If you’re searching for a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth treat that’s easy to make and endlessly delightful, then the Butter Cookies by Piping or Scooping Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. These cookies have the perfect balance of rich butter flavor, a tender crumb, and that satisfyingly crisp edge that makes each bite irresistible. Whether you pipe them into delicate rosettes or simply scoop the dough for a more rustic look, this recipe delivers charming cookies that are perfect for sharing, gifting, or simply indulging yourself after a long day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What’s truly wonderful about this Butter Cookies by Piping or Scooping Recipe is how simple and straightforward the ingredient list is. Each element plays a crucial role, from the creamy richness of butter to the fine texture brought by the flour, creating a cookie that’s classic yet comforting.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup / 2 sticks / 227 g): The star of the show, providing richness and that luscious, melt-on-your-tongue texture.
- Granulated sugar (â…” cup / 133 g): Adds sweetness and helps create a tender yet crisp cookie.
- Egg yolks (2 large): Bring moisture and a delicate custardy flavor, plus help bind the dough.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Infuses a warm, aromatic depth that elevates the simple cookie to something truly special.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): Provides structure and gives the cookies their classic crumb.
- Kosher salt (¼ tsp): Balances flavor and enhances the sweetness.
- Whole milk (2-3 tbsp): Adds just enough moisture to make the dough easy to handle without being sticky.
How to Make Butter Cookies by Piping or Scooping Recipe
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Start by beating your room temperature butter with the granulated sugar using a hand mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is essential because it incorporates air into the dough, helping to create that tender and airy cookie crumb everyone loves.
Step 2: Combine Egg Yolks and Vanilla
Next, add in the egg yolks and vanilla extract. Mixing these until fully combined ensures your dough is flavorful and smooth, with that subtle custard-like richness that sets these butter cookies apart from the rest.
Step 3: Gradually Add Dry Ingredients
Slowly incorporate your all-purpose flour and kosher salt on low speed. This method prevents overworking the dough, which can lead to tough cookies. Your goal here is to just bring everything together for a soft but manageable dough.
Step 4: Adjust Dough Consistency with Milk
If the dough feels too stiff, add whole milk one tablespoon at a time until it becomes pliable yet still slightly sticky. This small tweak makes piping easier if you opt for that delicate, decorative shape and keeps scooped cookies soft inside.
Step 5: Prepare Oven and Baking Sheet
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This prep step ensures your cookies bake evenly and slide off the sheet effortlessly once they’re done.
Step 6: Pipe or Scoop the Dough
If you’ve got a piping bag with a star tip, now’s the time to shine—pipe the dough into pretty swirls, rosettes, or any shape you fancy. No piping bag? No problem! Simply scoop tablespoon-sized portions, place them on the sheet, and gently flatten with your fingers or the back of a spoon to create lovely rustic discs.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake your cookies for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges turn a lovely light golden hue. This golden touch signals that your cookies have that perfect balance of crisp exterior and tender, buttery centers.
Step 8: Cool Before Enjoying
Allow the cookies to rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes after removing them from the oven—this lets them firm up without breaking. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, so every bite is just right.
How to Serve Butter Cookies by Piping or Scooping Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies are simply perfect on their own, a light dusting of powdered sugar adds a snowy charm, especially when you’re serving for afternoon tea or holiday gatherings. You can also gently press chopped nuts or colored sugar on top before baking for a delightful crunch and a pop of visual appeal.
Side Dishes
Butter Cookies by Piping or Scooping Recipe pairs beautifully with a steaming cup of coffee, black tea, or a frothy latte. For a decadent indulgence, serve alongside fresh berries and whipped cream, which offer a fresh, tangy balance to the rich buttery sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
For festive occasions, stack these cookies with layers of jam or chocolate spread between them to make delightful sandwich cookies. Alternatively, arrange them on a platter with colorful sprigs of fresh mint or edible flowers to impress guests with both flavor and aesthetic charm.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your butter cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delightful for up to a week, maintaining their tender texture and rich flavor so you can enjoy them anytime.
Freezing
If you want to stock up, these cookies freeze beautifully. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in the oven.
Reheating
To revive that just-baked warmth, pop your cookies in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5 minutes. This brings back their crisp edges and buttery aroma without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
It’s best to stick with unsalted butter, as using salted butter might throw off the cookie’s perfect balance of flavors, making them slightly too salty. If you do use salted butter, reduce or omit the added kosher salt in the recipe.
What if my dough is too sticky or too dry?
If the dough feels sticky and difficult to handle, add a little more flour, a teaspoon at a time, until it reaches that soft but workable consistency. Conversely, if it’s too stiff and crumbly, add milk sparingly to soften it up.
Can I flavor these cookies with something other than vanilla?
Absolutely! Butter Cookies by Piping or Scooping Recipe is very versatile. You can try almond extract, lemon zest, or even a hint of orange blossom water to give your cookies a fresh twist.
Is it necessary to use a piping bag?
Not at all. While piping gives you elegant, delicate shapes, scooping the dough is easier and just as delicious. Both methods yield wonderful results, so it’s all about what suits your style and tools.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Chill the dough in the fridge for 15-20 minutes before baking; this helps control spreading. Also, avoid overcreaming the butter and sugar, as that adds excess air and can make cookies spread out too thin.
Final Thoughts
This Butter Cookies by Piping or Scooping Recipe has quickly become one of my absolute favorites because of how accessible it is and how wonderfully it turns out every single time. Whether you’re making them to share or to keep all to yourself, the balance of buttery richness and delicate crumb is truly something to savor. So go ahead, pick your favorite method—pipe those intricate shapes or scoop out those cozy little rounds—and bake up a batch of happiness today.
Print
Butter Cookies by Piping or Scooping Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Total Time: 27-30 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These classic Butter Cookies are buttery, tender, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Made with simple ingredients like unsalted butter, sugar, egg yolks, and vanilla extract, they are piped or shaped into beautiful swirls and baked to golden perfection. Perfect for festive occasions or an everyday treat, these cookies offer a rich, sweet flavor with a delicate crumb that pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup (2 sticks / 227 g) unsalted butter, room temperature
- â…” cup (133 g) granulated sugar
- 2 large egg yolks, room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ tsp kosher salt
- 2–3 tbsp whole milk, room temperature
Instructions
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, using a hand mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for your cookie dough.
- Add Egg Yolks and Vanilla: Incorporate the egg yolks and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined to give the dough a rich flavor and smooth texture.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and kosher salt while mixing on low speed, ensuring all dry ingredients are just blended into the dough without overmixing.
- Adjust Dough Consistency: If the dough feels too stiff, slowly add whole milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough becomes pliable but remains slightly sticky, perfect for piping or shaping.
- Prepare Baking Sheet and Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
- Shape the Cookies: Using a piping bag fitted with a star tip, pipe the dough onto the prepared baking sheet in your desired shapes such as swirls or rosettes. Alternatively, scoop tablespoon-sized portions and lightly press them to flatten if no piping bag is available.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies turn a light golden color, indicating doneness.
- Cool the Cookies: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring they maintain their shape and texture.
Notes
- For best results, use room temperature ingredients to ensure even mixing and a smooth dough.
- If you want crispier cookies, bake for an extra 1-2 minutes, but watch carefully to prevent burning.
- You can substitute whole milk with half-and-half for a richer dough if desired.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain freshness.
- These cookies can also be decorated with icing or dipped in chocolate after cooling for an extra special treat.
