There’s something incredibly comforting about a simple butter cookie. It doesn’t need fancy decorations or complicated techniques—just pure, melt-in-your-mouth softness with a rich buttery flavor. These soft drop butter cookies are one of those timeless recipes you can make in minutes and enjoy with tea, coffee, or as a sweet treat after dinner.
Unlike cut-out butter cookies, which are rolled and shaped, these are “drop cookies.” That means you simply scoop the dough and drop it directly onto the baking tray—no rolling, chilling, or intricate cutting required. This makes them ideal for quick baking sessions, last-minute guests, or when you want a fresh batch of cookies without spending hours in the kitchen.
The texture is soft and tender, with a slight crispness around the edges if you bake them until just golden. The flavor is buttery and lightly sweet, with vanilla adding warmth and aroma. Because of their simplicity, these cookies are perfect for customizing—you can add chocolate chips, citrus zest, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top before baking.
Ingredients
1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour, preferably sifted
Preparing the Dough
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking tray with parchment paper. This ensures the cookies won’t stick and helps them bake evenly.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and sugar. Beat them together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is important because creaming incorporates air into the dough, giving the cookies their soft texture. If your butter is too cold, it won’t cream properly, and if it’s melted, the cookies may spread too much in the oven—so softened butter at room temperature is key.
Once the butter and sugar are creamed, add the egg and vanilla extract. Mix until the mixture is smooth and well blended. The egg helps bind the dough and adds richness, while vanilla provides a fragrant, sweet note.
Adding the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour and salt. Sifting helps to aerate the flour and remove any lumps, which makes the dough smoother and easier to mix. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, stirring gently until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix, as this can develop the gluten in the flour and make the cookies less tender.
Shaping the Cookies
Once your dough is ready, it’s time to shape the cookies. Because these are drop cookies, you don’t need to roll or cut them—simply use a spoon or a small cookie scoop to drop rounded portions of dough onto the prepared baking tray. Leave a little space between each one to allow for spreading during baking.
Baking
Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. These cookies are meant to be soft, so avoid overbaking. The centers may still look slightly pale when you take them out, but they will firm up as they cool.
Cooling
Let the cookies rest on the baking tray for a few minutes after removing them from the oven. This allows them to set slightly before you transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Handling them too soon may cause them to break apart, as they are delicate when hot.
Serving and Storing
These butter cookies are delicious eaten warm, when they are at their softest and most fragrant. They also store well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them fresh longer, you can freeze the baked cookies for up to two months—just let them cool completely before sealing them in a freezer-safe container.
Flavor Variations
While this classic recipe is perfect as is, you can easily adapt it to suit your taste:
Add-ins: Stir in chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruit for extra texture and flavor.
Citrus: Mix in a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest for a refreshing twist.
Spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth and aroma.
Toppings: Sprinkle a little coarse sugar or cinnamon sugar over the cookies before baking for a sweet, crunchy finish.
Chocolate Dipped: Once cooled, dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate and let it set for an elegant touch.
Baking Tips for Perfect Soft Drop Cookies
Make sure your butter is at the right temperature—softened but not melted.
Use fresh baking ingredients, especially flour and sugar, for the best results.
Avoid overmixing once the flour is added to keep the cookies tender.
Check the cookies a minute or two before the baking time is up to prevent overbaking.
If making multiple trays, bake one at a time for the most even results.
Why This Recipe Works
The high butter content gives the cookies their soft, rich texture, while the sugar provides sweetness and a bit of structure. Using just enough flour to hold the dough together ensures that the cookies stay tender rather than dry. The method is straightforward, meaning even beginner bakers can get great results on their first try.
Soft drop butter cookies are the kind of recipe that becomes a family favorite. They’re easy to make, use everyday ingredients, and deliver that nostalgic homemade taste everyone loves. Whether you’re baking them for a holiday, a bake sale, or simply to enjoy with a cup of tea, these cookies are a guaranteed hit.
Once you try them, you might find yourself making them regularly—not just because they taste amazing, but because they’re so effortless to prepare. One bowl, a few minutes of mixing, and less than a quarter hour in the oven is all it takes to enjoy a fresh batch of soft, buttery perfection.