Easy Butter Cookie

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves: 24 Cuisine: American

Delicious buttery cookies with a rich, sweet flavor and tender crumb, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings or entertaining guests with a classic treat.

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Ingredients

  • 1 lb. Imperial margarine
  • 4 cups flour
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 tablespoons vanilla

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  2. Beat margarine until it looks like whipped cream.
  3. Add sugar and beat until well combined.
  4. Gradually add flour, little at a time, mixing well.
  5. Add vanilla extract and mix.
  6. Drop teaspoonfuls of dough onto an ungreased cookie sheet.
  7. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes until cookies are light golden brown.

Tips & Substitutions

To achieve the best texture, ensure your margarine is at room temperature before beating, which helps incorporate air for a light cookie. If you want a richer flavor, consider replacing some margarine with butter. For a fun twist, add chocolate chips or sprinkles to the dough. If you prefer a vegan option, substitute the margarine with a plant-based alternative.

Serving Suggestions

These Easy Butter Cookies are delightful on their own or served with a cup of tea or coffee. For a festive touch, consider decorating them with icing or sprinkles. They also pair beautifully with Tasty Ambrosia, making for a sweet dessert spread. Try serving them alongside fruit or cheese for a balanced snack.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To keep them fresh longer, you can freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. To enjoy them again, simply thaw at room temperature or warm them in the oven for a few minutes.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Easy Butter Cookie contains roughly 273 calories, with 4g protein, 33g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is a good source of iron (11% of the Daily Value).

273 kcal 14% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 4.2g 8% DV
Total Fat 8.5g 11% DV
Carbs 33.3g 12% DV
Fiber 1.1g 4% DV
Sugar 2.5g 5% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 68mg 3% DV
Potassium 75.7mg 2% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin C 0.5mg 1% DV
Calcium 8.7mg 1% DV
Iron 1.9mg 11% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of flour?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and added fiber. However, the texture might be slightly denser. If you're looking for gluten-free options, use a gluten-free flour blend, but ensure it has xanthan gum for better binding.

What can I do if my dough is too sticky?

If your dough feels too sticky, try chilling it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will firm up the margarine and make it easier to handle. Alternatively, you can sprinkle a little extra flour on your work surface while shaping the cookies.

How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

The cookies are done when they are light golden brown around the edges. Since they continue to cook slightly while cooling on the baking sheet, it's best to remove them from the oven when they're just starting to brown to avoid overbaking.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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