Description
Mom’s Buttermilk Cookies are soft, tender, and lightly sweetened cookies with a delicate tang from buttermilk, topped with a smooth vanilla frosting and optional chopped walnuts for added crunch. These classic homemade cookies are perfect for any occasion and are quick to prepare and bake.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2–1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
Frosting
- 3 tablespoons butter, softened
- 3–1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 1/4 cup 2% milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the cookies.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender texture.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugar until fully combined and smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning.
- Mix Dough: Alternately add the dry ingredient mixture and buttermilk to the creamed mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Beat well after each addition until smooth and creamy.
- Shape Cookies: Drop dough by rounded tablespoonfuls about 2 inches apart onto greased baking sheets to allow space for spreading during baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are lightly browned, indicating they are cooked through but still soft.
- Cool Cookies: Remove the baking sheets from the oven, and transfer the cookies to wire racks to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
- Prepare Frosting: In a bowl, combine the softened butter, confectioners’ sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Beat the mixture until it becomes smooth and fluffy.
- Frost Cookies: Spread the prepared frosting over the cooled cookies evenly. If desired, sprinkle the tops with finely chopped walnuts to add a crunchy texture.
Notes
- Ensure the egg is at room temperature to help the dough mix evenly.
- Do not overbake; cookies should be lightly browned at the edges but soft inside for the best texture.
- Use greased baking sheets or parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Chopped walnuts are optional but add a nice crunch and flavor contrast.
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Buttermilk cookies, homemade cookies, frosted cookies, classic cookie recipe, walnut cookies
