German Butter Cookies Recipe

German Butter Cookies are my personal solution to holiday baking stress. Tell me if this sounds familiar: you’re scrambling for the perfect treat that feels special, looks cute, but isn’t a five-hour project. I hear you! These lovely cookies deliver every time. They’re buttery, pretty, and…you know what? shockingly easy. If you’ve got a hankering for a good, classic cookie that never lets you down, pull up a chair.

TL;DR: German Butter Cookies Recipe

• Flavor: classic buttery cookies with soft centers and crisp edges
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Chill Time: 1 hour
• Bake Time: 10–12 minutes
• Total: approx. 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 30–36 cookies
• Key Ingredients: butter, sugar, flour, egg, vanilla
• Best For: Christmas baking, cookie tins, edible gifts
• Must-Do: chill dough for perfect shapes

Full recipe card below with step-by-step instructions

What Are German Butter Cookies? (History & Why They’re a Christmas Favorite)

So, here’s a little story. German Butter Cookies, also called Butterplätzchen or Butterkekse, show up in homes all over Germany at Christmastime. Why? Because they are melt-in-your-mouth simple, with just a few humble ingredients that somehow transform into a nostalgic holiday treat. Families have been making these for generations, using cookie cutters and throwing on festive sprinkles for good measure. They look right at home on a holiday platter with relatives crowding around (maybe bickering a bit). Plus, they’re great for dunking in hot drinks or stacking up for edible gifts.

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Ingredients for Traditional German Butter Cookies

The basics are blissfully straightforward:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, room temp (really, quality here matters)
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Yep, that’s literally it (well, for the classic version). No need for fussy stuff. If you want to check out another cozy treat, seriously, see my best butter mochi recipe – traditional Japanese dessert made simple.

Optional Flavor Add-Ins (Almond extract, Lemon zest, Spices)

Alright, here’s where I like to play a little. Toss in half a teaspoon of almond extract if you want something more fragrant. Lemon zest makes these bright and zingy, which is lovely when you’re tired of heavy holiday sweets! trust me. Some folks sprinkle a little cinnamon or nutmeg into the dough. If kids are helping? Keep it basic. Adults? Get wild with the flavors. No rules, just cookies.

How to Make German Butter Cookies Step-by-Step

Super simple method:
First, cream your butter and sugar until they look fluffy and pale. Add in the egg and vanilla, don’t rush, give it a good mix. Sift in the flour and salt. The dough will seem crumbly, but keep going. Squish it together with clean hands if you need to. Chill your dough (yep, at least an hour). Roll it out, cut fun shapes, and bake until just barely golden. Cool them on a rack, because if you try to eat them hot (ask me how I know) they’ll fall apart. Want more cookie inspo? I’ve got a pumpkin chocolate chip cookies recipe you might like during autumn.

How to Make German Butter Cookies (Step-by-Step)

1. Cream butter + sugar: Beat until very pale and fluffy.
2. Add egg + vanilla: Mix until smooth and fully combined.
3. Stir in dry ingredients: Sift flour and salt, then mix just until a dough forms.
4. Bring dough together: If crumbly, gently press with clean hands.
5. Chill: Wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to prevent spreading.
6. Roll + cut shapes: Lightly flour your surface; use cookie cutters for festive designs.
7. Bake: Place on parchment-lined sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes, just until edges lightly golden.
8. Cool: Transfer to a wire rack to firm up perfectly.

Tip: Enjoy warm at your own risk-fresh out of the oven they are delicate and crumbly.

Baking Tips for Perfect Butter Cookies Every Time

I can’t stress this enough, don’t skip chilling the dough. You will regret it. Your cookies will spread everywhere, and you’ll be mad about it. Also, don’t overbake! Slightly pale edges = perfect. If you love experimenting, swap a bit of sugar for brown sugar for a richer taste. And hey, let your kids go wild with the sprinkles. No such thing as too many (well, almost).

