The Story & Intro

There’s something incredibly comforting about Old-Fashioned Butter Cookies. Every time I make them, I’m brought back to my childhood in Crete, where my grandmother would bake simple buttery cookies that filled the house with the warm scent of vanilla and home. Even though these Old-Fashioned Butter Cookies aren’t traditionally Greek, they always fit right into our kitchen, right beside trays of honey pastries and sesame biscuits. My grandmother believed that delicious food didn’t need to be complicated it just needed love, patience, and real, honest ingredients.

Hi, I’m Marilyn, and growing up surrounded by Crete’s flavors taught me that cooking is more than a daily necessity it’s a way to connect. Every stir of the bowl, every sprinkle of sugar, every imperfectly shaped cookie felt like a small act of joy. That’s why Old-Fashioned Butter Cookies hold a special place in my heart. They’re simple, nostalgic, and unbelievably satisfying. Whenever I bake them, I feel like I’m continuing a tradition one baked with love, laughter, and maybe a little mess on the counter.

My grandmother would always say that butter was the soul of a good cookie. And she wasn’t wrong! These Old-Fashioned Butter Cookies are rich, soft, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth perfect. Their simplicity is what makes them so special. No fancy flavors, no complicated steps just butter, sugar, flour, and a hint of vanilla coming together in the most comforting way. Whether you’re enjoying them with milk, dipping them in hot tea, or packaging them as a holiday gift, these cookies feel like a warm hug.

Sometimes when I bake them today, I smile thinking about how chaotic our kitchen used to get. My grandmother never worried about the mess. She’d say, “A busy kitchen is a happy kitchen.” And it’s true! Making Old-Fashioned Butter Cookies brings that same happiness into my own home now. I hope it brings it into yours too.

If you’re new to baking, this recipe is kind and forgiving. If you’re experienced, you’ll appreciate how timeless and versatile it is. You can press the dough with a fork for a classic look, use cookie cutters for fun shapes, or add sprinkles if you’re feeling playful. No matter how you make them, Old-Fashioned Butter Cookies promise that nostalgic taste of home warm, buttery, sweet, and unforgettable.

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This step gives your Old-Fashioned Butter Cookies their soft, tender texture.

2. Add Egg and Vanilla

Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined. The vanilla enhances the cookie’s nostalgic flavor.

3. Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.

4. Mix the Dough

Slowly add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture. Mix until a smooth dough forms. It should be soft but not sticky.

5. Chill the Dough

Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for 30 minutes. Chilling helps the cookies hold their shape.

6. Shape the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Roll the dough into small balls, flatten gently with your palm, or press with a fork for a classic pattern. You can also use cookie cutters for fun shapes.

7. Bake

Place cookies on a lined baking sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.

8. Cool and Serve

Allow cookies to cool on the tray for 5 minutes before transferring to a rack. Enjoy warm or cooled.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with coffee, tea, or a glass of milk.
Dip half the cookie in chocolate for a festive twist.
Add holiday sprinkles for a seasonal touch.
Gift in tins or jars for a homemade, heartfelt present.

Conclusion

Old-Fashioned Butter Cookies are a reminder that simple things can be incredibly special. With their soft texture, rich buttery flavor, and melt-in-your-mouth goodness, these cookies bring joy to any moment. Whether you’re baking during the holidays, making treats for loved ones, or simply craving something warm and comforting, this recipe delivers every time. Cooking is about sharing stories, creating moments, and making your kitchen feel like home and that’s exactly what these cookies do. I hope they bring as much warmth to your home as they’ve brought to mine.

Recipe Card 🍪✨

⏱️ Time

Total: 55 minutes
Prep: 15 minutes
Chill: 30 minutes
Bake: 10 minutes

🛒 Ingredients

Butter
Sugar
Egg
Vanilla
Flour
Baking powder
Salt

👩‍🍳 Instructions

Cream butter and sugar.
Add egg and vanilla.
Mix dry ingredients.
Combine into dough.
Chill 30 minutes.
Shape cookies.
Bake 10–12 minutes.
Cool and enjoy.

📝 Notes

Chilling helps prevent spreading.
Add lemon zest for a bright twist.
Store in a tin for maximum freshness.

🍽️ Nutrition (Approx. per cookie)

Calories: 95
Fat: 5g
Carbs: 11g
Sugar: 6g
Protein: 1g

100-Word Version of Your Story

Hi, I’m Marilyn from the island of Crete, and cooking has been part of my life since childhood. My grandmother taught me that food brings people closer, and Old-Fashioned Butter Cookies always remind me of that warmth. Even though they’re not Greek, they became one of our cozy homemade traditions. I loved watching her mix butter and sugar until it turned smooth and creamy, filling the kitchen with the sweetest aroma. Today, I make these cookies to continue that joy simple, buttery, and perfect for sharing. They’re a reminder that cooking is about love, memories, and the happiness we create together.