3-Ingredient Butter Cookies
Buttery, crisp around the edges, and tender in the middle, these simple butter cookies prove that a delicious homemade treat doesn’t need a long ingredient list. With just butter, sugar, and flour, you can make an easy batch for afternoon tea, a cookie plate, or a quick sweet snack.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These cookies are easy to prepare and call for pantry-friendly ingredients. The dough comes together in one bowl, and its mild, buttery flavor pairs well with coffee, tea, or a glass of milk. The recipe also makes a lovely starting point for decorating or serving as-is.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
How to Make 3-Ingredient Butter Cookies
- Heat the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream the butter and sugar. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes.
- Add the flour. Mix in the flour a little at a time, stopping as soon as a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing, which can make the cookies firm.
- Shape the cookies. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each. Gently flatten each ball with the bottom of a glass or the tines of a fork.
- Bake. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges are just beginning to turn golden. The centers may look pale.
- Cool. Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for the Best Butter Cookies
- Use butter that is soft enough to press with a finger but not melted. Melted butter can make the dough greasy and cause the cookies to spread.
- Measure the flour carefully. For the most reliable results, spoon it into the measuring cup and level the top rather than packing it down.
- If the dough feels too soft to shape, refrigerate it for 20 to 30 minutes.
- For evenly baked cookies, make the dough balls about the same size and check them near the end of the baking time.
- Take the cookies out when the edges are lightly golden. They will continue to firm up as they cool.
Variations
The three basic ingredients make a classic, delicate cookie. For a different flavor, you can add extras such as vanilla extract, citrus zest, or finely chopped chocolate. Keep in mind that any addition makes the recipe more than three ingredients.
Storage
Once completely cool, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. You can also freeze baked cookies in a sealed freezer-safe container for up to two months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use salted butter?
Yes. Salted butter will work, though the cookies may taste slightly saltier. Since this recipe uses only three ingredients, unsalted butter gives you the most control over the flavor.
Why is my dough crumbly?
Butter cookie dough can be somewhat firm, but it should hold together when pressed. If it seems dry and falls apart, mix it briefly with your hands to warm and bring the dough together. Also check that the flour wasn’t packed into the measuring cup.
Can I make the dough ahead?
Yes. Cover the dough and refrigerate it for up to two days. Let it sit at room temperature for a short time if it becomes too firm to shape.
These 3-ingredient butter cookies are a simple, dependable treat with a rich buttery taste and a crisp, delicate bite. Keep the recipe handy whenever you want homemade cookies without a complicated shopping list.
Everything You Need to Know About Making Perfect 3-Ingredient Butter Cookies
- What ingredients do I need to make 3-ingredient butter cookies?
- How do I make 3-ingredient butter cookies?
- Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
- Why is my butter cookie dough crumbly?
- Do I need to chill the dough before baking?
- How can I keep butter cookies from spreading too much?
- How should I store 3-ingredient butter cookies?
- Can I freeze the dough or baked butter cookies?
What ingredients do I need to make 3-ingredient butter cookies?
To make 3-ingredient butter cookies, you’ll need softened butter, granulated sugar, and all-purpose flour. These simple ingredients create cookies with a rich, buttery flavor and a tender, crisp texture.
How do I make 3-ingredient butter cookies?
To make 3-ingredient butter cookies, beat 1 cup softened butter with ½ cup granulated sugar until creamy, then mix in 2 cups all-purpose flour until a soft dough forms. Shape the dough into small balls, place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and gently flatten each one. Bake at 350°F for 10–12 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a rack.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
Yes, salted butter works well in 3-ingredient butter cookies. The cookies may have a slightly saltier flavor, but the difference is usually subtle. Since the recipe has no added salt, using salted butter is an easy way to add a little extra balance to the sweetness.
Why is my butter cookie dough crumbly?
Butter cookie dough can seem crumbly because it has a high ratio of flour to moisture, especially if the flour was packed into the measuring cup or the butter was too cold. The dough should hold together when pressed. If it doesn’t, work it gently with your hands for a minute to soften the butter, or mix in a small amount of softened butter until it comes together. Avoid adding water, which can change the cookies’ texture.
Do I need to chill the dough before baking?
You don’t have to chill the dough before baking if it’s firm enough to shape and hold its form. If the dough feels soft, sticky, or warm—or your kitchen is hot—cover and refrigerate it for about 20 to 30 minutes. Chilling helps the cookies spread less and keeps their shape, but very cold dough may need a few minutes at room temperature before shaping.
How can I keep butter cookies from spreading too much?
To keep butter cookies from spreading too much, start with softened—not melted—butter, and measure the flour accurately without packing it into the measuring cup. If the dough feels warm or soft, chill it for 20 to 30 minutes before baking. Place the cookies on a cool, parchment-lined baking sheet, and avoid greasing the pan, which can encourage spreading. For best results, bake one test cookie first and adjust the chilling time if needed.
How should I store 3-ingredient butter cookies?
Store 3-ingredient butter cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Let them cool completely before storing to keep them crisp and prevent condensation from making them soft. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a freezer-safe container for up to two months, then thaw them at room temperature before serving.
Can I freeze the dough or baked butter cookies?
Yes, you can freeze both the dough and baked butter cookies. Shape the dough into balls or flatten it into a disk, wrap it tightly, and freeze it in an airtight container for up to 2 months; thaw it in the refrigerator before shaping or baking. To freeze baked cookies, let them cool completely, then store them in a freezer-safe airtight container with parchment between layers for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
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