Best Tools: Cookie Cutters, Rolling Pin, Cooling Rack

You don’t need fancy gadgets, promise. A simple rolling pin does the job for flattening your chilled dough. For shapes, grab a set of classic holiday cookie cutters, snowflakes, trees, hearts, whatever makes you happy. A wire cooling rack keeps them from going soggy underneath. If you ever need a show-stopper cookie, check out my stained glass cookies recipe for a little drama.

Cookie Shapes, Styles & Decorations

This is the fun part. Traditional German Butter Cookies come in stars, bells, and such think whatever shape makes you smile. Kids love the animals and hearts (believe me, I’ve picked out plenty of tiny cat shapes out of the box). Colored sugar and sprinkles make them shine, but a simple dusting of powdered sugar is kind of classic. No need to get stressed about artistry. Simple is just fine.

Flavor Variations You’ll Love

Lemon and almond are my go-tos. Sometimes I mix in just a tiny pinch of cardamom if feeling Scandinavian. You could dip half in melted chocolate (highly recommend, if you’re having company) or sandwich two cookies with raspberry jam. That…is basically genius. Want a fall twist? I bet you’ll love these pumpkin spice cookies.

Serving Suggestions for Holiday Parties & Cookie Platters

Quick ideas:

• Stack on a pretty plate for last-minute visitors, no judgment
• Tuck a few in a cellophane bag, tie with a ribbon for teacher gifts
• Add to a holiday cookie platter with something colorful, like spooky pumpkin cookies
• Serve next to afternoon tea (yes, really) for a nostalgic treat

Storage & Make-Ahead Instructions

Here is my rule: bake now, snack later. Store cooled German Butter Cookies in an airtight tin. Don’t use plastic containers unless you like soft cookies. You can make dough ahead and freeze it, just let it thaw in the fridge before baking. Handy for big holiday bakes or lazy Sundays.

How Long They Stay Fresh

Short answer! about two weeks, maybe a smidge longer if sealed tight and not too humid in your kitchen. If they vanish on Day 2, don’t blame me. They freeze amazing too, so go wild doubling the batch.

Troubleshooting Common Butter Cookie Issues

If your cookies are spreading too much? Dough probably wasn’t chilled enough. Too tough? Overmixed or too much flour, so be gentle. Layer stuck to the pan? Parchment paper is your friend, just saying. If your cookies seem bland, try upping the vanilla or salt just a tad.

Nutrition Information (Per Cookie Estimate)

Not a salad (ha!), but not guilt in cookie form either. Each cookie has around 80 calories, 5g fat, 7g carbs, and 1g protein, depending on how big you cut ‘em. This isn’t medical advice or anything, so don’t quote me. The butter is the real star, okay?

Nutrition Facts – German Butter Cookies

Per Cookie (Approx. based on 36 cookies)
Calories	80 kcal
Total Fat	5 g
Saturated Fat	3 g
Carbohydrates	7 g
Sugars	3 g
Protein	1 g
Sodium	20 mg
Cholesterol	15 mg

*Nutrition values are estimates based on standard calculations using data from USDA FoodData Central and NutritionValue.org. Actual results may vary with size and ingredient brands.

Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free Adaptations

No need to feel left out. Swap in a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend (Bob’s Red Mill is a good one). Use a quality plant-based butter for dairy-free folks. Texture is very close, flavor still amazing. If you try this way, let me know your result, I’m always curious how it works out in other kitchens.

Can I Use Salted Butter?

If that’s what you’ve got handy, just skip the pinch of salt in the recipe. The cookies come out a smidge saltier, but honestly still really tasty. I’ve done it plenty and no one ever noticed.

Do I Have to Chill the Dough?

Listen…yes, you do. Sorry, but this is not negotiable if you want nice shapes. Skipping this step turns everything into weird pancakes. Patience, my friend.

Real Talk: You Can Absolutely Do This

There you have it…German Butter Cookies that feel all kinds of special without the headache. I love recipes that give those family-warmth vibes, but don’t wreck your kitchen or your mood. You’ll maybe even have time to check out a new cookie recipe or two. Seriously, bake a batch and let me know what you think. For more info about traditional holiday cookies, just visit this helpful baking guide. Have fun, and happy baking!