3-Ingredient Butter Cookies

There’s something incredibly comforting about a simple cookie. No bells, no whistles—just buttery, melt-in-your-mouth perfection. And these 3-Ingredient Butter Cookies? They’re the definition of simple done right. Crispy-edged, soft-centered, and delicately sweet, they come together in minutes with pantry staples and deliver big on flavor.

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What Are 3-Ingredient Butter Cookies?

These cookies are a classic, no-fuss shortbread-style treat made with just butter, sugar, and flour. That’s it! No eggs, no baking powder, no extras—just three simple ingredients that combine into a soft, crisp, golden cookie you’ll find hard to stop eating. They’re slightly sweet, super buttery, and utterly satisfying.

Why You’ll Love These Cookies

• Only 3 ingredients—and you probably have them all right now
• Ready in under 30 minutes
• Perfect for holiday trays, tea time, or everyday cravings
• Easily customizable with spices, extracts, or toppings
• Ideal for baking with kids or beginners

What Do They Taste Like?

These cookies are buttery and tender with a light crumb. They’re not overly sweet, which makes them perfect for pairing with coffee or tea. Think of them as the elegant cousin to sugar cookies—less sweet, more melt-in-your-mouth magic.

Benefits of This Recipe

• Budget-friendly: Just three pantry staples
• Make-ahead friendly: Dough freezes beautifully
• Versatile: Add your own spin with just one or two tweaks
• Great for gifting: Package in tins or jars for a charming homemade gift

Ingredients for 3-Ingredient Butter Cookies

• 1 cup (2 sticks / 226g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup (60g) powdered sugar (a.k.a. icing sugar)
• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour

Optional toppings:

• Granulated sugar for sprinkling
• Melted chocolate for dipping
• Jam for thumbprints
• Lemon zest or vanilla extract for added flavor

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowl
• Electric mixer or sturdy spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Cookie cutter (optional)

Ingredient Additions & Substitutions

• Salted butter: Works fine—just skip added salt
• Add flavor: Try 1 tsp vanilla, almond, or lemon extract
• Switch flour: Use gluten-free 1:1 flour blend for a GF version
• Spice it up: Add 1/2 tsp cinnamon or cardamom
• Make thumbprint cookies: Press a divot in the center before baking and add jam afterward

How to Make 3-Ingredient Butter Cookies

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Cream the butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat softened butter and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy (about 2 minutes).
3. Add the flour: Mix in the flour gradually until a soft dough forms. It might look crumbly at first—just keep mixing until it comes together.
4. Shape the cookies:
   • Roll dough into 1-inch balls and flatten slightly
   • OR roll out dough and use cookie cutters
   • OR form a log, chill, and slice into rounds
5. Optional: Sprinkle tops with a little granulated sugar for sparkle or press a fork gently for a crisscross pattern.
6. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until edges are just starting to turn golden. Don’t overbake!
7. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

What to Serve With Butter Cookies

These cookies are simple and elegant—perfect for:

• Afternoon tea or coffee
• Gift boxes or cookie exchanges
• Dipping in chocolate (add sea salt for bonus points!)
• Serving alongside fruit or custards

Tips for Perfect Butter Cookies

• Use softened butter, not melted—this keeps the dough together
• Don’t overmix once you add the flour
• Chill the dough for 15–30 minutes if it feels too soft to shape
• Bake until just golden on the edges—shortbread should be pale
• Use a light-colored baking sheet to avoid over-browning the bottoms

Storage Instructions

• Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week
• Freezer: Freeze unbaked dough or baked cookies for up to 2 months
• Gift tip: Wrap in parchment inside a decorative tin or jar for a charming homemade gift

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add vanilla or other flavors?

Absolutely! Add 1 teaspoon of your favorite extract for an extra layer of flavor.

Can I use granulated sugar instead of powdered?

You can, but powdered sugar gives a smoother texture and better mouthfeel in these cookies.

My dough is crumbly—what should I do?

Just keep mixing! It will come together. If it’s very dry, you can add 1 tsp milk at a time until it holds.

Can I make these ahead?

Yes! The dough can be made and refrigerated up to 3 days in advance, or frozen for longer storage.

Conclusion

Whether you’re baking for the holidays, hosting a tea party, or just need something warm and buttery to brighten your day, these 3-Ingredient Butter Cookies are the answer. They’re humble, classic, and absolutely delicious.

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