If you’re searching for a foolproof treat that’s as easy to whip up as it is to devour, look no further than the Drop Butter Cookie. This classic recipe delivers soft, golden cookies with irresistibly buttery flavor and just the right touch of sweetness. Whether you’re craving a nostalgic bite or need a quick yet impressive snack for guests, these cookies hit the spot every single time. With simple pantry staples and minimal fuss, you’ll have a batch ready to share (or secretly stash away) in just over 20 minutes. Get ready to fall in love with the Drop Butter Cookie—your new go-to for baking bliss!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Drop Butter Cookie lies in its simplicity—each ingredient plays a starring role in creating that melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich flavor. Gather your essentials, and let’s talk about why each one truly matters.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): The foundation for that classic buttery flavor and soft crumb—be sure it’s at room temperature for easy creaming.
- Granulated sugar (3/4 cup): Sweetens the dough while helping to create a lightly crisp edge.
- Large egg (1): Adds structure and moisture, ensuring tender cookies that hold together beautifully.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Brings a warm, aromatic note that enhances the cookie’s overall flavor.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): The backbone of the dough, giving shape and substance to every bite.
- Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Offers just the right lift for a soft, pillowy cookie center.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and brings out all those lovely buttery notes.
How to Make Drop Butter Cookie
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Set yourself up for baking success by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper so your Drop Butter Cookie creations won’t stick—and cleanup will be a breeze!
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color—about 2 to 3 minutes. This step is key for a tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookie, so don’t rush!
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Crack in the egg and pour in the vanilla extract. Mix well until everything is beautifully combined and the dough looks smooth and creamy. The aroma at this stage is already swoon-worthy!
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together your flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution so every Drop Butter Cookie bakes up just right.
Step 5: Mix It All Together
Gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture, stirring gently just until the flour disappears. Don’t overmix—stop as soon as the dough comes together to keep your cookies soft.
Step 6: Drop and Bake
Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden and the centers are set.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Let your cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. The wait is worth it—this helps the Drop Butter Cookie set up perfectly and develop its signature soft texture.
How to Serve Drop Butter Cookie
Garnishes
Give each Drop Butter Cookie a little extra love with a sprinkle of powdered sugar, a drizzle of melted chocolate, or a pinch of colorful sprinkles. These simple touches add both flair and flavor—making your cookies look bakery-worthy in seconds.
Side Dishes
Pair your cookies with a tall glass of cold milk, a hot mug of coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly indulgent experience. The Drop Butter Cookie is wonderfully versatile and plays well with all your favorite sweet accompaniments.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking cookies in a pretty jar with a ribbon for a heartfelt gift, or arrange them on a tiered stand for a festive dessert table. You can even sandwich two Drop Butter Cookies with a layer of fruit jam or buttercream for a fun twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Drop Butter Cookie stash fresh by placing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay delightfully soft for up to five days, making them perfect for snacking or lunchbox treats all week long.
Freezing
Want to save some for later? Place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container, layering parchment between each cookie to prevent sticking. They freeze beautifully for up to three months—just thaw at room temperature when the craving strikes!
Reheating
If you love a warm cookie, simply pop a Drop Butter Cookie in the microwave for about 8–10 seconds. It will taste freshly baked and the buttery aroma will fill your kitchen all over again.
FAQs
Can I add mix-ins to the Drop Butter Cookie dough?
Absolutely! Mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, citrus zest, or colorful sprinkles can all be folded into the dough for a fun and flavorful twist. Just be sure not to overload the dough, so your cookies keep their classic soft texture.
Why do I need to use unsalted butter?
Unsalted butter gives you full control over the saltiness of your Drop Butter Cookie, ensuring the flavors are perfectly balanced. If you only have salted butter, simply reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
Look for lightly golden edges and set centers. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool, so don’t wait for them to turn fully golden in the oven—otherwise, they might lose their signature softness.
Can I prepare the dough in advance?
Yes! You can make the Drop Butter Cookie dough and refrigerate it for up to 48 hours before baking. Chilled dough even helps the cookies keep their shape and can deepen the flavor.
What’s the best way to ensure the cookies stay soft?
Be careful not to overbake and store them in an airtight container as soon as they’ve cooled. Placing a slice of bread in the container can also help maintain moisture and keep every Drop Butter Cookie perfectly soft.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to experience pure cookie joy, don’t wait another day to bake your first batch of Drop Butter Cookie. With their buttery simplicity and endless possibilities for customization, these cookies are sure to become a cherished favorite in your kitchen. Happy baking!
Print
Drop Butter Cookie Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This classic Drop Butter Cookie recipe yields soft, buttery cookies with a delightful vanilla flavor. Perfect for a simple dessert or snack, these cookies are easy to make and bake in just over 20 minutes. Ideal for any occasion, their tender texture and subtle sweetness make them a family favorite.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes. This step is key to achieving a tender cookie texture.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated, creating a smooth, creamy batter base.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning.
- Combine Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, stirring gently just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Form Cookies: Using a rounded tablespoon, drop portions of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges turn lightly golden and the centers are set but still soft.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them firm up and ensures easy removal without breaking.
Notes
- For a fun twist, add mini chocolate chips, citrus zest, or colorful sprinkles into the dough before baking.
- These cookies freeze well; store them in an airtight container to keep them soft for several days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 60 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
