There’s something comforting about the smell of fresh cookies in the kitchen. Especially when they look golden, soft, and just a little crumbly—like the ones in this photo. Our Homemade Simple Butter Cookies are inspired by moments when we want something quick, tasty, and effortlessly satisfying. These cookies have a delicate crisp edge with a soft buttery center. The slight ridges on top add texture, while their warm color invites you to reach for another. We wanted them to taste just as they look: simple, honest, and full of flavor. And yes, we added one surprising ingredient that makes them truly different from the usual recipe.
Why Choose Homemade Simple Butter Cookies?
Butter cookies are timeless. We’ve all tried versions—some store-bought, some homemade. But many feel too heavy or too sweet. That’s why we decided to create our own take on them. We kept everything you love—the buttery taste, the light crunch—but we added a twist. We include a tiny bit of ground coriander seed in the dough. It’s barely noticeable but gives a subtle depth to the flavor that makes people curious. Everyone asks, “What’s in these?” That’s what makes them stand out. Also, these cookies don’t need icing or decoration. Their natural look and taste are enough. We believe that when a cookie is simple, it lets the real ingredients speak for themselves.
Ingredients for Homemade Simple Butter Cookies
For this recipe, you’ll need the following:
- 200 g unsalted butter, softened
- 100 g powdered sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1½ teaspoons ground coriander seed (the unique twist!)
- 250 g all-purpose flour
- A pinch of salt
Optional:
- Raw cane sugar for sprinkling
- A little extra flour for shaping if needed
The ingredients are basic, but the coriander makes a real difference. Don’t worry—it won’t taste like spice. It blends with the vanilla and butter to create a lightly floral and warm aroma. The texture of the cookies remains soft in the center, while the edges turn delicately crisp after baking.
How to Prepare Homemade Simple Butter Cookies
Start by creaming the butter and powdered sugar in a mixing bowl. Beat them until smooth and slightly fluffy. Then add the egg yolk and vanilla extract. Mix again until combined. Add the ground coriander and stir.
Now slowly add the flour and salt. Mix until the dough forms. If it feels too sticky, add a bit more flour. Once ready, wrap the dough and chill it in the fridge for 30 minutes. This helps it hold shape when baked.
Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Take the dough and form small balls—about the size of a walnut. Place them on a parchment-lined tray. Gently press each with a fork to create ridges, like in the photo. Sprinkle with a bit of raw cane sugar if you like a light crunch.
Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let them cool on the tray before moving them to a rack. The aroma will fill the kitchen, and the cookies will look beautifully rustic.
Serving Suggestions
We like to serve these cookies just as they are—on brown parchment, with a few crumbs left to show their texture. If you want to present them at a gathering, place them in a wooden bowl lined with cloth.
They also travel well. Pack them for a picnic or place them in a glass jar as a gift. You don’t need frosting or decoration. The ridges on top, the golden color, and the slightly uneven shapes already make them feel homemade and real.
These cookies are excellent as part of a dessert tray too. Pair them with fruit or a slice of soft cheese if you enjoy a balance of sweet and savory.
What Makes These Cookies Special?
It’s all about simplicity with a surprise. The buttery texture, combined with a hint of coriander, turns a familiar recipe into something new. These cookies are not fancy, and that’s their strength. They look like something your grandmother would serve, yet they taste just a little different.
We love recipes that feel honest. No glaze, no filling, no artificial color. Just good ingredients, shaped with care. The cookies on the photo show that: slightly cracked edges, uneven crumbs, and that gentle golden tone.
What makes them special is the feeling they give. They invite you to slow down, enjoy the moment, and maybe share them with someone.
Variations and Flavor Twists
Although we enjoy this exact version the most, you can always play with ideas. If you don’t have coriander, try adding a pinch of ground cardamom or orange zest. For a crunchier version, you can add chopped pistachios or almonds to the dough.
Some people like to sandwich them with a thin layer of jam. Others dip half the cookie in melted dark chocolate and let it harden.
You can also shape them differently. Roll the dough into a log, chill, and slice it into discs before baking. This makes them more uniform and saves time.
For the holidays, sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top instead of cane sugar. Or press a whole almond in the center for a more Mediterranean feel.
Final Thoughts on Homemade Simple Butter Cookies
If you’re looking for something easy, warm, and flavorful, these Homemade Simple Butter Cookies are a wonderful choice. They bring just enough sweetness, a tender texture, and a bit of something unexpected. The coriander adds mystery, the butter adds comfort, and the look is simple enough to love instantly.
Whether you bake them for a quiet afternoon or a friendly visit, they never feel out of place. They remind us why simple desserts are often the best. No complex steps, no flashy decoration—just great taste and a feeling of home.
If this recipe inspired you, we invite you to explore more ideas in our Sweet Inspirations. There you’ll find treats just as charming and just as easy to enjoy.
Discover more delightful ideas in the collection of sweet recipes we’ve prepared just for your inspiration.