Easy 3 Ingredient Butter Cookies Recipe for Sweet Bliss

Butter cookies with just three incredible ingredients can solve your dessert dilemma in minutes.

These simple treats emerge from a classic pantry staple combination.

Small batches mean less mess and faster satisfaction.

Crisp edges and delicate centers make these cookies irresistible for afternoon snacking.

Each bite delivers pure buttery sweetness without complicated steps.

Minimal effort translates to maximum pleasure when you bake these delightful morsels.

Slide them onto a plate and watch how quickly they disappear.

Tips to Nail 3 Ingredient Butter Cookies Every Time

• Soften Butter Perfectly: Take butter out of the refrigerator 30-45 minutes before baking to achieve the ideal soft, creamy texture for smooth mixing.
• Prevent Crumbly Dough: Add milk gradually if the dough feels too dry, starting with 1 teaspoon and mixing thoroughly to maintain the right cookie consistency.
• Create Consistent Cookies: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to ensure uniform size and even baking, helping all cookies cook at the same rate.
• Enhance Flavor Variations: Experiment with vanilla extract, almond extract, or lemon zest to add subtle depth and excitement to the basic butter cookie recipe.
• Cool Completely for Best Texture: Allow cookies to cool entirely on a wire rack to develop a crisp exterior and prevent soggy bottoms, ensuring a perfect delicate crunch.

Best Way to Store and Reheat 3 Ingredient Butter Cookies

• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Keep them in a single layer separated by parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Place cookies in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. Freeze flat for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for soft, delicious texture.
• Warm cookies briefly in the oven at 300F for 3-5 minutes to restore their crisp edges and fresh-baked warmth. Avoid microwave to maintain original texture.
• If cookies become slightly stale, place a slice of bread in the container overnight to help them regain moisture and softness.

Perfect Pairings for 3 Ingredient Butter Cookies

• Complement the buttery cookies with a spiced chai tea latte, where cardamom and cinnamon notes enhance the cookie's delicate sweetness and rich texture.
• Serve alongside a light moscato or sweet riesling, which will balance the cookie's simplicity with a gentle, fruity undertone that doesn't overpower the delicate butter flavor.
• Add a scoop of creamy vanilla bean gelato to elevate the butter cookie's experience, creating a luxurious dessert combination that highlights the cookie's gentle, crumbly texture.
• Garnish the plate with fresh raspberries or strawberries, providing a tart contrast that cuts through the cookie's richness and adds a bright, fresh element to the dessert.

Fun Variations for 3 Ingredient Butter Cookies

• Gluten-Free Butter Cookies: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Butter Alternative: Swap dairy butter with coconut oil or plant-based margarine, using vegan sugar to create a dairy-free cookie option.
• Shortbread Style: Add vanilla extract or almond extract for enhanced flavor, rolling cookies in chopped nuts like pecans or almonds before baking for extra crunch.
• Low-Sugar Edition: Substitute regular sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia to reduce overall sugar content while maintaining cookie's classic texture.

What Makes 3 Ingredient Butter Cookies Irresistible

• Foolproof recipe designed for novice bakers, requiring minimal skills and basic kitchen tools, ensuring delicious results every single time.
• Adaptable cookies that can be dressed up for fancy tea parties or enjoyed as simple everyday snacks, appealing to both kids and adults with their classic buttery flavor.
• Saves money and pantry space by using only butter, sugar, and flour, making it an economical and stress-free baking experience for home cooks on a budget.

Ingredients Needed for 3 Ingredient Butter Cookies

Main Ingredients:

Butter Ingredients:- Unsalted Butter: Provides rich, creamy flavor and tender texture for the cookies. Best when softened at room temperature.

Sugar Ingredients:- Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a crisp cookie texture. White sugar works best for classic flavor.

Flour Ingredients:- All-Purpose Flour: Creates the cookie’s structure and gives a light, crumbly texture. Sifted flour ensures smoother dough.

Optional Ingredient:- Milk: Helps bind the dough if it becomes too crumbly. Whole milk recommended for best consistency.

Finishing Touch:- Powdered Sugar: Optional topping that adds a delicate sweetness and elegant appearance to the cookies.

Simple Instructions for 3 Ingredient Butter Cookies

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper, ensuring complete surface coverage.

Step 2: Create Dreamy Dough

Place softened butter and sugar in a mixing bowl. Blend vigorously until the mixture becomes fluffy and light, which takes about 2-3 minutes. Slowly incorporate flour, stirring until a smooth dough develops. If the mixture feels dry, add a splash of milk to help bind ingredients.

Step 3: Shape Delightful Treats

Grab small portions of dough and roll into perfect round balls. Arrange cookies on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about two inches apart. Use a fork’s tines to gently press down on each cookie, creating classic crisscross patterns.

Step 4: Bake To Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes until cookie edges turn a beautiful golden color. Once done, remove from oven and let cookies rest on the baking sheet briefly before transferring to a cooling rack.

Step 5: Serve With Love

Plate these tender cookies as-is or sprinkle with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness. Enjoy with coffee, tea, or as a standalone treat.

3 Ingredient Butter Cookies Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Indulgent “3 ingredient butter cookies” melt hearts with their simple charm and rich buttery goodness. Crisp edges and tender centers promise delightful moments, beckoning you to savor each delectable bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar (or powdered sugar for a softer texture)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 350F (175C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper for smooth cookie release.
2. Create a creamy butter and sugar mixture by beating them together until they become light, airy, and well-incorporated, ensuring a smooth texture.
3. Gradually fold flour into the butter mixture, gently blending until a soft, cohesive dough forms. If the mixture appears dry, carefully introduce a small amount of milk to achieve the perfect consistency.
4. Shape the cookie dough by rolling tablespoon-sized portions into uniform balls, placing them evenly on the prepared baking sheet with sufficient spacing.
5. Use a fork to gently press down on each dough ball, creating a classic crosshatch pattern that adds visual appeal and helps the cookies bake evenly.
6. Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, watching for delicate golden edges that indicate the cookies are perfectly done.
7. Allow the freshly baked cookies to rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes to stabilize, then carefully transfer them to a wire rack for complete cooling.
8. Serve the cookies in their classic form or elevate them with a light dusting of powdered sugar for an extra touch of elegance and sweetness.

Notes

• Soften butter at room temperature for 30-45 minutes to ensure smooth, even mixing without overworking the dough.
• Use high-quality unsalted butter for the richest, most delicate flavor and better control of salt content.
• Chill the dough for 15-20 minutes before shaping to prevent spreading and maintain crisp cookie edges during baking.
• Experiment with flavor variations by adding vanilla extract, almond extract, or finely grated citrus zest to enhance the basic recipe.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 1 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 17 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg