Soft Butter Cookies: Melt-In-Your-Mouth Recipe
Delicate, melt-in-your-mouth butter cookies with a classic sweet flavor and tender crumb. These easy-to-make treats are perfect for gifts or family baking. Use high-quality ingredients for the best soft texture.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 15
- Total Time: 35
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
⅔ cup granulated sugar
2 egg yolks
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
¼ tsp salt
2 Tbsp whole milk (adjust as needed)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
Cream butter and sugar in a bowl until light and fluffy
Blend in egg yolks and vanilla extract
In a separate bowl, combine flour and salt
Gradually add dry ingredients to butter mixture until just combined
Add milk (1 tbsp at a time) for a soft, slightly sticky dough
Chill dough 30 minutes if piping for round shaping
Using a pastry bag with large tip, pipe 1½ inch circles on parchment-lined baking sheets
Space cookies 2 inches apart
Bake 10-12 minutes (first batch only) to preserve softness
Repeat with remaining dough (no need to chill first batch)
Notes
High-quality butter is essential for flavor and texture
Avoid overmixing to prevent tough cookies
Adjust milk gradually – dough should be soft but not drippy
Substitute vanilla extract with almond or lemon extract for variation
Dairy-free option: replace milk with non-dairy milk
Store in airtight container up to 3 days
Freeze unbaked dough for up to 6 months