Butter Cookies With Buttercream Frosting

These classic butter cookies are rich, tender, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious, making them a perfect treat for any occasion. The buttery flavor pairs beautifully with the smooth and creamy buttercream frosting, adding just the right amount of sweetness to every bite. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a special event, or simply to indulge in a little homemade goodness, these butter cookies are sure to be a hit. The recipe is easy to follow and yields perfectly shaped cookies that are ideal for decorating with the buttercream frosting, making them as beautiful as they are tasty.

Ingredients

For the Butter Cookies:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Buttercream Frosting:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
• Food coloring (optional)
• Sprinkles or decorative toppings (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Butter Cookies:
   1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
   2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
   3. Add the egg and vanilla extract, and beat until well combined.
   4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
   5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
   6. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
   7. Use the bottom of a glass or your palm to slightly flatten each ball of dough.
   8. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Be careful not to overbake.
   9. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
2. Make the Buttercream Frosting:
   1. In a medium mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
   2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition.
   3. Add the vanilla extract and 1 tablespoon of heavy cream or milk, and beat until smooth and fluffy. If the frosting is too thick, add the remaining cream or milk, a little at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
   4. If desired, divide the frosting into separate bowls and mix in food coloring.
   5. Once the cookies are completely cooled, spread or pipe the buttercream frosting onto each cookie.
   6. Decorate with sprinkles or other toppings as desired.
3. Serve and Enjoy:
   • Allow the frosting to set for about 20 minutes before serving. Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer storage.

These butter cookies are a delightful treat that will surely impress your friends and family!