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If you love cookies that crackle on top, melt in your mouth, and are ridiculously easy to make—this one’s for you. These Butter Crack Cookies are crisp around the edges and soft inside, with a rich buttery flavor that tastes just like home. No mixer, no stress—just mix, roll, and bake. Perfect for a cozy snack, lunchbox treat, or sharing with friends!
Why You’ll Love This Butter Crack Cookies Recipe
No mixer needed
You don’t need any special tools—just a bowl and spoon. Easy cleanup, too!
Ready in under 40 minutes
From mixing to baking, these cookies come together super fast. Great for quick cravings or surprise guests.
Crackly on top, soft in the middle
These cookies look cool with their crackled tops, and they’re soft and buttery inside. The best of both worlds.
You can switch up the flavor
Add vanilla, lemon zest, or even cinnamon to change things up. Make them your own!
Just a few ingredients
You only need a small list of things—most you already have at home. Simple and sweet.
Ingredients & Why They Work
- 80g unsalted butter – This gives the cookies their rich flavor and soft texture. Make sure it’s softened!
- 1 egg yolk (or 20ml milk) – Helps bind everything together. Milk makes it egg-free!
- 40g sugar – Just the right sweetness without overpowering.
- 100g cornstarch – This keeps the cookie center light and soft.
- 1g baking powder (optional) – Adds a tiny bit of lift for those pretty crack tops.
- 40g cake flour – Creates a delicate crumb. All-purpose flour works too, just slightly firmer.
Instructions – Let’s Bake Some Joy!
1. Soften the Butter
Leave your butter out until it’s soft and squishy. Then mash it in a bowl with a spoon until smooth and creamy.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients
Add the egg yolk (or milk if you’re skipping the egg). Stir until the butter turns pale and silky.
3. Sweeten It Up
Mix in the sugar until it’s fully dissolved. You don’t want any grainy bits left.
4. Dry Ingredients Time
Add cornstarch and mix. It may feel dry at first, but keep going—it will turn into a soft dough.
Add baking powder and cake flour, and mix until smooth.
5. Shape the Cookies
Scoop about 22g of dough per cookie (around 1 heaping tablespoon). Roll them into balls. Slightly press a little to make it a little flat
6. Bake
Line your tray with parchment or foil. Bake in a preheated oven at 160°C (320°F) for 20 minutes. They’re ready when the edges turn golden and the tops start to crack.
7. Cool & Enjoy
Cool on a wire rack and get ready to bite into buttery heaven.
Cooking Tips & Techniques
Too dry? Add a splash of milk if your dough isn’t coming together.
Want more cracks? Flatten a bit more before baking and use baking powder.
Flavor twist: Add a drop of vanilla or a bit of lemon zest for a new flavor.
Extra soft? Skip the baking powder and reduce baking time slightly.
Recommended Equipment
- Non-stick Baking Tray
- Silicone Spatula Set
- Oven Thermometer – For perfect baking!
- Digital Kitchen Scale (great for cookie dough!)
How to Serve It
Serve with a glass of milk, hot tea, or coffee. These cookies also pack well in lunchboxes or snack containers!
Easy Butter Crack Cookies are a simple, buttery snack treat, so when pairing them, you’ll want flavors that complement their rich, crumbly texture without overwhelming their subtle flavor. Here are some great ideas for pairing them
Jam or Fruit Preserves: A dollop of strawberry, raspberry, or apricot jam on top of each cookie can elevate the flavor with a fruity contrast to the richness of the butter.
Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream can be a perfect pairing. The cool, creamy ice cream balances the cookies’ warmth and richness.
Caramel: Drizzle a bit of salted caramel over the cookies or serve with a caramel dipping sauce for an indulgent treat.
Diet-Friendly Options
- Egg-Free: Just use milk instead of egg yolk—works perfectly.
- Gluten-Free: Swap cake flour for almond flour or a gluten-free blend (expect a crumblier texture).
Best Ways to Store
- Room Temp: Store in an airtight jar for 3–5 days.
- Fridge: Keep longer for up to 10 days (just reheat slightly before eating).
- Freezer: Freeze dough balls and bake fresh when cravings hit!
Recipe Variations
- Add mini chocolate chips or crushed nuts
- Roll in powdered sugar before baking for a snowball look
- Mix in matcha powder or cocoa powder for flavor fun
Easy Butter Crack Cookies (Crispy Outside, Soft Inside)
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon or spatula
- Oven
- Baking tray
- Parchment paper or foil
Ingredients
- 80g unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 egg yolk (or substitute with 20ml milk)
- 40g sugar
- 100g cornstarch (other starches work, texture may vary)
- 1g baking powder (optional but recommended)
- 40g cake flour (or use all-purpose flour for a slightly different texture)
Instructions
- Soften the Butter:Let butter sit at room temperature until soft. Mash it in a bowl until creamy.
- Mix Wet Ingredients:Add egg yolk (or milk) and stir until well blended. The mixture should turn pale yellow.
- Add Sugar:Stir in sugar thoroughly until no grains are visible. This helps avoid a gritty texture.
- Add Dry Ingredients:Mix in cornstarch. It may seem dry at first, but keep mixing—it will come together.Then add baking powder and combine evenly. Finally, mix in cake flour until a smooth dough forms.
- Shape the Cookies:Scoop out about 22g of dough per cookie. Roll into smooth balls and gently flatten the tops.
- Bake:Place on a baking tray lined with parchment or foil.Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F) for 10 minutes.Bake at 160°C (320°F) for 20 minutes or until golden at the edges.
- Cool and Serve:Let cool on a wire rack. Enjoy the satisfying crackled tops and rich buttery flavor!
Notes
Pro Tips & Variations:
- No Oven? Use an air fryer at similar temp and time.
- Swap cornstarch with potato starch or tapioca, but expect different textures.
- Add vanilla extract or lemon zest for a twist in flavor.
- Want them softer? Skip baking powder and reduce baking time slightly.
Common Questions Answered
1. Can I use salted butter?
Yes! Just skip the pinch of added salt if using salted butter.
2. What if I don’t have cornstarch?
Use potato starch or tapioca starch—texture may vary but still tasty.
3. Why are my cookies not cracking?
Make sure the oven is hot enough and don’t flatten them too much.
4. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just double all ingredients and bake in batches.
5. Are these cookies sweet?
They’re mildly sweet. You can adjust by adding a bit more sugar if you like.
These Easy Butter Crack Cookies are proof that the simplest things can bring the most joy. Whether you’re baking solo, with kids, or for friends, this recipe guarantees crispy, soft, buttery bites every time. So grab a bowl and a spoon—let’s make cookie magic!