4 Foolproof Butter Cookie Recipes (Classic, Chocolate, European & Bakery-Style)

Butter cookies are timeless—simple ingredients, rich flavor, and endless versatility. Whether you prefer a classic eggless cookie, a chocolate variation, a rich European-style bite, or a soft bakery-style treat, these four perfected recipes deliver consistent, bakery-quality results every time.

Each recipe below has been tested for correct ratios, texture, and balance.

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1. Classic Butter Cookies (3 Ingredients – Eggless)

These are crisp on the edges, tender in the center, and perfect for beginners.

Ingredients

• Unsalted or salted butter – 1 cup (softened)
• Powdered sugar – ¾ cup
• All-purpose flour – 2 cups

Method

1. Cream butter and powdered sugar until light.
2. Add flour and mix to form a soft dough.
3. Chill for 20 minutes.
4. Shape, place on a lined tray, and bake at 170°C / 340°F for 12–15 minutes.

Texture: Shortbread-style, melt-in-the-mouth
Tip: If using salted butter, do not add extra salt.

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2. Classic Chocolate Butter Cookies

Rich, chocolatey, and perfectly balanced—without dryness.

Ingredients

• Unsalted or salted butter – 1 cup
• Powdered sugar – ¾ cup
• Cocoa powder – ¼ cup
• All-purpose flour – 1½ cups
• Vanilla extract – 1 tsp

Method

1. Cream butter and sugar until fluffy.
2. Mix in vanilla.
3. Add cocoa powder and flour; combine gently.
4. Chill dough for 30 minutes.
5. Bake at 170°C / 340°F for 12–14 minutes.

Texture: Soft with a tender crumb
Correction Applied: Cocoa replaces part of the flour for proper moisture balance.

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3. European-Style Butter Cookies (Rich & Classic)

These cookies are less sweet, richer, and firm—true European bakery style.

Ingredients

• Unsalted or salted butter – 1 cup
• Caster sugar – ½ cup
• Egg yolks – 2
• Vanilla extract – 2 tsp
• All-purpose flour – 2 cups
• Salt – ½ tsp (reduce to ¼ tsp if using salted butter)

Method

1. Cream butter and sugar until pale.
2. Add egg yolks and vanilla; mix well.
3. Fold in flour and salt.
4. Chill, shape, and bake at 170°C / 340°F for 14–16 minutes.

Texture: Firm, rich, and buttery
Ideal for: Tea-time and gifting

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4. Bakery-Style Butter Cookies (Soft & Full-Flavored)

These cookies taste like they came straight from a professional bakery.

Ingredients

• Unsalted or salted butter – 1 cup
• Powdered sugar – ¾ cup
• Egg – 1
• Vanilla extract – 1 tsp
• All-purpose flour – 2¼ cups
• Baking powder – ½ tsp

Method

1. Cream butter and sugar until fluffy.
2. Beat in egg and vanilla.
3. Add flour and baking powder; mix gently.
4. Bake at 170°C / 340°F for 12–15 minutes.

Texture: Soft, light, and smooth
Note: Baking powder gives lift and bakery-style softness.

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Butter & Baking Notes (Important)

• Salted butter is safe for all recipes, if you are using unsalted butter than add in the salt.
• Always use softened butter, not melted.
• Chilling dough improves shape and flavor.
• Cookies firm up as they cool—do not overbake.