Easy butter cookies
Crisp on the edges and soft in the center, these buttery vanilla cookies are simple to make and perfect for customizing with your favorite toppings. Ideal for baking ahead—just chill, slice, and bake in minutes!
Updated : 06 November, 2025
Easy
About 1 hour.
Ingredients
250 grams
Butter
150 grams
Sugar
3 drop
Vanilla extract
1
Eggs
220 grams
Flour
1 teaspoon
Baking powder
pinch
Salt
1 handful
Chocolate chips
Table
Table of volume measurements:
- teaspoon - 5 ml
- dessert spoon - 10 ml
- tablespoon - 20 ml
- glass - 200 ml
Preparation
Step 1
In a large bowl, beat together the butter and sugar until pale, fluffy, and well combined.
Step 2
Gradually beat in the vanilla extract and the beaten egg, adding a little at a time, until the mixture is smooth and fully incorporated.
Step 3
Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt into the bowl, then mix well until a smooth dough forms.
Step 4
Lay a large sheet of cling film (about 30cm/12in square) on your work surface and spoon the cookie dough into the center. Fold the far edge of the cling film over the dough toward you, then use the side of a palette knife to press and shape the dough into a neat roll. Wrap it tightly in the cling film to form a sausage shape about 7-8cm/3-4in wide. Twist the ends to seal and chill in the fridge for 1 hour, or until firm.
Step 5
Preheat the oven to 200°C.
Step 6
Once the dough has firmed up, slice it into 1cm/½in-thick rounds and arrange them on a baking tray, leaving enough space between each cookie to allow for spreading.
Step 7
You can bake the cookies as they are, or sprinkle chocolate chips (you can also use chopped nuts or crystallised ginger) before baking.
Step 8
Transfer the tray to the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden-brown.
Step 9
Set the cookies aside to cool on the tray for 1-2 minutes, then carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.