3-Ingredient Butter Cookies Recipe

There is something truly magical about these 3-Ingredient Butter Cookies that makes them an irresistible treat any time of year. With just butter, sugar, and flour, this simple recipe delivers tender, buttery cookies with a perfectly delicate crumb and that nostalgic homemade charm everyone adores. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro looking for a quick classic, these cookies prove that sometimes the best things in life come from just a handful of ingredients and a little love.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting great results with the 3-Ingredient Butter Cookies means using just a few simple ingredients, each playing a crucial role in delivering the cookie’s buttery richness, tender texture, and subtle sweetness.

• Unsalted butter (1 cup or 2 sticks): Softened for easy mixing, butter provides creaminess and that melt-in-your-mouth flavor.
• Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Adds just the right amount of sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
• All-purpose flour (2 cups): The base that holds the dough together and gives structure to each cookie bite.

How to Make 3-Ingredient Butter Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies bake evenly and won’t stick after baking, making clean-up a breeze.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together. This step is key to achieving the light, airy texture you want — take your time here until the mixture becomes pale and fluffy, showing you’ve incorporated enough air.

Step 3: Incorporate the Flour

Gradually add the flour to your butter-sugar mixture. Stir gently but thoroughly to form a soft dough. The dough should be soft to the touch but not sticky — this balance ensures a delicate final texture.

Step 4: Shape the Cookies

Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them neatly on your prepared baking sheet. Make sure to space them about 2 inches apart; this gives them room to spread slightly without merging into each other.

Step 5: Add the Signature Fork Marks

Use a fork to gently press down on each dough ball, creating that classic crisscross pattern. This step is not only decorative but helps the cookies bake evenly.

Step 6: Bake Until Lightly Golden

Bake for 12 to 15 minutes. Keep an eye on them; the edges should just begin to turn a soft golden brown, signaling they are perfectly baked while staying tender inside.

Step 7: Cool Before Enjoying

Allow your cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes to firm up slightly, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This final step ensures they keep their shape and texture.

How to Serve 3-Ingredient Butter Cookies

Garnishes

While these 3-Ingredient Butter Cookies are delicious on their own, adding a dusting of powdered sugar or a light drizzle of melted chocolate instantly elevates their presentation and flavor. Fresh berries on the side also make a charming, colorful addition.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a warm cup of tea or coffee for an inviting snack time treat. They also complement cold vanilla or berry-flavored ice cream wonderfully, creating a balanced experience of buttery crunch and creamy sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, try sandwiching two cookies together with a dab of fruit jam or chocolate spread. You can also cut the dough into festive shapes before baking, turning these humble treats into charming gifts or party favors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your 3-Ingredient Butter Cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay delicious for up to a week, so you can enjoy them throughout the week as a quick homemade indulgence.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, these cookies freeze beautifully. Just place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a sealed freezer bag or container. When you’re ready to eat, let them thaw at room temperature.

Reheating

To regain that just-baked warmth and softness, pop your cookies in a low oven (about 300°F) for a few minutes or heat briefly in the microwave. This little trick refreshes their texture without drying them out.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but reduce or omit any added salt in other recipes you might pair with the cookies. Salted butter will add a slight savory note, which some people enjoy in these otherwise sweet cookies.

Is it possible to make these cookies gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with an equal amount of a gluten-free baking blend. Keep in mind the texture might be a bit different, but the buttery flavor remains wonderfully intact.

How long do these cookies last after baking?

Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies retain their freshness and taste for about 5 to 7 days.

Can I add flavors or mix-ins to the dough?

You can! Adding a splash of vanilla extract, a pinch of cinnamon, or chopped nuts can personalize your cookies. Just remember that the classic 3-Ingredient Butter Cookies shine brightest in their pure, simple form.

What is the best way to soften butter quickly?

Let butter sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking. Alternatively, cut it into smaller pieces to speed up softening or use the defrost setting on your microwave in short bursts, watching carefully.

Final Thoughts

There is a timeless joy in baking these 3-Ingredient Butter Cookies, whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a charming treat to share with friends and family. Their simplicity, buttery flavor, and comforting texture make them a cherished classic worth keeping in your baking repertoire. So grab those three ingredients, warm up your oven, and treat yourself to a batch of homemade happiness today!

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