There is something incredibly satisfying about the simplicity of 3-Ingredient Butter Cookies. These buttery delights bring together just butter, sugar, and flour to create a tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookie that feels both classic and comforting. Whether you’re a baking novice or a seasoned pro looking for a quick sweet fix, this recipe delivers pure joy in every bite without the fuss.

3-Ingredient Butter Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of these cookies lies in their simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role: butter provides richness and that heavenly melt, sugar sweetens and adds a slight crispness, and flour gives structure to hold everything together just right.

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened: Softening the butter ensures it creams perfectly with sugar, creating an airy base for tender cookies.
1/2 cup granulated sugar: Granulated sugar adds the just-right sweetness and helps create a beautiful golden edge during baking.
2 cups all-purpose flour: This gives the dough structure, making sure your cookies hold their shape while staying soft inside.

How to Make 3-Ingredient Butter Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prep step ensures your cookies bake evenly and come off the pan without sticking, saving you precious cleanup time.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture turns light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air, which helps your butter cookies develop a delicate texture.

Step 3: Combine with Flour

Slowly add the flour to your creamed mixture, stirring just until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix — you want a smooth dough but avoid developing too much gluten to keep the cookies tender.

Step 4: Shape the Dough

Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and arrange them about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheet. This spacing allows the cookies room to spread slightly without merging into one another.

Step 5: Create the Classic Fork Pattern

Give each dough ball a gentle press with a fork to create a charming crisscross design. This not only adds visual appeal but also helps the cookies bake evenly.

Step 6: Bake Until Lightly Golden

Pop your cookies into the oven for 12 to 15 minutes or until their edges turn a soft golden brown. The aroma filling your kitchen at this point will surely have you counting down the minutes.

Step 7: Cool Before Enjoying

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is key for perfect texture and crispness.

How to Serve 3-Ingredient Butter Cookies

Garnishes

While these cookies shine in their simplicity, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of coarse sea salt adds a lovely contrast to the sweet buttery flavor. For a festive twist, you could even dip one side in melted chocolate.

Side Dishes

Pair your 3-Ingredient Butter Cookies with a warm cup of tea, freshly brewed coffee, or a cold glass of milk. They also make a delightful companion to a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an easy dessert upgrade.

Creative Ways to Present

For a charming gift or party platter, stack the cookies neatly tied with a colorful ribbon or serve them on a decorative plate alongside fresh berries and edible flowers. Their simple beauty makes them perfect for any occasion.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your leftover 3-Ingredient Butter Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Keeping them sealed helps maintain their delightful crisp edges and soft centers.

Freezing

If you want to keep these buttery treats longer, freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag or container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months and thaw beautifully at room temperature.

Reheating

To refresh cookies that have slightly lost their crispness, pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes. This gentle heat will revive their texture without drying them out.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, you can use salted butter, but be mindful that it will add saltiness to your cookies. If you do, skip adding any extra salt to keep flavors balanced.

Is it possible to make these cookies gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Keep in mind that texture might vary slightly, but the cookies will still be delicious.

How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?

Ensure your butter is softened but not melted and chill the dough briefly before baking. This helps the cookies keep their shape and texture.

Can I add flavors like vanilla or almond extract?

While the classic recipe is beautifully simple, adding a teaspoon of vanilla or almond extract can enhance the flavor. Just a little goes a long way.

What’s the best way to get the crisscross fork pattern to look nice?

Use a clean fork dipped in sugar or lightly floured to prevent sticking, then gently press without squashing the cookie dough. This creates a neat and attractive pattern.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a no-fuss recipe that delights everyone with buttery richness and tender texture, these 3-Ingredient Butter Cookies will quickly become your go-to treat. They prove that sometimes, less really is more in the kitchen, and I can’t wait for you to enjoy making and sharing them!

3-Ingredient Butter Cookies Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 13 reviews

Author: Ella
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These classic 3-Ingredient Butter Cookies are simple, buttery, and delightfully crisp. Made with just unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and all-purpose flour, they come together quickly and bake to golden perfection, making them perfect for any occasion or a quick homemade treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which helps create a tender texture for the cookies.
Add Flour: Gradually sift in the all-purpose flour while mixing gently until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
Shape Dough: Roll the dough into 1-inch diameter balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing each ball about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
Create Pattern: Use a fork to gently press down on each dough ball, creating a classic crisscross pattern on top for a visually appealing finish.
Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden brown, indicating they are cooked through but still tender inside.
Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely for the best texture and flavor.

Notes

For a richer flavor, use European-style unsalted butter if available.
Make sure the butter is properly softened at room temperature to achieve the best creaming results.
You can add a pinch of salt if using unsalted butter to balance the sweetness.
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
These cookies can be dipped in melted chocolate for an extra indulgent touch.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
Category: Cookies
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American