There’s something wonderfully nostalgic and utterly satisfying about the 3 Ingredient Butter Cookies Recipe. Simple yet decadent, these cookies come together with just butter, powdered sugar, and flour, creating a delicate crumbly texture that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re making a batch for a cozy afternoon treat or prepping for a festive gathering, this recipe promises buttery richness and a meltaway softness in every bite, proving that sometimes less truly is more in the world of baking.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this 3 Ingredient Butter Cookies Recipe, the magic lies in straightforward, quality ingredients that each play a crucial role. Using softened butter for creaminess, powdered sugar for a smooth sweetness, and flour for structure, every element is essential in achieving that perfect tender bite.
- 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened: Ensures a rich, creamy base that provides moistness and flavor without overpowering saltiness.
- 1 cup (116g) powdered sugar: Gives these cookies a delicate sweetness and helps create the soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour or cake flour: Provides the structure and tenderness; cake flour yields a slightly lighter cookie.
How to Make 3 Ingredient Butter Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheets
Start by lining two large baking sheets with parchment paper. This simple step prevents sticking and ensures your cookies lift off easily after baking, saving you from any frustrating cleanups or broken cookies.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar at the highest speed for about 3 to 4 minutes. Beat until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale in color. This aeration step is key to giving your cookies a tender, melt-in-your-mouth quality. Don’t forget to scrape the sides of the bowl to incorporate every bit of butter evenly.
Step 3: Add the Flour
With your mixer on low speed, gradually add the flour to the buttery sugar mixture. Increase the speed gradually as the flour combines—it’ll form a thick paste-like dough that’s perfect for shaping. The dough’s consistency is your clue that you’re on the right track: it should be pliable but firm enough to hold its shape.
Step 4: Shape the Cookies
There are several ways to shape these cookies, so pick your favorite: scoop the dough into 1-tablespoon balls and flatten into thick disks; roll the dough into a log and slice rounds; or transfer the dough to a piping bag with an open star tip and pipe circular shapes. If the dough feels too soft to handle, a short chill in the fridge will firm it up, making shaping much easier.
Step 5: Refrigerate Before Baking
After shaping, place your cookie sheets in the fridge for 30 to 60 minutes until the dough feels firm. This chilling step helps maintain the cookies’ shape during baking and prevents them from spreading too thinly. While chilling, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) for perfect baking temperature.
Step 6: Bake Until Lightly Golden
Bake the cookies on the middle rack for about 15 to 20 minutes until edges and surface start turning a gentle light brown. To ensure even baking, rotate the baking sheet halfway through. Allow the cookies to cool on the cookie sheet before transferring them—it helps them set properly and keeps their delicate texture intact.
How to Serve 3 Ingredient Butter Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies are delightful on their own, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate can elevate their charm. For a festive look, consider rolling the edges in colorful sugar sprinkles or dusting with a pinch of cinnamon for warmth and aroma.
Side Dishes
Pair these buttery cookies with a hot cup of tea, fresh coffee, or even a glass of cold milk to create a comforting snack experience. They also make a lovely accompaniment to a bowl of fresh berries or a creamy vanilla ice cream scoop for a more indulgent dessert moment.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack them neatly on a vintage plate tied with a ribbon for gifting, or arrange them in small jars or tins for a charming homemade gift. You can even sandwich your 3 Ingredient Butter Cookies with jam or Nutella for a fun twist that turns them into miniature cookie sandwiches perfect for parties or afternoon treats.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your cookies fresh and maintain their delightful texture, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days. This keeps them crisp on the outside while tender inside, ideal for enjoying throughout the week without any loss of quality.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies in a sealed container or freezer bag. Layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking. When you want a quick treat, simply thaw at room temperature—the texture stays beautifully intact.
Reheating
If you prefer freshly-baked warmth, pop your cookies in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 3 to 5 minutes. This refreshes their crisp edges and buttery center, making each bite taste like they’ve just come out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I substitute the all-purpose flour with another type of flour?
Yes, you can use cake flour for a lighter, more tender cookie. However, avoid whole wheat or gluten-free flours unless you’re ready to experiment, as they’ll change the texture and may require adjustments.
What happens if I skip chilling the dough?
Skipping refrigeration usually leads to cookies that spread too thin and lose their shape. Chilling helps the butter firm up, ensuring the cookies bake with the perfect thickness and texture.
Can I add flavors or mix-ins to this recipe?
Absolutely! While the classic 3 Ingredient Butter Cookies Recipe shines on its simplicity, you can add vanilla extract, lemon zest, or even finely chopped nuts for subtle flavor boosts. Just remember to keep any additions minimal to maintain the recipe’s balance.
How long do these cookies stay fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies stay fresh for up to five days. Beyond that, freezing is your best bet for preserving freshness.
Is it necessary to use unsalted butter?
Using unsalted butter lets you control the salt level precisely. Salted butter could make the cookies a bit saltier than intended, but if you only have salted butter, you can still use it—just omit any extra salt in the recipe, which here is already absent.
Final Thoughts
This 3 Ingredient Butter Cookies Recipe is a perfect reminder that simplicity in baking often yields the most comforting and delicious results. It’s straightforward enough for beginners but satisfying for anyone craving a buttery treat. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and discover just how easy it is to create magic from three simple ingredients!
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3 Ingredient Butter Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 32 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Deliciously simple and buttery, these 3 Ingredient Butter Cookies are easy to make and perfect for any occasion. With just butter, powdered sugar, and flour, these melt-in-your-mouth cookies offer a tender crumb and a rich buttery flavor. Ideal for beginners and cookie lovers alike, this recipe includes multiple shaping options and tips to ensure perfectly baked cookies every time.
Ingredients
Butter Cookies Ingredients
- 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (116g) powdered sugar
- 2 cups (250g) all purpose flour or cake flour (240g)
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Sheets: Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent cookies from sticking and allow even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, add softened butter and powdered sugar. Using a mixer, cream on highest speed for 3-4 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. Stop periodically to scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula to ensure all butter is incorporated evenly.
- Add Flour: Gradually add the flour to the creamed butter and sugar. Start mixing on a low speed to incorporate, then increase speed slightly once combined. The dough should take the appearance of a thick paste, smooth but firm.
- Shape the Dough: Choose one of the following shaping methods:
1) Scoop the dough with a 1 tablespoon cookie scoop, roll into balls, then flatten into disks about 1/2 inch thick. Space them 1 inch apart on the baking sheet.
2) Roll the dough into a log about 1 to 1.5 inches wide, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate until firm (about 30 minutes). Then slice into 1/2 inch thick rounds.
3) Transfer dough to a piping bag fitted with an open star tip (1/2 inch opening). Pipe circle shapes about 1 1/2 inches wide, spacing 1 inch apart. If dough is too firm for piping, massage inside the bag or add 1 tbsp melted butter to soften slightly. - Chill the Dough: Place prepared cookie sheets with shaped dough in the fridge for 30-60 minutes. Chilling firms the dough and prevents spreading during baking. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
- Bake the Cookies: Place one cookie sheet in the center of the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until edges and surface begin to turn a light golden brown. Rotate the sheet halfway through baking for even browning. Remove and cool on the cookie sheet before transferring. Bake the second tray after the first batch finishes.
- Storage: Once fully cooled, store cookies in an airtight container to maintain crispness. They last several days at room temperature or can be frozen for longer storage.
Notes
- Using cake flour instead of all purpose flour can create a more tender cookie.
- Ensuring the butter is softened (not melted) helps achieve the right dough texture.
- Chilling the dough before baking is essential to prevent excessive spreading.
- If the dough is too soft for shaping, refrigerate a few minutes or add a little flour.
- Cookies are best served at room temperature once fully cooled to enjoy their delicate crumb and buttery flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
