3-Ingredient Butter Cookies

Introduction

There are few things as comforting as the aroma of freshly baked butter cookies wafting through the kitchen. These 3-Ingredient Butter Cookies are a celebration of simplicity—soft, crumbly, and perfectly sweet without being overwhelming. Using basic pantry staples, this recipe delivers bakery-style cookies that you can whip up in under an hour. Whether you’re baking for holidays, gifting to friends, or indulging in a personal treat with a cup of tea, these cookies never disappoint.

My recipe story

Growing up, butter cookies were a staple in our family kitchen, especially during festive seasons. My grandmother had a tin of assorted cookies, but the ones we all reached for first were always the golden butter cookies. I wanted to recreate that nostalgic taste with a simplified twist, one that didn’t require an extensive ingredient list or complicated steps. After several experiments, I discovered that just butter, powdered sugar, and flour were enough to replicate that soft, buttery bite. The name “5.3-Ingredient Butter Cookies” is a playful nod to the minimalism of this recipe—because, let’s face it, sometimes less really is more.

Ingredient breakdown

The beauty of these cookies lies in their simplicity. You only need three essential ingredients, yet the results are indulgent and rich. Let’s take a closer look at what makes each component shine:

Butter: The star of this recipe. Butter gives the cookies their soft, crumbly texture and indulgent flavor. Make sure it’s softened and slightly melted, as this helps incorporate it smoothly into the dough, creating a tender cookie. For best results, use unsalted butter so you can control the flavor balance.

Powdered sugar: Unlike granulated sugar, powdered sugar dissolves effortlessly, ensuring a silky-smooth dough. It also lends a melt-in-your-mouth sweetness without making the cookies overly crunchy. This is what keeps the cookies light instead of dense.

All-purpose flour: Flour provides structure to the cookies, holding everything together. The ratio of butter to flour is carefully balanced here to give you a tender, crumbly bite instead of a tough or overly chewy texture.

With these three ingredients, you create a timeless cookie base that you can enjoy plain or enhance with flavorings and toppings.

Equipment you’ll need

• Mixing bowl
• Hand mixer or stand mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
• Cooling rack

Step-by-step directions

Step 1: Prepare your baking sheet. Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent the cookies from sticking. This step also ensures even baking and easy cleanup. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready when your dough is.

Step 2: Cream the butter and sugar. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and powdered sugar. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat until the mixture is pale, fluffy, and smooth. This process incorporates air into the dough, helping the cookies bake with a light texture.

Step 3: Add the flour. Gradually sift in the flour while mixing at low speed. Stop mixing once the flour is incorporated—overmixing can make the cookies tough. The dough should come together as a soft, pliable ball that’s easy to handle.

Step 4: Shape the cookies. Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 tablespoon each. Place them on the prepared baking sheet with some space in between. You can flatten them slightly with a fork or leave them rounded for a more rustic look.

Step 5: Bake to perfection. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. The tops should remain pale. Be careful not to overbake, as these cookies can dry out quickly.

Step 6: Cool and enjoy. Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Once fully cooled, they’re ready to serve—or to store for later enjoyment.

Variations & substitutions

While these cookies are delightful on their own, they also serve as a versatile base for creative twists. Here are a few variations to try:

• Vanilla butter cookies: Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the dough for a classic flavor boost.
• Almond cookies: Replace part of the flour with almond flour and add almond extract for a nutty variation.
• Chocolate-dipped: Once cooled, dip half the cookie in melted dark or white chocolate and let it set for an elegant touch.
• Festive sprinkles: Roll the dough balls in colored sugar or sprinkles before baking for holiday-themed treats.
• Lemon zest: Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest for a refreshing citrus note.

Storage, freezing & make-ahead

These butter cookies store beautifully. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you’d like to prepare them in advance, you can freeze the dough balls before baking. Simply place them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 2–3 minutes to the baking time. Baked cookies can also be frozen—wrap tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months.

Serving ideas & pairings

These cookies are delightful on their own, but you can also pair them with other treats for a more indulgent experience:

• Serve with a cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate for a cozy afternoon snack.
• Pair with fresh fruit like strawberries or raspberries for a refreshing balance.
• Use them as a base for ice cream sandwiches—soft vanilla ice cream works beautifully.
• Include them in a holiday cookie platter alongside shortbread, gingerbread, and chocolate crinkle cookies.
• Crush them to make a buttery topping for cheesecakes or parfaits.

FAQ

1. Can I use granulated sugar instead of powdered sugar?
Powdered sugar is best because it dissolves smoothly, giving the cookies their signature melt-in-your-mouth texture. Granulated sugar will make them slightly grainy.

2. Do I need to chill the dough?
Not always, but chilling for 15–20 minutes can help if the dough feels too soft or sticky. It makes rolling and shaping much easier.

3. Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Make sure it contains xanthan gum for proper structure.

4. How do I know when the cookies are done?
The edges should be lightly golden while the tops remain pale. Overbaking will cause them to dry out quickly.

5. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. This recipe doubles easily. Just make sure not to overcrowd the baking sheet, as the cookies need space to bake evenly.

Final thoughts

These 5.3-Ingredient Butter Cookies prove that sometimes the simplest recipes are the most rewarding. With just a handful of pantry staples and a little baking love, you can create a timeless treat that never goes out of style. Whether you stick to the classic version or experiment with variations, these cookies are sure to bring smiles to any gathering. Bake a batch, share them with loved ones, and let the buttery goodness speak for itself.

3-Ingredient Butter Cookies

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• Author: Sarah White
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies made with just three simple ingredients. Perfect for gifting or enjoying with tea.

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Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened and slightly melted
• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
  

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, beat the butter and powdered sugar until pale and fluffy.

3. Gradually mix in the flour until a soft dough forms.

4. Roll dough into 1-tablespoon balls and place on the prepared sheet, spacing evenly.
5. Flatten slightly with a fork or leave rounded.

6. Bake for 12–15 minutes until edges are lightly golden.

7. Cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
   

Notes

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Dough can be frozen for up to 3 months. Optional: add vanilla, almond extract, or zest for flavor variations.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American