Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These butter cookies are ridiculously easy to make but taste like they came from a bakery. The rich, buttery flavor combined with the melt-in-your-mouth texture makes them utterly irresistible. Plus, with just three ingredients, they are a budget-friendly option that doesn’t skimp on taste. They’re perfect for any occasion and can be dressed up with a sprinkle of sugar or a drizzle of chocolate if you’re feeling fancy!

Ingredients

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

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour

Directions

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Cream the butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
Add the flour: Gradually add the flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Shape the cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Press down: Use a fork to gently press down on each ball, creating a crisscross pattern.
Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

Yield: 24 cookies
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 12 minutes
Total time: 22 minutes
Calories: ~100 per cookie

Variations

Add flavor: Try adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or almond extract for extra flavor.
Make them sweet and salty: Use salted butter instead of unsalted for a richer, slightly salty taste.
Decorate: After baking, drizzle with melted chocolate or sprinkle with powdered sugar for a festive touch.
Make them mini: Roll the dough into smaller balls for bite-sized treats.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Freeze the dough in balls, then bake straight from the freezer for an easy, fresh batch of cookies any time.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

Yes, you can use salted butter for a richer flavor, but be sure to reduce the amount of sugar slightly to balance the saltiness.

Can I use a mixer to cream the butter and sugar?

Yes, you can use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream the butter and sugar if you prefer. Just mix until light and fluffy.

Can I freeze these cookies?

Yes, you can freeze the dough in cookie dough balls. When you’re ready to bake, just place them on a baking sheet and bake from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time.

How do I know when the cookies are done?

The cookies are done when the edges are lightly golden brown. They may look soft in the center, but they will firm up as they cool.

Can I add chocolate chips or other mix-ins to the dough?

Absolutely! You can add chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even dried fruit for added flavor and texture.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version of these cookies.

Conclusion

These 3-Ingredient Butter Cookies are a simple and delicious treat that proves you don’t need a lot of ingredients to make something amazing. With a rich, buttery flavor and a soft texture, they’re perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick snack or preparing a batch to share, these cookies are sure to satisfy.

3-Ingredient Butter Cookies

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“These 3-Ingredient Butter Cookies are a quick, simple, and irresistibly buttery treat. With just three ingredients—unsalted butter, sugar, and flour—these cookies come together in minutes and deliver a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Perfect for any occasion, they’re an easy, budget-friendly dessert that everyone will love!”

Author: Amy
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies
Category: Dessert, Cookies
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

1/2 cup granulated sugar

2 cups all-purpose flour

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Cream the butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
Add the flour: Gradually add the flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Shape the cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Press down: Use a fork to gently press down on each ball, creating a crisscross pattern.
Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.