantastic baking resources, Read our in-depth guide here.

Pro Tips for the Best Butter Cookies

Achieving bakery-quality **butter cookies** at home is easier than you think with these expert tips:

• **Use Room Temperature Butter:** This is crucial for proper creaming. If your butter is too cold, it won’t combine well; if it’s too warm, your cookies might spread too much.
• **Don’t Overmix:** Once the flour is added, mix only until just combined. Overmixing develops gluten, leading to tougher cookies.
• **Chill the Dough (Optional):** While these are 15-minute cookies, a 15-20 minute chill in the fridge can help prevent spreading, especially if your kitchen is warm.
• **Uniform Size:** Use a cookie scoop or measure your dough balls to ensure even baking.

Serving Suggestions and Storage

These **homemade butter cookies** are versatile and delicious on their own, but here are some ideas to elevate your experience. Serve them with a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of melted chocolate, or alongside fresh fruit.

Store your cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5-7 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months. Simply thaw at room temperature before enjoying. They make fantastic quick dessert options for unexpected guests.

frequently asked question

What makes these butter cookies “15-minute” cookies?

These **15-minute cookies** are quick because they require minimal chilling (or none at all), use common pantry ingredients, and bake relatively fast. From start to oven, you can have them ready in about 15 minutes, not including the baking time itself.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

While unsalted butter is recommended for precise control over the saltiness, you can use salted butter. If you do, omit the ¼ teaspoon of added salt from the recipe. Be aware that the flavor might be slightly different.

How can I make these butter cookies more festive?

To make your **homemade butter cookies** more festive, you can add sprinkles to the dough before baking, dip them in melted chocolate and decorate with nuts or more sprinkles after cooling, or add a touch of almond extract for a different flavor profile. Cookie cutters can also be used if you chill the dough sufficiently.