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.
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
- Cream butter and powdered sugar until light.
- Add flour and mix to form a soft dough.
- Chill for 20 minutes.
- 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.
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
- Cream butter and sugar until fluffy.
- Mix in vanilla.
- Add cocoa powder and flour; combine gently.
- Chill dough for 30 minutes.
- 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.
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
- Cream butter and sugar until pale.
- Add egg yolks and vanilla; mix well.
- Fold in flour and salt.
- Chill, shape, and bake at 170°C / 340°F for 14–16 minutes.
Texture: Firm, rich, and buttery
Ideal for: Tea-time and gifting
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
- Cream butter and sugar until fluffy.
- Beat in egg and vanilla.
- Add flour and baking powder; mix gently.
- Bake at 170°C / 340°F for 12–15 minutes.
Texture: Soft, light, and smooth
Note: Baking powder gives lift and bakery-style softness.
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.