There’s nothing quite as satisfying as a sweet treat that’s simple to make yet bursting with flavor. These 3-Ingredient Butter Cookies are exactly that—a quick and easy recipe that requires minimal effort and produces delightful, melt-in-your-mouth cookies. These cookies have the perfect buttery texture and just the right amount of sweetness, making them a favorite for all ages.
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Why You’ll Love These Butter Cookies
- Incredibly Easy: With only three ingredients, there’s no need for fancy techniques or equipment.
- Perfect Texture: Buttery, light, and crumbly with a hint of crispness on the edges.
- Versatile Flavor: Mildly sweet with a rich butter taste, which makes them an ideal base for customizing.
- Kid-Friendly: A fun recipe for kids to help with, from mixing to rolling the dough balls.
- Impressively Quick: Start-to-finish in just 25 minutes, ideal for last-minute guests or a cozy tea-time treat.
The Story Behind 3-Ingredient Cookies
Butter cookies have a long-standing tradition in European baking, especially around the holiday season. Originally popularized as Danish butter cookies, these treats are known for their simplicity and timeless appeal. This 3-ingredient recipe captures that classic taste and texture without needing extra ingredients or steps. It’s the type of recipe passed down through generations—one of those “go-to” recipes you keep in your back pocket for any occasion.
What Do These Butter Cookies Taste Like?
Imagine biting into a cookie that’s slightly crisp around the edges yet soft and tender inside, with a taste so buttery it melts in your mouth. With just a touch of sweetness, these cookies aren’t overly sugary, allowing the rich flavor of the butter to shine through. A slight crunch from the crisscross fork pattern adds a delightful texture that makes each bite even more satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Unsalted Butter – 1 cup (225g), softened
- Granulated Sugar – 1/2 cup (100g)
- All-Purpose Flour – 2 cups (250g)
- Vanilla Extract – 1 teaspoon (optional, but highly recommended)
Note: Softening the butter beforehand is essential for that perfect cookie texture. Simply leave it out for about 30 minutes, and you’re ready to bake!
Necessary Tools for This Recipe
- Large Mixing Bowl: For combining ingredients.
- Electric Mixer: Optional, but speeds up the process of creaming the butter and sugar.
- Baking Sheet: Essential for placing the cookies in the oven.
- Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and makes for easy cleanup.
- Fork: Used to press down the cookie balls and create a crisscross pattern.
- Wire Rack: Allows the cookies to cool evenly.
How to Make 3-Ingredient Butter Cookies
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This is a crucial step as it helps create a tender cookie texture.
- Incorporate the Flour: Gradually add in the flour, mixing until the dough comes together. The dough should be soft but not too sticky.
- Shape and Flatten: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls (about the size of a walnut) and place them on the baking sheet. Use the back of a fork to press each ball down gently, creating a crisscross pattern.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Possible Ingredient Additions and Substitutions
- Vanilla Extract: Adds depth to the buttery flavor. You can also try almond extract for a different twist!
- Cinnamon or Nutmeg: A pinch of spice makes these cookies feel cozy and festive.
- Zest of Lemon or Orange: Adds a bright citrus note that pairs beautifully with butter.
- Powdered Sugar: For a softer cookie, replace the granulated sugar with powdered sugar.
- Gluten-Free Flour: Use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version.
Tips for Perfect Butter Cookies
- Use Softened Butter: Cold butter won’t cream well, so make sure it’s softened.
- Avoid Overmixing: Overworking the dough can make the cookies tough. Mix just until combined.
- Consistent Size: Roll the dough balls evenly to ensure all cookies bake at the same rate.
- Chill the Dough for Designs: For crisper edges, chill the dough for 10-15 minutes before baking.
What to Serve with These Cookies
- Tea or Coffee: These cookies are fantastic alongside a hot cup of tea or coffee.
- Ice Cream Sandwiches: Use two cookies with a scoop of ice cream in the middle.
- Fruit Jams: Try spreading a bit of your favorite jam on top for a fruity touch.
Storage Instructions
Room Temperature
Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. The cookies maintain their crumbly texture without refrigeration.
Freezer
You can also freeze these cookies. Place them in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper. Thaw at room temperature or pop them in the oven for a quick refresh.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but you may want to skip any additional salt. Salted butter will add a savory hint that complements the sweetness.
What if I don’t have an electric mixer?
A wooden spoon or whisk will work! Creaming by hand takes a bit longer but will still yield tasty results.
How do I keep my cookies soft?
Avoid overbaking and store them in an airtight container. Slightly underbaking by a minute or two also yields a softer texture.
Can I freeze the dough instead of the baked cookies?
Yes! Freeze the dough balls in a single layer, then store them in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, pop them in the oven without thawing and add an extra 1-2 minutes.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per Cookie)
- Calories: 80 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fat: 4g
- Protein: 1g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 2mg (with unsalted butter)
Related Recipes You’ll Love
Looking to expand your cookie collection? Here are a few recipes you won’t want to miss:
- Classic Shortbread Cookies: Rich and crumbly, these are another three-ingredient favorite.
- Brown Sugar Cookies: Chewy and caramel-like, perfect for a little twist.
- Easy Sugar Cookies: Soft, sweet, and great for cut-out shapes.
Join the Conversation!
Have you tried this recipe? I’d love to hear from you! Leave a review, share your photos, or tag me. I hope these butter cookies bring a little sweetness to your day! Enjoy every delicious bite !
3-Ingredient Butter Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Flour: Gradually add the flour, mixing until the dough comes together. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky.
- Shape and Flatten: Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on the prepared baking sheet. Flatten each ball with the back of a fork, creating a crisscross pattern.
- Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Cool and Enjoy: Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Customization Options: Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or a bit of citrus zest for a flavor twist.
Chilling the Dough: For slightly firmer cookies, chill the dough for 10-15 minutes before baking.
Freezing Tips: You can freeze the dough balls before baking. When ready to bake, add an extra 1-2 minutes to the bake time.
