Butter Cookies (Just 4 Ingredients!) Recipe

Introduction

If you’ve ever craved a sweet treat that’s simple, buttery, and incredibly easy to make, butter cookies are the perfect solution. This classic recipe is a go-to for many, thanks to its simplicity and rich, satisfying flavor. With just four ingredients, you can create these melt-in-your-mouth cookies that are sure to please anyone with a sweet tooth. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply looking for a cozy treat to enjoy with your afternoon tea, these butter cookies hit all the right notes.

What makes this recipe even more appealing is its versatility. It’s an ideal choice for beginners in the kitchen, as there’s no need for any complex techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. The four main ingredients are pantry staples that you probably already have on hand. With the help of simple kitchen tools, you can bake a batch of butter cookies in no time. These cookies have a delicate crumb and a rich buttery taste that’s irresistible to everyone who tries them. The simplicity of the recipe allows the natural flavor of the butter to shine through, making each bite a true delight.

These butter cookies are perfect for any occasion. Whether you want a snack to enjoy with a hot cup of tea or need a quick dessert to share with friends and family, they work well for any moment. They’re light enough to enjoy as an afternoon pick-me-up and flavorful enough to satisfy your dessert cravings after dinner. The beauty of this recipe is that it requires minimal effort but delivers maximum satisfaction. It’s also an excellent choice when you want something homemade but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients You Will Need

To make these delicious butter cookies, you will need just four simple ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1/4 cup powdered sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

That’s it! These four basic ingredients come together to create the perfect buttery, crispy cookies.

Step by Step Method

Making these butter cookies is so easy that even beginners can do it. Just follow these steps and you’ll have a batch of cookies in no time:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the oven is at the right temperature when you’re ready to bake your cookies.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Take the softened butter and place it in a large mixing bowl. Add the powdered sugar to the butter. Using a hand mixer or a whisk, beat the butter and sugar together until it’s smooth and creamy. This step is important because it helps to give the cookies a light, airy texture. Make sure there are no lumps in the mixture.

Step 3: Add the Vanilla Extract

Once the butter and sugar are well mixed, add the teaspoon of vanilla extract. This adds a lovely fragrance and flavor to the cookies. Mix it in thoroughly until the dough is smooth.

Step 4: Incorporate the Flour

Next, gradually add the flour to the butter mixture. Start mixing it in slowly to avoid a flour explosion! Once it begins to come together, switch to your hands or a spatula to knead the dough. Continue mixing until the dough is soft and smooth. If the dough feels too sticky, you can add a little more flour, but be careful not to add too much, as you want the dough to stay soft.

Step 5: Shape the Dough into Cookies

Once your dough is ready, it’s time to shape it into cookies. You can either roll the dough into small balls and press them flat with a fork for a classic look or use cookie cutters to create fun shapes. Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure to leave a little space between each cookie, as they will spread slightly while baking.

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

Pop the cookies into the preheated oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. Keep an eye on them, as oven times can vary. Once they’re done, remove them from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Now that your butter cookies are baked and cooled, they’re ready to enjoy. Serve them with your favorite hot drink or just enjoy them on their own as a sweet treat.

Why This Recipe Is Special

This butter cookie recipe stands out for its simplicity and the delightful flavor it delivers. With only four ingredients, you can create a treat that tastes like it took hours to make, but in reality, it only takes about 20 minutes. This means that even on a busy day when you need something sweet, you can whip up these cookies in no time. The richness of the butter combined with the sweetness of the powdered sugar results in a melt-in-your-mouth experience that’s loved by many.

From a health perspective, this recipe uses unsalted butter, which helps to control the amount of salt in the cookies. Butter is also a source of healthy fats, which are essential for energy and maintaining proper body function. Of course, like all cookies, these should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. But if you’re looking for a treat that satisfies your sweet tooth without any complicated ingredients or preparation, these butter cookies are a great choice.

Extra Tips for Better Taste

While the basic butter cookie recipe is simple and delicious, there are a few easy tweaks you can make to take them to the next level:

1. Add Chocolate Chips – For a little extra indulgence, try adding chocolate chips or chopped chocolate to the dough. You can also use white chocolate or dark chocolate for different flavors.

2. Add Zest – If you enjoy a citrusy flavor, consider adding lemon or orange zest to the dough. This will give your cookies a refreshing twist.

3. Chill the Dough – If you have the time, chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can help create a firmer texture and slightly crispier cookies.

4. Sprinkle Sugar – For a sweet finishing touch, sprinkle a little extra powdered sugar or coarse sugar on top of the cookies before baking.

5. Use Brown Butter – If you want a deeper, nuttier flavor, try browning the butter before mixing it with the sugar. This will give your cookies a more complex taste.

Final Thoughts

These butter cookies are proof that you don’t need a lot of ingredients to make something truly delicious. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker, this recipe is easy to follow and guarantees a tasty treat every time. With just four simple ingredients, you can enjoy a batch of crispy, buttery cookies that are perfect for any occasion.

Remember, you can always get creative with this recipe. Add your favorite mix-ins, experiment with different flavors, or even decorate your cookies for a special touch. No matter how you make them, one thing is for sure: these butter cookies will never disappoint.

Nutrition Details

Here’s a breakdown of the nutrition for one serving (based on 12 cookies):

Please note that the exact nutritional values may vary based on the specific ingredients you use.

Disclaimer

Everyone’s body is different, and results may vary. While these butter cookies are made with simple ingredients, it’s important to enjoy them in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Always consult with a healthcare provider or nutritionist if you have specific dietary concerns or health conditions.