3-Ingredient Butter Cookies
Introduction
Butter cookies are a timeless classic known for their rich, buttery flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture. These cookies are a favorite for many because they strike the perfect balance between simplicity and taste.
With only three core ingredients—unsalted butter, sugar, and flour—you can create a batch of homemade cookies that are both comforting and delicious.
Whether you’re baking for the holidays or just want a quick treat, these cookies are a perfect choice.
Ingredients
1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon vanilla (optional)
Instructions
Begin by setting your oven to preheat at 350°F or 175°C. This ensures that it reaches the ideal temperature by the time your dough is ready for baking.
Line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and to make cleanup easier.
In a large mixing bowl, add your softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream them together. This step is crucial, as creaming incorporates air into the mixture, which helps give the cookies a light and tender texture.
Continue mixing the butter and sugar until the mixture becomes pale and fluffy. This should take about two to three minutes. The better the creaming, the more tender your cookies will be, so don’t rush this step.
Slowly begin to incorporate the all-purpose flour into the creamed mixture. You can add the flour in small portions to avoid a flour cloud. Mix gently to prevent overworking the dough, which can make the cookies tough.
Once all the flour is added, the dough will come together as a soft, pliable mass. If the dough seems too sticky.
you can chill it for 10-15 minutes to make it easier to handle. However, it should hold its shape well enough for rolling.
Take small portions of the dough and roll them into 1-inch balls using your hands. Place them on your prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly to allow for slight spreading as they bake.
Using the back of a fork, gently press down on each dough ball to flatten it and create a classic crisscross pattern.
This not only gives the cookies a homemade look but also helps them bake evenly. Place the sheet in the oven and bake for about 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges just begin to turn golden.
How to Make
Start with good-quality unsalted butter, allowing it to soften at room temperature. Softened butter is much easier to cream and integrates more smoothly with sugar, creating the base texture for your cookies.
Using a sturdy bowl, combine the butter and sugar and beat until the mixture is fluffy and light in color.
This aeration step is crucial because it sets the foundation for a tender cookie that isn’t overly dense or crumbly.
Gradually stir in the flour. It helps to sift the flour beforehand to eliminate any lumps and to incorporate air, which will lead to a more delicate cookie texture. Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract if you like a subtle hint of aroma.
Once the dough forms, check its consistency. If it feels overly sticky, a short stint in the refrigerator can firm it up.
making it easier to handle and roll. Don’t add more flour at this stage to avoid drying the cookies out.
Form the dough into uniform balls, about one inch in size. Consistency in size ensures that the cookies bake evenly and finish at the same time, preventing some from becoming overcooked while others are underdone.
Use a fork dipped in flour to make the crisscross marks on each dough ball. This step not only flattens the dough for even baking but also gives the cookies their characteristic buttery-cookie appearance.
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes. Keep an eye on them toward the end, as they can go from golden to overbaked quickly.
Remove them from the oven when the edges are just slightly golden. Let them cool on the sheet for five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Variations
For a citrusy twist, add some finely grated lemon or orange zest to the dough. This adds brightness and a touch of tartness that contrasts beautifully with the buttery base.
If you love chocolate, press a few mini chocolate chips into the tops of each cookie before baking. They’ll melt into the cookies slightly and add a delicious burst of sweetness.
Add a nutty flavor by mixing in finely chopped pecans or walnuts. Toasted nuts work especially well, giving the cookies a crunchy contrast.
For a more festive touch, roll the dough balls in colored sanding sugar before flattening. This adds a sparkle and a slight crunch on the outside that makes them perfect for holidays.
Try using almond or coconut extract in place of vanilla to give the cookies a unique flavor. Just a small amount of extract can change the profile of the cookie without altering its structure.
Sprinkle the cookies with a pinch of sea salt just before baking. The salt balances the sweetness and enhances the buttery taste, giving a more gourmet feel.
Dip half of each baked and cooled cookie in melted dark or white chocolate and let them set. This creates a beautiful presentation and adds a rich, decadent layer of flavor.
Tips
Always use room temperature butter for the best creaming results. Cold butter won’t blend properly with the sugar and will lead to uneven texture.
Measure your flour carefully by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off. Too much flour can make your cookies dry and crumbly.
Avoid overmixing once the flour is added. Overworking the dough can develop gluten, resulting in tough cookies instead of tender ones.
Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and ensure even browning. It also makes it easier to remove cookies from the baking sheet.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them. This helps them set and prevents them from breaking apart.
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their freshness. They can stay good for up to a week if stored properly.
If you want to freeze the dough, shape it into balls and freeze them on a tray before transferring to a zip-top bag. You can bake them directly from frozen—just add a couple of minutes to the baking time.
Conclusion
These 3-ingredient butter cookies are a testament to the power of simplicity in baking. They prove that you don’t need a pantry full of ingredients or hours of prep time to create a delightful treat. With just butter, sugar, and flour, you can make cookies that are rich, satisfying, and sure to bring smiles.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a complete beginner, this recipe is nearly foolproof and endlessly adaptable. Keep a batch on hand for when cravings strike or to share with friends and family. These cookies are easy to love—and even easier to make.