3-Ingredient Butter Cookies Recipe
Introduction
These 3-ingredient butter cookies are simple, buttery, and delightfully crisp. Perfect for a quick treat, they require minimal ingredients and effort while delivering classic homemade flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter (softened)
- ½ cup sugar
- 2 cups cake or all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Step 1: Beat the softened butter and sugar together for about 5 minutes until the mixture is pale, light, and fluffy.
- Step 2: Sift the flour into the butter and sugar mixture, then gently mix to combine and form a soft dough.
- Step 3: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to chill and firm up.
- Step 4: Remove the dough from the refrigerator and place it on a lightly floured surface. Roll out to about 1/4 inch (6mm) thickness. Adjust baking time if you roll the dough thinner or thicker. Cut into your preferred shapes.
- Step 5: Arrange the cut shapes on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 320°F (160°C) for 12 to 15 minutes until the edges turn golden brown.
Tips & Variations
- Use cake flour for a more tender cookie, or all-purpose flour for a slightly denser texture.
- Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or almond extract to the dough for extra flavor.
- Chill the dough longer if it feels too soft to shape easily.
- Try rolling the dough in sugar before baking for a sweet, crunchy top.
Storage
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months, thawing them at room temperature before serving. Reheat gently in a warm oven for a few minutes to refresh their crispness.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, you can use salted butter, but reduce or omit any added salt in the recipe to avoid an overly salty taste.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Make sure to chill the dough thoroughly before rolling and cutting. Using a slightly cooler oven temperature also helps maintain the cookies’ shape.
Print3-Ingredient Butter Cookies Recipe
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.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
- Yield: About 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Western
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Butter Cookies
- 1 cup butter, softened
- ½ cup sugar
- 2 cups cake flour or all-purpose flour
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
