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Easy Butter Cookies Recipe (Soft, Chewy & Melt-in-Your-Mouth)

Easy Butter Cookies Recipe (Soft, Chewy & Melt-in-Your-Mouth)

These classic butter cookies have lightly crisp edges, soft chewy centers, and a rich vanilla-butter flavor. The simple dough is easy to mix, shape, chill, and bake for an irresistible homemade treat.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 24 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 cup (226 g) Unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup (150 g) Granulated sugar
  • 1 large Large egg, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons Pure vanilla extract
  • 2 cups (250 g) All-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
  • 1/2 teaspoon Baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon Fine salt
Optional Decorations
  • 2-3 tablespoons Granulated sugar for rolling or sprinkling
  • As needed Melted chocolate, sprinkles, or chopped nuts

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. Beat the softened butter and granulated sugar for about 2–3 minutes, until pale and fluffy.
  3. Beat in the room-temperature egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
  4. Whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt together in a separate bowl.
  5. Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in two or three additions, mixing only until a soft dough forms.
  6. Scoop or roll the dough into approximately 1-inch balls and arrange them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Flatten slightly with a fork or the bottom of a glass if desired.
  7. Chill the shaped dough for 20–30 minutes if you want firmer, neater cookies or if the kitchen is warm.
  8. Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the edges are just beginning to turn lightly golden while the centers still look soft.
  9. Cool the cookies on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack.

Notes

Use softened butter, not melted butter, and measure flour by weight when possible. Do not overbake; the centers finish setting from residual heat as the cookies cool. Store completely cooled cookies in an airtight container.