Name: 3-Ingredient Butter Cookies
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 2 cups all-purpose flour

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3-Ingredient Butter Cookies a simple, buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies made with just three wholesome ingredients—perfect for a quick sweet treat!

Ingredients

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

½ cup powdered sugar

2 cups all-purpose flour

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

I start by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Then, I cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy, which gives the cookies their tender texture.

Next, I gradually add the all-purpose flour, mixing just until the dough comes together and feels soft but not sticky. After that, I roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them evenly spaced on the baking sheet. Flattening each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass or my fingers helps them bake evenly.

I bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes, watching for the edges to turn lightly golden while keeping the centers pale for that perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture. Once out of the oven, I let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 24 cookies. The prep time is roughly 10 minutes, and the baking takes about 15 minutes, so the total time is around 25 minutes. Each cookie contains approximately 120 calories, making them a nice little indulgence.

Variations

I like to experiment with this recipe by adding a pinch of cinnamon or vanilla extract to the dough for a subtle flavor twist. Sometimes, I press a few chocolate chips or nuts into the flattened dough before baking for extra texture. For a festive touch, sprinkling colored sugar on top before baking works great. If I want a gluten-free option, I swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, which still yields delicious results.

Storage/reheating

I store these butter cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, where they stay fresh for up to one week. If I want to keep them longer, I freeze the baked cookies in a sealed bag for up to three months. To reheat, I pop them in a warm oven for a few minutes or enjoy them at room temperature, as they taste best that way.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

Yes, I sometimes use salted butter when that’s what I have. I just skip adding any extra salt to keep the flavor balanced.

Can I make these cookies vegan?

I haven’t tried a vegan version yet, but substituting the butter with a plant-based vegan butter might work well. The texture may vary slightly.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

I make sure the dough is soft but not sticky, and chilling it for 15-30 minutes before baking can help the cookies keep their shape better.

Can I add flavors like vanilla or almond extract?

Absolutely! I often add a teaspoon of vanilla extract for extra depth, and almond extract can be a nice alternative for a nutty flavor.

Are these cookies suitable for freezing?

Yes, I freeze them either baked or as dough balls. Just thaw or bake them as usual for a fresh taste.

Conclusion

I find these 3-Ingredient Butter Cookies to be the perfect go-to recipe when I want something simple, buttery, and satisfying. Their ease and versatility make them ideal for any occasion, whether it’s a quick snack or a base for more creative cookie variations. With minimal ingredients and fuss, these cookies never fail to impress.

Recipe:

3-Ingredient Butter Cookies

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Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: About 24 cookies
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Simple, buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies made with just three wholesome ingredients—perfect for a quick sweet treat!

Ingredients

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

½ cup powdered sugar

2 cups all-purpose flour

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy.
Gradually add the all-purpose flour, mixing just until the dough comes together and feels soft but not sticky.
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them evenly spaced on the baking sheet.
Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass or your fingers.
Bake for 12-15 minutes, until the edges turn lightly golden but the centers remain pale.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.