We’ve always had a blast baking cookies that bring a smile and our Button Cookie Recipe is no exception. These charming treats mimic tiny buttons with their simple yet irresistible design making them perfect for family fun or gifting occasions.
Ingredients
To create our irresistible Button Cookie Recipe, we gather fresh, high-quality ingredients that bring out the cookies’ charming button-like texture and delightful buttery flavor. Below, we’ve listed them in the order they’re typically used, with precise measurements and any necessary prep notes for accuracy.
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Sifted to ensure a light, airy dough that forms the base of our button cookies.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cookies rise slightly for that perfect, subtle lift.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors, balancing the sweetness for a well-rounded taste.
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter: Softened to room temperature, providing a rich, creamy foundation that makes our cookies melt in your mouth.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds just the right sweetness to create those crisp edges and soft centers.
- 1 large egg: Beaten lightly before adding, to bind the dough and contribute to the cookies’ tender crumb.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Pure and high-quality, for a warm, aromatic note that elevates the overall appeal.
Optional Decorations
- 1/4 cup colored sprinkles or nonpareils: For topping, to mimic button details and add a fun, visual pop once the cookies are baked.
These ingredients combine to yield about 24 cookies, making our Button Cookie Recipe ideal for family baking sessions or gifting. Prepare them with care to capture the irresistible charm that makes this treat a favorite.
Required Equipment
Before we dive into mixing our fresh ingredients for the Button Cookie Recipe, let’s ensure we have the essential tools on hand. These items help us achieve that perfect button-like texture and buttery flavor with ease and precision.
- Mixing bowls: Two medium-sized bowls for combining dry and wet ingredients separately, ensuring even blending without lumps.
- Measuring cups and spoons: A set of standard cups (1 cup, ½ cup, etc.) and spoons (1 tablespoon, 1 teaspoon, etc.) to accurately measure our sifted all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, unsalted butter, granulated sugar, large egg, and vanilla extract.
- Electric mixer or whisk: A hand-held electric mixer for creaming butter and sugar quickly, or a sturdy whisk if we’re opting for a more hands-on approach to achieve that light, fluffy dough.
- Baking sheets: One or two rimmed sheets to hold our shaped cookies steady in the oven, preventing any unwanted spreading and maintaining that charming button design.
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat: Lining for our baking sheets to ensure the cookies release easily and bake evenly, adding to their visual appeal with optional decorations like colored sprinkles.
- Cookie cutters or shaping tool: Small round cutters or a simple tool like a bottle cap to form the button shapes, helping us create those eye-catching, gift-worthy cookies.
- Oven: A standard preheated oven set to the right temperature for baking, which is crucial for that golden, delightful finish.
- Spatula: A flexible spatula for transferring dough and removing baked cookies, making the process smooth and mess-free.
- Cooling rack: An elevated rack to let our freshly baked Button Cookies cool evenly, preserving their texture and flavor for family enjoyment.
Instructions
Now that we have gathered our fresh ingredients and essential tools, we guide you through crafting these adorable button cookies with precision and ease. Let’s create a batch of 24 delightful, buttery treats that boast a charming texture and irresistible flavor.
Prep the Dough
First, we cream the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together in a mixing bowl using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture turns light and fluffy—about 2 to 3 minutes for that perfect airy base. Next, we add the large egg and vanilla extract beating well until fully incorporated to ensure a smooth consistency. In a separate bowl, we sift the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt then gradually mix these dry ingredients into the wet mixture on low speed forming a soft dough that holds together without being sticky.
Shape the Cookies
Once the dough is ready, we divide it into manageable portions and roll it out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness for easy handling. Using cookie cutters or our fingers, we cut out shapes resembling buttons and gently press in small indentations or use a tool to mimic button holes adding optional decorations like colored sprinkles or nonpareils for a vibrant, eye-catching finish. We transfer each shaped cookie onto prepared baking sheets lined with parchment paper spacing them 2 inches apart to allow for even spreading and baking.
