Butter Cookies
Butter cookies are my favorite cookies for any holidays: Christmas, New Year, Chinese New Year, Valentine’s Day, or any day of the year.
These buttery, crumbly, melt-in-your mouth sweet butter cookies are simply the BEST in the world, and this butter cookies recipe is my ultimate keeper.
What I love most about this recipe is the simple ingredients it calls for:
- Butter
- Sugar
- Egg yolk
- All-purpose flour
- Corn starch
- Vanilla essence
To make the cookies extra crumbly, you want to add some Pam cooking spray to the dough. Yes, the cooking spray makes it even better. Trust me!
This recipe yields about 100 cookies but make two or three batches. They won’t last!
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simon
love the cookies but is there anything else beside these that you made. i’m looking for something different.
Thembekile
This cookies look so nice they look like a melting moment
meeso
Oh yum, they are so small and cute… great for gift giving :)
niki
just wanted to know what is SPRAY?
Rasa Malaysia
Pam cooking spray.
charlotte
I’m being thick but what exactly is Pam Cooking Spray? I’d love to know because I love the look of this recipe, but don’t want to miss anything out. Thank You Charlotte x
Rasa Malaysia
It’s a US product, you can do without it if you want.
ttac
Its an oil spray. Any oil spray should work.
tan
may i know how many gram is equivalent to1oz for example 10oz butter is equivalent to how many grams.
another is how many grams is equivalent to 1cup butter.
what about a recipe asking for 1 stick butter?
thanks a lot if you could provide me these info which i would b very much appreciated.
Rasa Malaysia
Please convert them using the Converter Tool on the right side bar on the site. Scroll down and you will see.
The Purple Foodie
I love a goof butter cookie – delicate, light golden and full of childhood memories. I feel like baking them right away.
Alta
Sounds so wonderful. Good luck on the contest!
Marie M.
How on earth does one measure cooking spray? Seems impossible? Could you substitute another oil? Those cookies look so cute and yummy.
Rasa Malaysia
Spray them onto the spoon.
peanutts
these will make lovely gifts :) , plus great for kids to make looks cute :)
Hummingbird Appetite
Those cookies look lovely!
Christine @ Fresh Local and Best
These cookies are so beautiful, and a great for stocking stuffers!
momgateway
Yum! Yum, and looks easy to make!
Ramya Kiran
they look delicious and perfectly baked!
Rasa Malaysia
Thank you.
French Cooking for Dummies
These cookies are so cute! They look delicious!
babe_kl
great to know you’re baking something sweet :D
ThatsSoYummy
Good luck on the contest. These not only look delicious but too cute to eat! Who can say no to Butter cookies… Yummy :-)
nettles
Just wondering, how many does this recipe make? And what size are your cutters?
And thank you for weight measurements! Flour can be tricky. I ended up with a strange [but delicious] shortbread rendition once.
Rasa Malaysia
Sorry for the late response, I think they yeild about 80+ cookies. My cookie cutter is small, about 1.5 inch in diameter.
Hawiza Sharpe
Is full cream milk the same as whole milk?
Rasa Malaysia
Yes, whole milk.
Annelyse
I had to google the full milk/whole milk. Because I had no idea what should I look for. I’m confused because apparently is like a powder milk? Or should I be looking for liquid milk? Thank you.
Rasa Malaysia
It’s liquid milk but full cream milk.
Connie
full milk is simply whole fat milk…so NOT 2 percent or skim milk
Gracie, Food Fascination
Perfect timing…I was looking for a good cookie recipe!!!
Rasa Malaysia
This is a great butter cookie recipe. A keeper, I can assure you that.
Dina
these look very yummy. i love good butter cookies too!
Rasa Malaysia
Yes, this is a really great butter cookies recipe. You must try. I don’t like the typical American cookies.
PL Leong
Had just found your blog & I am thoroughly enjoying it. If we don’t have the spray, can we omit it or replace with margarine?
Thanks.
