Pressed Butter Cookies

Prep: 15 min Cook: 8 min Serves: 24 Cuisine: American

Pressed Butter Cookies are crisp, buttery treats with delicate flavor, perfect for cookie presses and ideal for those who enjoy rich, melt-in-your-mouth confections.

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup soft butter or margarine
  • 2/3 cup sugar
  • 3 egg yolks
  • 1 teaspoon flavoring (almond or vanilla)
  • 2 1/2 cups sifted flour

Instructions

  1. Mix thoroughly the soft butter or margarine, sugar, egg yolks, and flavoring (almond or vanilla).
  2. Work in the sifted flour gradually until a stiff dough forms.
  3. Add additional flour if needed to make the dough stiff enough to go through a cookie press.
  4. Drop the pressed cookies onto an ungreased cookie sheet.
  5. Bake at 400°F for 7 to 10 minutes, just until the cookie dough is set but not browned.
  6. Remove from the oven and transfer the cookies onto a rack to cool.
  7. Store in a closed container.

Tips & Substitutions

For a different flavor, try using orange or lemon zest instead of almond or vanilla. If you don't have a cookie press, you can roll the dough into small balls and flatten them slightly with a fork. Make sure your butter is soft but not melted for the best texture. If the dough is too sticky, chill it for about 30 minutes before pressing.

Serving Suggestions

These pressed butter cookies make a delightful addition to any dessert platter and are perfect for tea time. For a fun twist, sandwich two cookies with a layer of jam or frosting. They also pair beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea. For a festive touch, consider decorating them with royal icing or sprinkles.

Storage & Reheating

Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies for up to three months. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes, just until warmed through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Pressed Butter Cookies contains roughly 220 calories, with 9g protein, 8g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is a good source of protein (19% of the Daily Value), iron (15% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (13% of the Daily Value).

220 kcal 11% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 9.3g 19% DV
Total Fat 15.1g 19% DV
Carbs 8.1g 3% DV
Fiber 0.6g 2% DV
Sugar 0.9g 2% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 38.9mg 2% DV
Potassium 107.3mg 2% DV
Cholesterol 577.4mg 100% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 120.8mcg 13% DV
Vitamin C 3.6mg 4% DV
Vitamin D 2.6mcg 13% DV
Calcium 76.3mg 6% DV
Iron 2.8mg 15% DV
Diet fit Keto-friendly Under 400 cal
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten Tree nuts

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 margarine instead of butter?

Yes, you can use margarine in place of butter. However, using butter will give the cookies a richer flavor. If using margarine, opt for a stick variety instead of a tub for the best results.

What can I do if my dough is too soft?

If your dough is too soft to press, try chilling it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will help firm it up. You can also add a tablespoon of flour at a time until you reach the desired consistency.

How can I make these cookies more festive?

To add a festive touch, consider using colorful sprinkles or edible glitter before baking. You can also drizzle melted chocolate on top once the cookies have cooled, or sandwich them with a layer of frosting for a treat that’s sure to impress.

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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