Argentine Butter Cookies (Masitas):
There’s something wonderfully comforting about a plate of homemade Argentine butter cookies, or masitas. These delicate, buttery cookies are simple to make and pair beautifully with a cup of coffee, tea, or traditional Argentine mate.
They’re perfect for an afternoon snack, a family gathering, or whenever you’re craving a little taste of Argentina.
Argentine Butter Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions
1. Cream the butter and sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and creamy, about 2–3 minutes.
2. Add the egg and vanilla
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
3. Add the dry ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture. Mix just until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing.
4. Chill the dough
Wrap the dough and refrigerate for approximately 30–45 minutes. Chilling makes the dough easier to handle and helps the cookies maintain their shape.
5. Shape the cookies
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to about ¼ inch thick. Cut into circles, hearts, stars, or your favorite shapes.
For traditional-looking masitas, you can also pipe the dough into small rosettes or use a cookie press.
6. Bake
Place the cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Bake for approximately 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn lightly golden.
Do not overbake—the cookies should remain tender and buttery.
7. Cool and serve
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Once completely cooled, dust them lightly with powdered sugar if desired.
☕ How to Serve Argentine Cookies
These cookies are delicious alongside:
- Argentine mate
- Coffee with milk
- Espresso
- Tea
- Hot chocolate
For a special Argentine-inspired treat, serve them with dulce de leche. You can sandwich two cookies together with a layer of dulce de leche for an extra-rich version.
Tips for the Best Masitas
Use softened butter: Room-temperature butter creates a smooth, tender dough.
Don't overmix: Mix only until the flour disappears to keep the cookies delicate.
Chill the dough: This makes shaping easier and prevents excessive spreading.
Watch the baking time: Argentine-style butter cookies should be light and tender rather than dark and crispy.
Storage
Store completely cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for approximately 5–7 days.
You can also freeze the baked cookies for longer storage. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.
A Little Taste of Argentina
Argentine masitas are more than just cookies—they're the kind of simple homemade treat that feels right at the table with family and friends.
Serve a plate alongside a warm drink, add a little dulce de leche, and enjoy a sweet taste of Argentina from your own kitchen.
