Sometimes the simplest recipes bring the most joy, and these 3-Ingredient Butter Cookies are the perfect example. With just butter, sugar, and flour, you can create delicate, melt-in-your-mouth cookies that taste like they came from a fancy bakery. The magic happens when high-quality butter transforms basic ingredients into something truly special.
Whether you’re in a pinch without many ingredients on hand or simply appreciate the beauty of minimalist baking, these butter cookies deliver maximum flavor with minimum fuss. They’re the perfect canvas for your creativity or delightful just as they are in their pure, buttery glory.
Why You’ll Love This
- Just 3 simple pantry staples needed – no special shopping required
- Prep time is under 10 minutes with minimal cleanup
- Versatile base recipe that can be customized countless ways
- Perfect tender, crisp texture with rich buttery flavor
- Great for last-minute guests or emergency sweet cravings
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Gradually add the flour, mixing until just combined. Don’t overmix.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
- Use a fork to gently flatten each cookie, creating a crisscross pattern on top.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes or until the edges are just barely golden.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips & Variations
- Add ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract or almond extract for extra flavor depth
- Roll the edges in sprinkles before baking for a festive touch
- Press a chocolate kiss or a thumbprint of jam in the center for filled cookies
- Substitute ¼ cup of the flour with cocoa powder for chocolate butter cookies
- For extra crisp cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking
- The quality of butter matters – use the best you can afford for superior flavor
Serving Suggestions
These delicate butter cookies pair beautifully with afternoon tea or coffee. For a more indulgent treat, sandwich two cookies together with a thin layer of chocolate ganache, lemon curd, or buttercream frosting. They also make a lovely accompaniment to a scoop of vanilla ice cream or alongside fresh berries for a simple dessert.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week
- Unbaked cookie dough can be frozen for up to 3 months
- Cookies are done when the edges are just barely golden – don’t overbake
- Let cookies cool completely before storing to maintain their crisp texture
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead?
Yes, you can use salted butter, but omit any additional salt in variations and be aware the flavor profile will be slightly different.
Why did my cookies spread too much?
If your cookies spread too much, your butter was likely too warm. Try chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking next time.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, though the texture may be slightly different.
How can I make these cookies softer?
For softer cookies, bake them for 1-2 minutes less and make the dough balls slightly larger. They’ll have a more tender center while maintaining crisp edges.
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