Name: Soft Butter Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 13 min
Total time: 28 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2/3 cup granulated sugar; 2 egg yolks; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 2 tablespoons milk, plus more if needed; Fruit jam or melted chocolate, optional

Jump to Recipe

Soft Butter Cookies are the ultimate melt-in-your-mouth treat for any occasion. These delicate, tender cookies pipe beautifully into elegant swirls and bake up with lightly golden edges and irresistibly buttery centers. If you love melt in mouth cookies with a classic bakery-style look, this recipe delivers professional results right from your home kitchen. Perfect for holiday baking, special gatherings, or simply satisfying a cookie craving, these Soft Butter Cookies come together quickly and taste even better than they look.

Story

Soft Butter Cookies have always held a special place in my kitchen because they combine simple pantry ingredients with impressive presentation. Whenever I make these Soft Butter Cookies, I appreciate how easily the dough transforms into elegant swirls with just a piping bag and star tip. Unlike many crisp versions, Soft Butter Cookies stay tender and delicate with a texture that truly melts as you take a bite.

Because the dough pipes smoothly, these cookies create beautiful rosettes that resemble bakery-style classic butter cookies. Even better, you can sandwich them with jam or dip them in chocolate to create festive swirl cookies that look stunning on any dessert table. Since the dough requires minimal mixing and no complicated steps, Soft Butter Cookies remain one of the most reliable and rewarding cookie recipes I bake throughout the year.

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
⅔ cup granulated sugar
2 egg yolks
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
¼ teaspoon salt (omit if using salted butter)
2 tablespoons milk (whole or 2%), plus more if needed
Fruit jam or melted chocolate for sandwiching or dipping (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even baking. If your kitchen runs warm, plan to chill the piped cookies for about 30 minutes before baking to help them hold their shape.

In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together using a hand mixer until the mixture turns light and fluffy. Then add the egg yolks and vanilla extract, mixing on medium speed until fully incorporated. Next, add the flour and salt, and mix on low speed until the dough forms large crumbles. Pour in the milk and continue mixing until the dough becomes sticky and resembles thick buttercream; add additional milk one teaspoon at a time only if necessary.

Cooking Instructions

Transfer the dough into a heavy-duty piping bag fitted with a large open star tip to create beautiful piped cookies. Pipe rosettes by holding the bag upright, applying steady pressure, wrapping the dough around itself, and gently releasing at the center.

If needed, chill the piped cookies before baking to maintain sharp edges. Bake for 13 to 15 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet before removing them. Once cooled, sandwich with jam or dip in melted chocolate if desired.

Tips for Perfect Results

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid using butter that is too soft, because overly warm butter will cause the cookies to spread excessively. In addition, do not add too much milk, since extra liquid weakens the structure and reduces the defined swirl pattern. Always mix on low speed after adding flour to prevent overworking the dough, which can make the cookies dense rather than tender.

Pro Tips for Better Flavor

Use high-quality butter for the richest flavor, since butter serves as the primary ingredient in Soft Butter Cookies. You can also experiment with almond or lemon extract for subtle variation. For an elegant finish, dip half of each cooled cookie in tempered chocolate and allow it to set completely before storing.

Serving and Storage

How to Serve

Serve Soft Butter Cookies on a decorative platter for celebrations, tea parties, or cookie exchanges. Because they pair beautifully with coffee or hot chocolate, they make a thoughtful homemade gift during the holidays. For extra presentation appeal, dust lightly with powdered sugar or sandwich with fruit preserves.

How to Store Leftovers

Store completely cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. If you add jam or chocolate filling, separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. You can also freeze unfilled cookies for up to two months and thaw at room temperature before serving.

Conclusion

Soft Butter Cookies bring together simplicity, elegance, and unforgettable flavor in every bite. With their tender crumb and classic swirl design, these cookies deliver bakery-quality results using everyday ingredients. Whether you prepare them for holiday gatherings or afternoon treats, this recipe guarantees beautiful and delicious results every time.

Discover more delicious recipes by following me on Facebook and Pinterest.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are my Soft Butter Cookies spreading too much?

Your butter may have been too soft or you may have added excess milk. Chill the piped cookies before baking and measure liquids carefully to maintain structure.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Let it soften slightly before piping so it flows smoothly through the star tip.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but omit the added salt in the recipe. This adjustment keeps the flavor balanced without making the cookies overly salty.