Rasa Malaysia
Spray is cooking spray or baking spray (I used Pam baking spray). Yes, you can use margarine. Actually, margarine is a great idea.
Paula Coxwell
Why not just use unsalted butter? These are butter cookies. ;)
Laney
Hi!
I was confused abt all purpose flour…is it plain flour?
Thanks!
Rasa Malaysia
Yes.
yanlin
hi:)
I have tried to butter cookies recipes so far. One from the joy of baking website and another from a blog i chanced upon. the 2nd recipe only called for flour, butter and egg and caster sugar. And personally, i feel that it tasted better. it has a stronger butter taste, not covered by the taste from the vanilla extract. I am also very intrigued by how the proportions of the ingredients are so different. Anyone care to explain? And maybe someone could try the recipe too? Would like to listen to more opinions from others. Looking forward to ur replies!
here is the recipe: http://playkeen.blogspot.com/2009/01/disney-and-sanrio-friends.html
hate liquid weight
Just a suggestion… USE DRY WEIGHT!!! so troublesome for people who don’t have a weigher
ttac
I made this today. half the portion. They are wonderful!!! Melts in your mouth!!! Can’t wait to make more of these.
Ethal
Hello,
I have tried your recipe. It’s great. I always looked forward to Hari Raya when I was young because of this butter cookies. Yummilicious.
I have omitted the spray instead. Will try to substitute it with margarine the next batch.
By the way, did you use unsalted butter or salted butter? I tried with unsalted one. Is it the right one? The batter is too soft to cut with the cutters and I ended up using free hand. How did you manage to the shape so perfectly? I tried cooling it in the fridge but to no avail. It softened faster than I can finish the whole procedure.
Rasa Malaysia
I used unsalted butter anyway, the measurement is very precise so you should be able to use cookie cutter. I have tried this recipe many times with no problem.
Ethal
I tried again this evening and it’s still the same. Can’t cut nicely with the cutters. I think it’s the cutter’s problem. This time, I used the silicone cake mould. I need to bake twice. The 2nd time I removed them from the mould and bake again for another 15 mins. It worked.
How long did you beat the batter with the mixer? Does the duration and the speed of the mixer affect the batter? Everything turned out nice – tasty and melting in the mouth. But it’s too soft and light that it breaks easily. I beat the sugar batter in high speed until it turned pale yellow. Then another 10 mins for the final mixing. Is it correct? I’m sorry for so many questions. I’m a novice in baking.
Rasa Malaysia
You don’t have to beat the egg until pale yellow because it becomes too watery. For this recipe, you just have to beat the eggs lightly. It’s not cake.
Ethal
Hahahaha… Thanks for you advice. Will try again until I succeed.
SP
Thanks. My daughter enjoy to do this cookies.
Erin
I can’t find the converter for the measurements. This recipe looks so yummy by the way!
SNOOCH to Da NOOCH
IM MAKING THEM WITH CANNIBIS BUTTER PS THER IS ATYPO IN TH RECIPE
Salma
what do you mean cream butter with spray? What if I don’t have spray? How do I complete the 1st step?
Rasa Malaysia
You need the cooking spray to make the cookies crumbly. You can do without it.
mary jeanette
wow! i like the pictures u posted! question, is butter cookies the same as sugar cookies?
L.D
Is butter the same as sugar?
Teresa F.
Your recipe sounds good. I love how the cornstarch makes the cookies tender. I’ve never seen a cookie recipe requiring cooking spray mixed into the dough.
Did you not find that you need to dip the cutters into flour between use? I would think they would get a bit sticky between cookies.
lijokmai
okay I tried to converted the oz to cup of butter on the conversion tool but it wouldn’t let.. HElp!
Rasa Malaysia
You need a kitchen scale, this recipe is very precise cup is not accurate. You can get a basic kitchen scale for $10.
Abhi
Can I use 2% milk instead of whole, I don’t use whole milk so don’t want to buy gallon or half just for 2 tblspns. Thinking of making these tomorrow, so immediate help needed?