Bake the Cookies
We preheat the oven to 350°F ensuring it’s fully heated for optimal results then place the baking sheets inside baking the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges turn a golden brown and the centers set firm. To check for doneness, we look for a slight puff and a fragrant buttery aroma that signals these treats are ready to cool and enjoy their crisp yet tender texture.
Cool and Store
Immediately after baking, we use a spatula to transfer the cookies to a cooling rack letting them rest for 5 minutes until they firm up and develop their full flavor. For storage, we place the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature where they stay fresh for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months preserving their delightful crunch and charm for later.
Make-Ahead Instructions
As baking enthusiasts, we love sharing tips to make our Button Cookie Recipe even more convenient for busy schedules or holiday prep. Preparing components ahead of time ensures you can enjoy fresh, buttery cookies with their charming button-like texture whenever the craving hits.
Preparing the Dough in Advance
To get a head start, we recommend making the dough up to 2 days ahead. Follow the recipe steps up to the point of forming the dough, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator to maintain its soft, pliable consistency and prevent oxidation, which could affect the flavor.
Shaping and Freezing Unbaked Cookies
For longer storage, shape your cookies ahead and freeze them for effortless baking later. Once you’ve rolled and cut the dough into button shapes, arrange the unbaked cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze them until solid (about 1 to 2 hours), then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. This method preserves the cookies’ delightful crunch and visual appeal, making it ideal for spontaneous treats.
Baking from Frozen
When you’re ready to bake, we can simply pop the frozen cookies into the oven without thawing. Preheat your oven to 350°F as usual, place the frozen shapes on a baking sheet, and add any optional decorations like sprinkles at this stage for a festive touch. Increase the baking time by 2 to 4 minutes to ensure they bake to a golden brown perfection, resulting in that irresistible buttery aroma that fills the kitchen.
Storage Guidelines
| Make-Ahead Option | Storage Method | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prepared dough | Refrigerator (airtight) | Up to 2 days | Let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before rolling. |
| Shaped, unbaked cookies | Freezer (airtight bag/container) | Up to 1 month | Bake directly from frozen for best results. |
| Baked cookies | Airtight container at room temperature | Up to 5 days | Keep in a cool, dry place to retain crispness. |
| Baked cookies | Freezer (airtight container) | Up to 3 months | Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving. |
Conclusion
We’ve loved bringing this button cookie recipe to life for you
It’s a simple way to spark joy in the kitchen and create lasting memories
We’re confident you’ll enjoy baking and sharing these treats as much as we do
Give it a try and let us know your favorite twists
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a button cookie recipe?
A button cookie recipe creates adorable, button-shaped treats that are fun to bake and perfect for gifting or family snacking. It uses simple ingredients like flour, butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla to achieve a buttery flavor and charming texture, with optional sprinkles for extra appeal.
What ingredients are needed for button cookies?
You’ll need sifted all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, unsalted butter, granulated sugar, a large egg, and vanilla extract. These fresh, high-quality items combine to make about 24 cookies with a delightful buttery taste and button-like design. Decorations like sprinkles are optional.
What equipment do I need to bake button cookies?
Essential tools include mixing bowls, measuring cups and spoons, an electric mixer or whisk, baking sheets, parchment paper or silicone mats, cookie cutters for shaping, a spatula, and a cooling rack. These ensure a smooth process for creating perfectly golden cookies.
How do I make and bake button cookies?
Start by creaming butter and sugar, then add egg and vanilla. Mix in sifted dry ingredients to form dough, roll it out, and cut into button shapes. Add decorations if desired. Bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes until golden brown, then cool on a rack.
How many button cookies does this recipe yield?
This recipe yields about 24 cookies, making it ideal for family baking or gifting. The charming design and buttery flavor make them a hit for gatherings.
Can I make button cookies ahead of time?
Yes, prepare dough up to 2 days in advance and refrigerate it, or shape and freeze unbaked cookies for up to 3 months. Bake frozen cookies directly, adding a few extra minutes. This is great for busy schedules or holiday prep.
How should I store button cookies?
Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months to keep their crunch. For unbaked shaped cookies, freeze and bake as needed for fresh results.