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3-Ingredient Butter Cookies Recipe

4.7 from 139 reviews

These classic 3-ingredient butter cookies are delightfully simple to make and perfect for any occasion. Softened butter, sugar, and flour come together to create tender, buttery cookies with a light crunch. Whether cut into traditional shapes or customized to your liking, these cookies bake to a golden perfection in just 12 to 15 minutes—making them an easy, delicious treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Butter Cookies

  • 1 cup butter, softened
  • ½ cup sugar
  • 2 cups cake flour or all-purpose flour

Instructions

  1. Beat Butter and Sugar: Beat the softened butter and sugar together for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes pale, light, and fluffy. This step aerates the butter to create a tender cookie texture.
  2. Add Flour: Sift the cake or all-purpose flour into the butter and sugar mixture. Mix gently just until combined to form a soft dough without overworking it.
  3. Chill Dough: Wrap the dough in clear plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Chilling firms the dough, making it easier to roll out and cut.
  4. Roll and Cut Dough: Remove the dough from the fridge and place it onto a lightly floured surface. Roll it out to about ¼ inch (6 mm) thickness. Depending on thickness, adjust baking time accordingly. Use cookie cutters to cut into desired shapes.
  5. Bake Cookies: Place the cut-out cookies onto a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 320°F (160°C) for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown. Remove and let cool before serving.

Notes

  • Use softened butter at room temperature for optimal creaming with sugar.
  • Using cake flour yields a more tender cookie, but all-purpose flour works well too.
  • Beating butter and sugar sufficiently creates a fluffy dough and better cookie texture.
  • Refrigerate dough to make it easier to roll out and to prevent spreading during baking.
  • Baking times vary with dough thickness, so watch closely to avoid overbaking.

Keywords: butter cookies, 3 ingredient cookies, easy cookies, simple cookie recipe, homemade cookies