KOCH MAY HONG
Would like to ask 3 oz of icing sugar for the recipe right? confuse about how much of sugar? is it all using icing sugar or use caster sugar? what is the different between it.
Thanks,
Regards,
Koch
Rasa Malaysia
Icing sugar = powdered sugar.
ナイキ スニーカー
Your cookies and cakes look heaven sent. I am in awe at how amazing these look. What a gift! My birthday is the 3rd and I would kill for an almond cake like the one above.
Muki
Can i use Wheat flour instead of All purpose flour… as i want these cookies for my 18 mts old boy.
Rasa Malaysia
No.
Madi
Love your blog? 2 questions. 1) Can I substitute 1tbsp Pam cooking spray with 1 tbsp canola oil? 2) if omit 1 tbsp Pam spray, will the dough be dry and hence affect end product? TIA.
Rasa Malaysia
You can skip it the Pam cooking spray.
Brenda
When you mentioned cream butter with spray,sugar,egg yolk and vanilla extract until fluffy, can I use the electric mixter to do it?
Leo gal
U mentioned cream butter with spray,sugar,egg yolk,salt and vanilla extract until fluffy, is it suppose to use those electric mixer for make cake? After which add in milk and mix well using the electric mixer? Your reply is greatly appreciated. I can’t wait to bake it for my sons. Thks
carri
are these old islamic? im doing a schoold project and i was wondering if this would work
Leena
Want to make some, but please can you tell me what can I use instead of egg as I am allergic to eggs.
Rasa Malaysia
I am not sure what you can use instead of eggs…you can skip it but I am not sure of the results.
Leena
Thanks for the reply, will try and let you know if it worked.
sam
can I use corn flour instead of corn starch
Rasa Malaysia
Yes.
Bee
OMG, I tried making these and they came out light and crumbly! Its incredible. Can’t stop eating them. Thank you for a great recipe.
Rasa Malaysia
Yes this butter cookies are absolutely amazing.
Alison Southward
Thank you so much for including the weight of the ingredients – I find American recipes with sticks or tablespoons/cups of butter impossible. Conversion charts don’t agree, my cups are different sizes (and it’s messy getting butter into a cup anyway); so it seems highly inaccurate. I wish all recipes were as easy to follow. PS Nice cookies (biscuits) !!!
Pornpimon Ayawong
I following your recipe but don’t know why my dough it soft and still stick on my hand, I just add more dry ingredient for this solution. DO u have to put the dough in the refrigerator before bake ?
Rasa Malaysia
No, if it still sticks to your hand the dough is not ready and need to knead more, or add a little bit more flour.
Emily
How long will the biscuits last?
Jennifer Flores
Can you use a cookie press instead of cookie cutters? So excited to make these! :)
Rasa Malaysia
Yes.
Jackie Canada
Hello,
I want to make these cookies as soon as possible but need to find the conversion chart. I’m use to dry measurements. Please help. Where can I download a chart?
Thanks so much..the cookiies look great. I can’t wait to make them.
Alvin
Hi Bee,
Just wonder can I use Tapioca Starch to replace the Corn starch ? Thanks.
Alvin
Hi Bee,
Just wonder can I use Tapioca Starch to replace the Corn Starch ? Thanks. Cheers.
Rasa Malaysia
I think you should use corn starch.
Alvin
Hi Bee,
Is there any major different with or without the Pam cooking spray /Margerine in the dough ?
Just wonder what is the purpose of the cooking spray in the recipe not on baking tray.Perhaps is the secret.
I guess the 113g of corn starch already make the cookies crumbly. Anyway I will try by this week.
Oh ya…l love your Butter Cake.
Thanks.
Rasa Malaysia
Not much difference, with Pam, it gives the cookies a bit of an artificial fragrance. Yes butter cake recipe is awesome! :)
Milkygreen
Hi,
Thanks for the recipe. How long can this cookies store? And is this recipe suitable for royal icing decoration?
