3 Ingredient Butter Cookies – Effortlessly Delicious

Okay, so you won’t believe this—these butter cookies need just three things. That’s it. And they taste like they came from a bakery.

I was super lazy one day and still wanted cookies. So I tried this 3-ingredient thing. And oh wow, they were soft, sweet, and buttery.

No mixer, no fuss. Just mix, shape, and bake. Even kids can help with this one!

Wanna make some? I’ll show you how I do it. You’re gonna love how easy (and yummy) it is.

Why You’ll Love These Butter Cookies

• Only 3 Ingredients! No complicated steps or fancy techniques—just butter, sugar, and flour.
• Quick & Easy: Ready in less than 30 minutes from start to finish.
• No Chilling Required: Unlike many cookie recipes, this one doesn’t require chilling the dough.
• Perfect Texture: Crispy edges with a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth center.
• Great for Gifting: These cookies store well, making them an excellent homemade gift.

Required Kitchen Tools

Before we dive into the recipe, make sure you have these kitchen tools on hand:

• Mixing bowl – For combining ingredients.
• Whisk or hand mixer – To blend the butter and sugar.
• Baking sheet – Lined with parchment paper for even baking.
• Cookie cutter or piping bag – Optional, for shaping your cookies.
• Cooling rack – To allow cookies to cool properly.

Ingredients

You only need three simple ingredients to make these buttery, crisp, and delicious cookies:

• Unsalted Butter (Softened) – The star ingredient, providing a rich, buttery flavor.
• Granulated Sugar – Adds sweetness and a slight crispness to the cookies.
• All-Purpose Flour – Forms the structure of the cookies, keeping them delicate yet sturdy.

Optional Add-Ins:

• Vanilla Extract – For a touch of warmth and depth of flavor.
• Pinch of Salt – Enhances the overall taste.

Variations for Butter Cookies

Want to switch things up? Try these variations:

• Chocolate-Dipped Butter Cookies – Dip cooled cookies into melted chocolate and let them harden.
• Lemon Butter Cookies – Add ½ teaspoon of lemon zest to the dough.
• Cinnamon Sugar Butter Cookies – Roll the dough in a cinnamon-sugar mix before baking.
• Sprinkle Butter Cookies – Press sprinkles on top of the cookies before baking for a fun, colorful twist.
• Almond Butter Cookies – Swap vanilla extract for almond extract for a nutty, aromatic flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This step incorporates air into the dough, creating a soft, tender cookie.

2. Add the Flour

Gradually add the all-purpose flour, mixing until a dough forms. If the dough feels too crumbly, you can add a teaspoon of milk to help it come together.

3. Shape the Cookies

Roll the dough into small balls and flatten slightly with a fork for a classic look. You can also use a piping bag to create beautiful swirls or a cookie cutter for fun shapes.

Baking Instructions

4. Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures even baking and prevents the cookies from sticking.

5. Bake the Cookies

Place the shaped cookies at least 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn a light golden brown. Keep an eye on them, as they can go from perfect to overbaked quickly.

6. Cool the Cookies

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely. This helps them firm up and develop their perfect crisp texture.

Serving and Decoration

How to Serve 3 Ingredient Butter Cookies

These buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies are perfect on their own or paired with:

• Coffee or Tea: The crisp texture complements a warm beverage beautifully.
• Ice Cream: Crumble them over vanilla ice cream for added crunch.
• Fruit and Cheese Platter: Serve alongside fresh fruits and mild cheeses for an elegant dessert board.
• Holiday Gift Boxes: Stack them in a tin or wrap them in cellophane bags for a delightful homemade gift.

How to Decorate Butter Cookies

If you want to elevate these simple cookies, try these decoration ideas:

• Chocolate Drizzle: Melt dark, milk, or white chocolate and drizzle over cooled cookies.
• Powdered Sugar Dusting: Lightly sprinkle powdered sugar for a snow-like effect.
• Dipped in Chocolate: Dip half of each cookie into melted chocolate and let them harden.
• Sprinkles: Press sprinkles into the dough before baking for a festive look.
• Cookie Stamps: Use a patterned stamp to create beautiful designs on the cookies.

Storing 3 Ingredient Butter Cookies

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
• Refrigeration: Not necessary, but can extend freshness for up to 2 weeks.
• Freezing the Dough: Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before shaping and baking.
• Freezing Baked Cookies: Place cooled cookies in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers and freeze for up to 2 months.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Use High-Quality Butter – Since butter is the main ingredient, using high-quality unsalted butter will give you the best flavor and texture.
• Measure Flour Correctly – Spoon and level the flour instead of scooping it directly from the bag to avoid dense cookies.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough – Once the flour is incorporated, stop mixing to keep the cookies light and tender.
• Customize the Shape – Use a piping bag for swirled butter cookies or a cookie cutter for uniform shapes.
• Chill the Dough for Piping – If piping the cookies, chill the dough for 10-15 minutes before piping to help it hold its shape.
• Bake Until Just Golden – Overbaking makes the cookies too dry. Remove them when the edges are lightly golden.

Nutrition Information (Per Cookie)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	90
Carbohydrates	10g
Fat	5g
Saturated Fat	3g
Sugar	3g
Protein	1g
Fiber	0g
Sodium	2mg

Note: Values are estimates and may vary based on ingredients used.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use salted butter?

Yes, but if you do, skip adding extra salt to the dough. The flavor will be slightly saltier, but still delicious.

Can I add flavor extracts?

Absolutely! Vanilla, almond, lemon, or coconut extracts can enhance the flavor. Start with ½ teaspoon and adjust to taste.

Why did my cookies spread too much?

This can happen if the butter is too soft or melted before baking. If the dough feels sticky, chill it for 10 minutes before shaping and baking.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough up to 3 days in advance and store it in the fridge. When ready to bake, shape the cookies and bake as directed.

Conclusion

These 3 Ingredient Butter Cookies prove that you don’t need a long list of ingredients to create a delicious and satisfying treat. Whether you enjoy them plain, dipped in chocolate, or topped with sprinkles, they are effortless to make and perfect for any occasion.