Ingredient Butter Cookies Recipe

Indulge in the simplicity and rich flavor of these 3-ingredient butter cookies. With just butter, powdered sugar, and flour, you can create a batch of melt-in-your-mouth cookies that are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re a novice baker or an experienced one, this recipe offers a quick and delightful treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simplicity at Its Best – Requires only three common ingredients found in most kitchens.
• Quick Preparation – From mixing to baking, the process is straightforward and efficient.
• Versatile – Enjoy them plain or customize with your favorite add-ins like vanilla extract or a sprinkle of sugar on top.
• Perfect Texture – Achieves a delicate, crumbly texture that melts in your mouth.
• No Eggs Needed – Ideal for those with egg allergies or when you’re out of eggs.

Ingredients

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

• 1 cup (227 g) butter, softened and slightly melted
• 1 cup (118 g) powdered sugar
• 2 cups (256 g) all-purpose flour

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven – Set your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar – In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and powdered sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat on high speed for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, resembling whipped cream.
3. Incorporate Flour – Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the butter-sugar mixture. Start mixing at low speed, then increase to medium until a soft dough forms. The dough should be thick yet pliable.
4. Shape the Cookies – Transfer the dough into a piping bag fitted with a large open star tip. Pipe swirls or your desired shapes onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart. If you prefer not to pipe, you can roll the dough into small balls and flatten them with a fork.
5. Chill the Dough – Place the baking sheets with the shaped dough into the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This step helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking.
6. Bake – After chilling, bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges turn a light golden brown. Rotate the baking sheets halfway through to ensure even baking.
7. Cool – Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Approximately 24 cookies
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Flavor Enhancements – Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract or a pinch of salt to the dough for added depth of flavor.
• Decorative Touches – Sprinkle the cookies with granulated sugar or colored sprinkles before baking for a festive appearance.
• Chocolate Drizzle – Once cooled, drizzle the cookies with melted chocolate for an extra indulgence.
• Citrus Zest – Incorporate lemon or orange zest into the dough for a refreshing twist.

Storage/Reheating

• Room Temperature – Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
• Freezing – Place the baked and cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container or bag, separating layers with parchment paper. Freeze for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Reheating – If you prefer warm cookies, heat them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes.

FAQs

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking?

Chilling the shaped dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before baking helps the cookies maintain their shape and prevents excessive spreading.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, you can use salted butter. If you do, you may want to omit any additional salt in the recipe to avoid over-salting.

Is it necessary to sift the powdered sugar and flour?

Sifting helps to remove any lumps and ensures a smoother dough, resulting in a finer cookie texture.

Can I add other flavors to the dough?

Absolutely! You can experiment with various extracts like almond or peppermint, or add spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg to suit your taste.

What if I don’t have a piping bag?

If you don’t have a piping bag, you can roll the dough into small balls and flatten them with a fork or the bottom of a glass to create simple, rustic cookies.

How can I tell when the cookies are done baking?

The cookies are ready when the edges are lightly golden, and the centers are set. Be careful not to overbake, as they can become too hard.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When ready to bake, let it soften slightly at room temperature before shaping.

Are these cookies suitable for gifting?

Definitely! These butter cookies make excellent gifts. Package them in decorative tins or boxes lined with parchment paper for a charming presentation.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double or even triple the recipe if you need a larger batch. Ensure you have enough baking sheets and oven space to accommodate the increased quantity.

What causes the cookies to be too crumbly?

If the cookies turn out too crumbly, it might be due to overmixing the dough or using too much flour. Ensure you measure the ingredients accurately and mix just until combined.

Conclusion

These 3-ingredient butter cookies are a testament to the beauty of simplicity in baking. With minimal ingredients and effort, you can create a batch of delightful cookies that are sure to please any crowd. Whether enjoyed with a cup of tea or shared as a homemade gift, these cookies are a timeless treat that you’ll want to make again and again. Happy baking!

Butter Cookies Recipe

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Indulge in the simplicity and rich flavor of these 3-ingredient butter cookies. With just butter, powdered sugar, and flour, you can create a batch of melt-in-your-mouth cookies that are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re a novice baker or an experienced one, this recipe offers a quick and delightful treat.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 20min
• Cook Time: 15_20min
• Total Time: 40min
• Yield: Approximately 24 cookies
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

(Full measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 cup (227 g) butter, softened and slightly melted
• 1 cup (118 g) powdered sugar
• 2 cups (256 g) all-purpose flour

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Instructions

• Preheat the Oven – Set your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
• Cream Butter and Sugar – In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and powdered sugar with an electric mixer on high speed for 5 minutes until light and fluffy.
• Incorporate Flour – Gradually add all-purpose flour, mixing at low speed first, then increasing to medium, until a soft dough forms.
• Shape the Cookies – Transfer the dough into a piping bag with a large open star tip. Pipe swirls or desired shapes onto prepared baking sheets, leaving 1-inch spacing between cookies. Alternatively, roll into small balls and flatten with a fork.
• Chill the Dough – Place the shaped dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This prevents excessive spreading.
• Bake – Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges turn light golden brown. Rotate sheets halfway through for even baking.
• Cool – Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely

Notes

• Use high-quality butter for the best flavor and texture.
• Do not overmix the dough—this can make the cookies too crumbly.
• Chilling is key—it helps the cookies hold their shape while baking.
• For crispier cookies, bake for an additional 1-2 minutes, but watch closely to avoid burning.
• If dough is too soft, refrigerate for 10 minutes before piping or shaping.
• Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness.