If you have a soft spot for buttery, melt-in-your-mouth treats, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Butter Cookies with Piping Tips Recipe. These cookies combine the richness of creamy butter with just the right amount of sweetness, all piped into elegant shapes that make them perfect for special occasions—or just everyday indulgence. With simple ingredients and an easy technique, you’ll create delicate, buttery delights with charming ridges and swirls that look as good as they taste. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a beloved staple in your cookie repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward, but each one plays an essential role in crafting cookies that are tender, flavorful, and beautifully textured. From the creamy butter that gives these cookies their rich base to the milk that adjusts dough consistency just right, every component counts.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup / 2 sticks / 227 g): Using room temperature butter ensures your dough will cream perfectly with the sugar, creating that fluffy texture.
- Granulated sugar (â…” cup / 133 g): Adds just the right amount of sweetness and helps with the delicate crisp edges.
- Egg yolks (2 large): Provide richness and help bind the dough without making it tough like whole eggs can.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Infuses warm flavor notes that complement the buttery goodness.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): The backbone of the cookies, providing structure and that tender crumb.
- Kosher salt (¼ tsp): Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors in the cookie.
- Whole milk (2-3 tbsp): Used sparingly to adjust the dough’s consistency, making it easier to pipe without losing shape.
How to Make Butter Cookies with Piping Tips Recipe
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Start by beating your room temperature butter with granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air, which helps keep your cookies tender and gives them a delicate crumb. Take your time here for the best results.
Step 2: Add Egg Yolks and Vanilla
Next, add in the egg yolks along with the vanilla extract and continue mixing until everything is well combined. The egg yolks add richness and color, while vanilla deepens the flavor profile beautifully.
Step 3: Incorporate Flour and Salt
Slowly add the all-purpose flour and kosher salt to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until the dough comes together. Overmixing here can toughen the dough, so keep a close eye to combine without overworking.
Step 4: Adjust Dough Consistency
Your dough may feel a bit stiff at this point—don’t worry! Add the whole milk one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently after each addition. The goal is a pliable dough that still holds a touch of stickiness, perfect for piping and shaping on your baking sheet.
Step 5: Prepare for Baking
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and helps the cookies bake evenly with lovely golden edges.
Step 6: Pipe the Cookies
Fit a piping bag with a star tip and fill it with your dough. Pipe out your cookies in swirling rosettes, stars, or any shape you love. If you don’t have a piping bag, simply scoop the dough by tablespoon-sized portions onto the baking sheet and gently press down to flatten slightly.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges just begin to turn a light golden brown. Keep an eye on them—these cookies bake fairly quickly and you want to preserve that tender inside with a pretty outer crust.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes after taking them from the oven, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents sogginess and lets them firm up to that perfect bite.
How to Serve Butter Cookies with Piping Tips Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies are beautiful and flavorful on their own, adding a simple garnish can elevate them even more. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a subtle drizzle of melted chocolate will add a touch of elegance and a lovely contrast in flavor. You can also gently press sliced almonds or sprinkles on top before baking for a crunchy twist.
Side Dishes
Butter cookies pair wonderfully with beverages like a warm cup of tea, rich coffee, or even a cold glass of milk. For an afternoon treat, consider serving them alongside fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to balance the buttery richness with some freshness and acidity.
Creative Ways to Present
Make your Butter Cookies with Piping Tips Recipe stand out by arranging them on decorative platters or stacking them tied with a festive ribbon as gifts. You can also sandwich a dollop of jam or frosting between two cookies for a delightful twist. Using colorful piping tips adds playful textures and shapes that will impress every guest at your next gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These cookies stay fresh for up to a week when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Keeping them away from heat and moisture will preserve their crisp edges and tender centers beautifully.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these cookies later, they freeze wonderfully. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They keep well for up to three months and thaw quickly at room temperature when you’re ready.
Reheating
If you want to refresh your cookies after storage, warming them in a low oven (around 300°F / 150°C) for 5-7 minutes will revive their texture and aroma perfectly. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them soft and lose their delicate crunch.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
Yes, you can use salted butter, but reduce or omit the added kosher salt in the recipe to avoid the cookies becoming too salty. Unsalted butter is preferred for better control over seasoning.
What if I don’t have a piping bag or tips?
No worries! You can simply scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the dough and lightly flatten them on the baking sheet. While it won’t have the intricate piped shape, the cookies will still taste fantastic.
Can I add flavors other than vanilla?
Absolutely! Almond extract, lemon zest, or even a touch of cinnamon can bring wonderful new dimensions to this butter cookie base. Just adjust the quantity to suit your taste preferences.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
Look for edges to turn a light golden color and the cookies to appear set but not browned all over. The centers will continue to set as they cool, so it’s better to slightly underbake than overbake for the best texture.
Can I decorate these cookies with icing?
Yes, once cooled, these cookies provide a perfect canvas for decorating with royal icing or glaze. Because they hold their shape well, your piped decorations will look crisp and neat.
Final Thoughts
This Butter Cookies with Piping Tips Recipe is such a joy to make and an absolute crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re crafting them for a holiday, a tea party, or just a cozy night in, their buttery flavor and delicate texture will win hearts every single time. Give this recipe a try and watch as it becomes a treasured favorite in your kitchen, perfect for sharing and celebrating everyday moments with a sweet touch.
Print
Butter Cookies with Piping Tips 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
Classic buttery cookies that are light, tender, and perfectly sweetened. These butter cookies are easy to make with simple ingredients and can be piped into beautiful swirls or shaped by hand. They bake to a delicate golden edge, offering a melt-in-your-mouth texture perfect for tea time or any occasion.
Ingredients
Butter 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
- Beat Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use a hand mixer to beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which usually takes a few minutes.
- Add Egg Yolks and Vanilla: Mix in the egg yolks and vanilla extract thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined for a smooth, creamy base.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and kosher salt into the wet mixture, mixing on low speed to avoid overworking the dough, until just combined.
- Adjust Dough Consistency: If the dough feels too stiff, add whole milk one tablespoon at a time, gently mixing after each addition, until the dough is pliable but still slightly sticky to the touch.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Shape the Cookies: Using a piping bag fitted with a star tip, pipe the cookie dough directly onto the baking sheet into swirls or rosettes for a decorative appearance. Alternatively, if you don’t have a piping bag, scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and place them spaced apart on the sheet, then press down slightly to flatten.
- Bake the Cookies: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges turn a light golden brown indicating doneness.
- Cool the Cookies: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool for a few minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving or storing.
Notes
- Room temperature ingredients help achieve smoother dough and better mixing.
- If the dough is too sticky, refrigerate it for 15-20 minutes before piping or shaping.
- For added flavor, you can substitute vanilla extract with almond extract.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- These cookies can be decorated with colored sugar or dipped in melted chocolate if desired.
