Homemade Buttery Criss-Cross Cookies Recipe

If you’re craving a classic cookie that’s delightfully tender yet boasts a satisfyingly crisp texture, this Homemade Buttery Criss-Cross Cookies Recipe is an absolute must-try. With its simple ingredients and nostalgic fork-tine pattern, these cookies deliver buttery richness with every bite while being approachable enough for any home baker. Whether you’re making them for an afternoon tea, gifting during the holidays, or just treating yourself, these little golden gems never fail to bring smiles and warmth to the kitchen table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is key, and this recipe keeps it wonderfully simple. Each component plays its part in building that perfect balance of flavor and texture—rich butter for softness, sugar for sweetness, and a touch of vanilla to bring it all together.

• Unsalted butter, ½ cup softened: Use room temperature butter for easy mixing and that creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Granulated sugar, ½ cup: Provides sweetness and helps create that delicate crumb we all love in these cookies.
• Egg, 1 large: Binds the dough and gives structure while keeping the cookies tender.
• Vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon: Adds a warm, classic aroma and depth of flavor.
• All-purpose flour, 2 cups: The foundation for the dough, balancing tenderness and structure perfectly.
• Baking powder, 1 teaspoon: Gives a gentle lift to ensure your cookies aren’t too dense.
• Salt, a pinch: Elevates all the flavors, cutting through the sweetness just right.
• Egg yolk + 1 tablespoon milk (for egg wash): Creates that beautiful golden finish and helps the criss-cross pattern stand out.

How to Make Homemade Buttery Criss-Cross Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar

Start by beating the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar until the mixture turns light and fluffy. This step ensures your cookies will have that melt-in-your-mouth texture and a delicate crumb. Then add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is smooth and combined.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. This even distribution of leavening and salt ensures that your cookies will rise just right and have balanced flavor.

Step 3: Form the Dough

Gradually add the dry ingredients to your butter mixture, folding them in gently until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix here to keep the cookies tender rather than tough.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Wrap your dough in plastic wrap and chill it for 20 to 30 minutes. This step makes the dough easier to roll out and helps the cookies hold their shape while baking.

Step 5: Shape and Decorate

Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the dough to about ¼-inch thickness. Use a round scalloped cutter to cut beautiful cookie shapes, then place them on a lined baking tray. Brush each cookie lightly with your egg yolk and milk wash, then press the tines of a fork in a criss-cross pattern across the tops. This not only looks charming but adds a bit of crispy texture.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake your cookies in a preheated oven at 170°C to 175°C (around 340°F) for 12 to 15 minutes. Keep an eye on them—the edges should just start to turn golden while the centers remain slightly soft. Let them cool completely on a wire rack so they firm up perfectly.

How to Serve Homemade Buttery Criss-Cross Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

Though these cookies shine on their own, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a gentle drizzle of melted chocolate makes them feel festive or a little more special. You could even sprinkle a few finely chopped nuts on top before baking for extra crunch and flavor.

Side Dishes

Offer these cookies alongside a cup of strong coffee, a steaming mug of hot chocolate, or a refreshing glass of milk. Their buttery richness pairs wonderfully with both warm and cold beverages, making snack time feel like a small celebration.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve these cookies on a vintage plate or stack them with parchment paper in a beautiful tin for gifting. Try arranging them around slices of fresh fruit or dollops of whipped cream for an elegant dessert platter. The criss-cross pattern adds a nostalgic touch that never fails to impress guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your homemade buttery criss-cross cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay tender and flavorful for up to a week, making them perfect for planning ahead for get-togethers or snack cravings.

Freezing

If you want to make these cookies well in advance, freeze the baked cookies in a sealed container or freezer bag. They hold up beautifully and can be frozen for up to three months. Just thaw them at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy.

Reheating

To revive that fresh-baked warmth, pop a few cookies in a preheated oven at 160°C (320°F) for about 5 minutes. This brings back their tender crumb and crispy edges without drying them out.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

While unsalted butter is preferred for controlling salt content, you can use salted butter—just reduce or skip additional salt in the recipe to avoid overpowering the sweetness.

What’s the best way to get a perfect criss-cross pattern?

The trick is to use a fork with slightly floured tines to press gently but firmly onto the dough. This creates a clear, defined pattern without squashing the cookie too thin.

Can I add flavors or mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts?

Absolutely! While traditional criss-cross cookies keep it simple, feel free to fold in mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon for a personalized twist.

How thick should I roll the dough?

Rolling the dough to about ¼ inch thick ensures a cookie that’s sturdy enough to hold the criss-cross pattern but still tender and buttery when baked.

Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?

With a few substitutions like plant-based butter and a flax egg in place of the regular egg, you can adapt this recipe to be vegan. However, the classic buttery flavor will be different but still delicious.

Final Thoughts

This Homemade Buttery Criss-Cross Cookies Recipe is a timeless crowd-pleaser that’s as comforting to bake as it is to share. Its simple ingredients and straightforward steps yield a cookie that feels both homemade and special. Give this recipe a try—you’ll soon discover why these buttery delights are a beloved treat for friends, family, and your own sweet tooth alike!

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