Thanks :)
milkygreen
Hi,
How long can this cookies store?
And is it suitable for royal icing decorating?
Thanks ;)
Rasa Malaysia
It stores for 1 to 2 weeks in airtight container. Yes.
nancy
hi
Please i want to make less than 100 cookies .that s too much
How can i adjust the measures to make less thnk you
Lee
Thanks for recipe but I wish you won’t use Oz for dry ingredients like sugar and corn starch. Use teaspoon or tablespoon instead (or put in a bracket)
Joanna
Hi,
May I check with you, if I would like to bake it in green tea/chocolate flavor instead, do I just decrease the all purpose flour and add in appropriate amount of green tea/cocoa powder? Thank you!
M.A.
Thank you Rasa for sharing your yummy recipe.
I can’t believe some of the ridiculous questions asked…. This is not a cooking class.
Ladies, just make Rasa’s perfect butter cookies by following her instructions; they are the best.
Might as well make ur own recipe if u want to sub any of the ingredients. If ur missing the ingredients, go out and buy them. PLUS, putting another recipe on Rasa’s site in recipe comments is very rude!
Rasa Malaysia
Hi MA thanks for your support. I do believe this butter cookies recipe is really very good and the best in my mind! :)
Jean
Oh I so agree.
For goodness sake, just use the recipe. The poor girl must be nearly driven mad with people wanting to change, substitute and have measurements explained. Google measurements for goodness sake. Take some responsibility for finding out yourself.
If you want something else get another recipe.
Rant over. Must stop reading comments is my new resolution?
Billy
Hi love love your recipes, re these cookies – is it possible to add more powdered sugar if we like more sweet? Would it harm the texture ?
Rasa Malaysia
Thanks Billy, I think it should be fine.
Billy
I made them just now and WOW AMAZING! Best ever! I used the exact measurements except I added about 2 Oz sugar powder for us sweet tooth.,
I like your cookie pattern – can u recommend where to get these kind of cookie cutters?
Rasa Malaysia
That’s great that you love my butter cookies recipe. I am so happy. I think I got them online!
Trimelda
You poor thing. I cannot believe the comments and questions on here. This is a fabulous recipe, the cookies are yummy. The recipe is written wonderfully. I bake a lot of recipes by cups and ounces but sometimes in baking as in bread, some cakes and these cookies you need to weigh to get more precise measurements which gives precise wonderful cookies. Thanks for the recipe
Rasa Malaysia
Hi Trimelda, thanks for your sweet comment. I appreciate your support! :)
Debbie
Hi could I possibly get the cup equivalent for the flour, corn starch and butter? Don’t have ability to weigh and couldn’t even guess how much.
Debbie
I would dearly love to try this recipe but I don’t have the ability to weigh. It probably is fine for those who do a lot of baking but for those of us who don’t it’s a little frustrating I have to say (a barrier for sure). Is anyone able to provide the cup equivalent for the flour, corn starch and butter?
Would be greatly appreciated as I need to do some baking tonight and it does look like a yummy recipe. :)
Debbie
Hi, I would really like to make these But! I’ve never been faced with a recipient using weight for things like flour, corn starch, butter etc. The conversion table doesn’t help because it can’t convert to cups which is what most recipes I’ve ever used use. I don’t have a scale. Can anyone convert these ingredients to cups ?! I have to do some baking tonight :/
HELP
Queen
Rasa where have you been all my life???
Wooow these taste like heaven. I can’t thank you enough
You are an Angel, a millions thank you
Shannon
Help! The dough is too sticky to roll and adding flour didn’t help, any suggestions?
Rasa Malaysia
Hi Shannon, are you sure you measured the ingredients precisely. The dough will be sticky at first but eventually it will form into a nice buttery dough that doesn’t stick on your hands and very easy to roll. I have made this so many times, this recipe works perfectly fine.
Christine
Hello Bee
1 qn: I would like to have colored cookies.
