There’s something comforting about the classic simplicity of butter cookies. Crisp on the outside, tender in the middle, and perfectly sweet, these light & buttery cookies offer all the satisfaction of a traditional recipe with a lighter twist. Whether you enjoy them with a cup of coffee, as an afternoon snack, or as a homemade gift, these cookies are sure to impress without overwhelming your goals.
This easy-to-follow recipe uses a few smart swaps to keep the cookies delicate and flavorful while reducing unnecessary calories. The result? A batch of golden, melt-in-your-mouth treats that are as delightful as they are mindful.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Simple & Classic: A timeless butter cookie with a lighter approach.
Easy to Make: Minimal ingredients and effort for a delicious result.
Crisp & Buttery Texture: Just like traditional butter cookies, but balanced.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Enjoy them as a snack, dessert, or homemade gift.
Customizable: Easily adapt flavors or add toppings to suit your taste.
Ingredients
- ½ cup light butter, softened
- ⅓ cup sugar substitute (erythritol, monk fruit, or stevia)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
Instructions
Prepare the Dough
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the light butter and sugar substitute until creamy and smooth.
- Add the vanilla extract and egg, mixing until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Shape the Cookies
- Roll the dough into small 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Flatten each cookie slightly with a fork or the bottom of a glass.
Bake & Cool
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
- Let them cool completely before enjoying.

Nutritional Information (Per Cookie)
Calories: 60 | Carbs: 7g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 3g | Sugar: 1g
Tips for Success
- Use Softened Butter: This helps create the perfect texture—creamy and smooth.
- Don’t Overbake: Remove the cookies when the edges are just turning golden for the best texture.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): If the dough is too soft, refrigerate for 15-20 minutes before baking for better shaping.
- Enhance the Flavor: Add a hint of almond extract or a sprinkle of cinnamon for a twist.
- Make It Fancy: Drizzle with melted dark chocolate or dust with powdered sugar substitute for an elegant finish.
Why This Recipe Works
- Balanced Ingredients: Light butter and a sugar substitute keep the cookies flavorful but mindful.
- Simple & Quick: No complicated steps—just mix, shape, and bake!
- Perfectly Portion-Controlled: Small, satisfying cookies that fit into any balanced approach to eating.
- Versatile Base Recipe: Can be customized with different extracts, toppings, or even citrus zest.
These light & buttery cookies prove that you don’t need to sacrifice taste for a balanced treat. With their crisp edges, soft centers, and delicate buttery flavor, they’re the perfect way to satisfy your sweet cravings without overindulging.
Enjoy them with a cup of tea, pack them for a snack, or share them with loved ones—these cookies are a simple, delicious pleasure you’ll want to bake again and again!
Deliciously Simple Butter Cookies: A Recipe You’ll Love
24
servings15
minutes10
minutes60
kcalIngredients
½ cup light butter, softened
⅓ cup sugar substitute (erythritol, monk fruit, or stevia)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 large egg
1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
¼ tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a mixing bowl, beat the light butter and sugar substitute until creamy and smooth.
Add the vanilla extract and egg, mixing until well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms. - Shape the Cookies
Roll the dough into small 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Flatten each cookie slightly with a fork or the bottom of a glass. - Bake & Cool
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden.
Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Let them cool completely before enjoying.
Notes
- Use Softened Butter: This helps create the perfect texture—creamy and smooth.
Don’t Overbake: Remove the cookies when the edges are just turning golden for the best texture.
Chill the Dough (Optional): If the dough is too soft, refrigerate for 15-20 minutes before baking for better shaping.
Enhance the Flavor: Add a hint of almond extract or a sprinkle of cinnamon for a twist.
Make It Fancy: Drizzle with melted dark chocolate or dust with powdered sugar substitute for an elegant finish.