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

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These 3-ingredient butter cookies are buttery, crisp, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. I love how simple they are to make with just pantry staples, yet they taste like a bakery treat. They’re perfect for holiday cookie trays, gifting, or enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I enjoy this recipe because it’s straightforward, quick, and always reliable. I like that I don’t need fancy equipment or special ingredients — just butter, sugar, and flour. The cookies turn out tender and rich every time, and I can easily customize them with toppings or flavors. 3-Ingredient Butter Cookies

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

unsalted butter
sugar (granulated or powdered, depending on texture preference)
all-purpose flour

Directions

I preheat my oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
I cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
I slowly add the flour and mix until a soft dough forms.
I shape the dough into small balls, place them on the prepared baking sheet, and flatten slightly with a fork or the bottom of a glass.
I bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
I let them cool on a wire rack before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 24 cookies. It takes around 10 minutes to prepare the dough and 12–15 minutes to bake, so in under 30 minutes, I can enjoy fresh, homemade cookies.

Variations

Sometimes I add vanilla extract or almond extract to the dough for extra flavor. I also like to dip the cooled cookies in melted chocolate and sprinkle with crushed nuts or sprinkles. For a festive twist, I roll the dough balls in colored sugar before baking.

storage/reheating

I store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, I freeze them in a sealed container for up to 2 months. To refresh them, I warm the cookies in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5 minutes to bring back their crisp texture. 3-Ingredient Butter Cookies

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, I sometimes use salted butter, but I reduce or omit any extra salt in the recipe to balance the flavor.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, I refrigerate the dough for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 2 months, then bake when I’m ready.

Why are my cookies spreading too much?

If the butter is too soft, the cookies can spread. I chill the dough for 15–20 minutes before baking to help them hold their shape.

Can I use powdered sugar instead of granulated sugar?

Yes, I sometimes use powdered sugar for a smoother, melt-in-your-mouth texture, while granulated sugar makes them a bit crispier.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, I replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, and they turn out just as delicious.

Conclusion

I find these 3-ingredient butter cookies to be one of the easiest and most satisfying treats I can make. They’re buttery, tender, and endlessly adaptable, which makes them perfect for any occasion. Whether I keep them plain or dress them up, they’re always a hit in my kitchen.