Using the same recipe, can I add some cocoa powder to turn the dough brown? Would it affect the taste much? Thank you!
Rasa Malaysia
I think you can but I am not sure how it affects the taste.
amy
They would make a chocolate cookie. You would leave out some of the flour or the consistency will be funny. Chocolate butter cookies are really good tho~
Nkechi
I just read some,not all comments,incase someone has already asked this question:
Please I want to know, what type of oven do you use (fan convection or convectional oven),and what’s your brand of oven.Because I love the way your cookies come out in little time,without burning or turning deep brown from the under part.My gas oven convectional takes so much time to bake cookies at 180°C,like almost an hour and the bottom turns brown,I had to scrape off burnt part.I need a better gas oven,electric one is not an option for me because I use a pre-paid meter,it will use up so much electricity.
Please what brand and type of oven would you recommend for medium commercial baking,preferably gas type oven.
Thanks so much,your my friend when it comes to food etc.Love your blog,style and bakings,I’m a fan of your milk cookies in Christmas theme.
Expecting your reply soon.
Zia
I made these cookies today. When i baked it, it kinda breaks during first 10mins. I wonder what went wrong
Nkechi
@Zia
I you have to let it cool completely after baking then it will harden,before putting in an airtight container.But it is always soft fresh from the oven when still hot.If that is what you mean.
Nancy
Will this recipe work in a cookie press? The recipes that came with the cookie press have a weird after-taste. I’m not sure if it’s from the unsalted butter or what.
panzerjedi
Yes it works.
Susan
Can you decorate the cookies once baked or are they too delicate to do that. I like butter cookies over sugar cookies and would love to make and decorate with icing.
Jenni
I accidentally used liquid corn starch, is there a way to fix this?
Vanessa
My dough is incredibly sticky and wet still. Any suggestions on what to do? I followed the recipe exactly, so I don’t understand why I can’t roll out the dough!
Rasa Malaysia
I don’t know why but add a little flour. Are you sure your measurement is correct? I have made these butter cookies a lot of times.
Cherrie
Hi i have leftover salted butter. Can i use salred butter and omit the salt in the recipe? Will it be too salty?
Rasa Malaysia
Yes I think you can.
Cherrie
Btw, do you mix the dough after putting in flour with mixer or by hand? Thanks. ?
Rasa Malaysia
By hand.
A. Newell
How much sugar to add to the recipe? The sugar amount is not included in the recipe. Thank you. I can’t wait to make these!
Rasa Malaysia
Yes it is in the recipe, it’s 3 oz + 1 tablespoon powdered sugar.
M
Thank you for sharing. And thank you for being patient with so many ‘???’ comments. I will try your recipe this week.
Sumreen
Can we add nuts in it?
Rasa Malaysia
You can but I haven’t tried and don’t know how it affects the recipe.
Cyndee
Recipe states 10 oz. butter which is 1 1/4 sticks. Recipe states 2 1/2 sticks which is double. So which is it, definitely makes a difference in the stickiness dilemma,
Rasa Malaysia
10 oz. butter = 2 1/2 sticks. 1 stick butter is only 4 oz, so it’s 2 1/2 sticks.
Jill
Getting ready to put these in the oven. Super excited to try them!!!
Rasa Malaysia
Awesome! I hope you love these butter cookies. Make sure you cool them first before eating.
Hi
Can this be done without a hand mixer or stand mixer?
Pls reply as I’m keen to try this recipe! Thanks!
Rasa Malaysia
Yes, I always make these with hands. :)
June
I just made a batch today. I followed the recipe exactly using hand to mix and
it turned out perfect. Thanks for the easy cookie recipe.
Rasa Malaysia
Hi June thanks for trying my butter cookies recipes.
Donna Tullberg
I only have self rising flour, will that work ? If so do I still use the salt?
Rasa Malaysia
I am not sure about self-rising flour. Please follow the recipe exactly. Thanks Donna.
Molly
Some people just need to buy cookies from the store. It might be easier for you.