3 Ingredient Butter Cookies Recipe

These 3 Ingredient Butter Cookies are as simple as they are delicious. Made with just butter, sugar, and flour, these cookies are buttery, crisp, and melt in your mouth with every bite. Perfect for holiday baking, a quick snack, or a treat with your afternoon tea, these cookies are easy to whip up and customizable with your favorite flavors or toppings.

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The History of Butter Cookies

Butter cookies, also known as Danish butter cookies, have been around for centuries and are particularly popular in Europe and North America. Their rich, buttery flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture make them a favorite for holiday cookie tins, especially the iconic blue tins that many grew up with. This simple recipe captures the essence of classic butter cookies with just three essential ingredients.

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Key Ingredients and Why They Matter

Butter

Butter is the star of this recipe, providing richness and flavor. Use high-quality unsalted butter for the best results.

• Pro Tip: Make sure your butter is at room temperature to ensure it blends easily with the sugar and flour.

Sugar

Granulated sugar adds the perfect amount of sweetness to these cookies and helps create a crisp texture.

• Substitution Tip: For a slightly different flavor, you can substitute powdered sugar for a softer, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Flour

All-purpose flour gives the cookies structure while keeping them light and tender.

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How to Make 3 Ingredient Butter Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Gradually add the flour, mixing just until the dough comes together.

• Pro Tip: Don’t overmix the dough; you want it to be just combined for tender cookies.

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Step 2: Shape the Cookies

1. Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough for each cookie and roll it into a ball.
2. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
3. Flatten each cookie slightly with the back of a fork or the bottom of a glass.

• Pro Tip: For a decorative touch, dip the fork in sugar before flattening the cookies, creating a sparkly finish.

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Step 3: Bake the Cookies

1. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
2. Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

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Serving Suggestions

Enjoy these 3 Ingredient Butter Cookies on their own, or get creative by adding toppings like chocolate drizzle, sprinkles, or a dusting of powdered sugar. They’re also perfect for dunking in coffee, tea, or hot cocoa.

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Variations and Add-Ins

Vanilla Butter Cookies

Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the dough for a hint of extra flavor. You can also try almond extract or lemon zest for a unique twist.

Chocolate-Dipped Butter Cookies

After the cookies have cooled, dip half of each cookie into melted chocolate and let it set on parchment paper for an elegant treat.

Holiday Butter Cookies

For a festive touch, add colored sugar or sprinkles on top of the dough before baking, making them perfect for holiday cookie trays.

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Dietary Adaptations

This recipe can be easily adapted for different dietary needs:

• Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.
• Vegan: Use vegan butter in place of regular butter to make the cookies vegan-friendly.

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Frequently Asked Questions

3 Ingredient Butter Cookies Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze the dough?
Yes! You can freeze the cookie dough for up to 3 months. Simply shape the dough into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. When ready to bake, no need to thaw—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Can I add flavors to the dough?
Absolutely! You can mix in vanilla extract, almond extract, or lemon zest for added flavor. You can also fold in chocolate chips or nuts if you like.

How do I store the cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. You can also freeze the baked cookies for up to 2 months.

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