3 Ingredient Butter Cookies

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe requires just three basic ingredients but delivers bakery-quality cookies with minimal effort. The butter creates a rich and tender crumb, while the creaming process ensures a light, airy texture. Plus, chilling the dough makes it easy to roll and cut into fun shapes, perfect for customizing your cookie experience. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker, these cookies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

this Recipe

Ingredients

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

• 1 cup butter, softened (see note 1)

• ½ cup sugar

• 2 cups cake flour or all-purpose flour (see note 2)

Directions

1. Beat the butter and sugar together for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes pale, light, and fluffy (see note 3).

2. Sift the flour into the butter mixture and gently mix until a soft dough forms.

3. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up (see note 4).

4. After chilling, turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and roll it out to about ¼ inch (6mm) thickness. Adjust baking time if rolling thinner or thicker. Cut the dough into your desired shapes.

5. Place the cutouts on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 320°F (160°C) for 12 to 15 minutes until the cookies are golden brown around the edges (see note 5).

6. Remove from oven and allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack.

Servings and timing

• Makes approximately 15 cookies

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Chill time: 30 minutes

• Bake time: 15 minutes

• Total time: 55 minutes

Variations

• Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract for a subtle flavor twist.

• Mix in a tablespoon of finely chopped nuts or chocolate chips for added texture.

• Dust finished cookies with powdered sugar or dip them in melted chocolate for decoration.

• Use flavored sugars like cinnamon sugar instead of plain sugar for a seasonal flair.

Storage/Reheating

Store your butter cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To keep them fresh longer, you can freeze the baked cookies for up to three months—just thaw them at room temperature before serving. Reheat briefly in a warm oven (around 300°F or 150°C for 3-5 minutes) if you prefer them slightly warm and soft.

FAQs

What type of butter is best for these cookies?

Use unsalted butter that is softened but not melted. This gives the best flavor and texture.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Butter is recommended for its rich flavor and better texture. Margarine can change the taste and make cookies less crisp.

What if I don’t have cake flour?

All-purpose flour works fine as a substitute and will still yield delicious cookies.

How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

They should be just golden brown around the edges but still light in the center.

Can I freeze the dough before baking?

Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to one month. Thaw it in the fridge before rolling and baking.

Why do I need to chill the dough?

Chilling firms the dough, making it easier to roll and cut shapes without sticking.

Can I roll the dough thinner or thicker than ¼ inch?

Yes, just adjust the baking time accordingly—thinner dough needs less time, thicker dough needs more.

Can I add flavors like vanilla or almond extract?

Absolutely! Adding a teaspoon of extract can enhance the flavor.

How should I store leftover cookies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or freeze for longer storage.

Will these cookies be crunchy or soft?

They have a light crisp texture but can be adjusted slightly by baking time.

Conclusion

This 3 Ingredient Butter Cookies recipe is a fantastic go-to for anyone craving a simple yet satisfying homemade cookie. With just butter, sugar, and flour, you can create buttery, crisp, and delicate treats that are perfect for any occasion. Easy to prepare, customizable, and delicious, these cookies are sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire.