This 3-Ingredient Butter Cookies Recipe is the epitome of simplicity and elegance. Perfect for holidays, afternoon tea, or just a quick treat, these cookies melt in your mouth with a buttery richness. With only three basic pantry ingredients and minimal prep time, these cookies are as easy as they are delicious!
Why This Recipe Works
Minimal Ingredients: Using just butter, powdered sugar, and flour ensures a straightforward recipe that yields rich, melt-in-your-mouth cookies.
Piping for Aesthetic Appeal: Piping the dough creates visually stunning cookies that look as good as they taste.
Chilling the Dough: A quick chill helps the cookies maintain their shape and texture while baking.
Ingredients
1 cup butter: Softened and slightly melted for a smooth dough.
1 cup powdered sugar: Provides sweetness and a delicate texture.
2 cups all-purpose flour: The base for the cookie structure.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Baking Sheets
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line two large baking sheets with silicone baking mats or parchment paper.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, combine the butter and powdered sugar.
Using a hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with a wire whisk attachment, cream at the highest speed for 5 minutes, scraping down the sides as needed.
The mixture should turn from yellow to white and have a whipped-cream-like texture.
Step 3: Incorporate the Flour
Add the flour to the creamed butter and sugar.
Start mixing at low speed, gradually increasing to prevent flour from spilling out.
The dough will initially appear crumbly but will come together into a thick, soft, paste-like dough.
Step 4: Pipe the Dough
Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a large open star tip (1/2-inch opening works well).
Pipe swirls or your preferred design onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing cookies about 1 inch apart.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Place the piped cookies in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
This step ensures the cookies hold their shape and don’t spread too much during baking.
Step 6: Bake the Cookies
Place one baking sheet in the center of your oven.
Bake for 15-20 minutes, until the edges and surface begin to turn light brown.
Baking times may vary; check at the 15-minute mark to avoid over-browning.
Remove cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet.
Repeat the process for the second baking sheet.
Step 7: Store and Enjoy
Once completely cool, store uneaten cookies in an airtight container to preserve freshness.
Tips for Success
Soften Butter Correctly: Allow butter to sit at room temperature until softened but not melted. Overheating the butter can affect the dough’s consistency.
Piping Techniques: Use steady pressure while piping to ensure even swirls. If the dough is too firm, allow it to sit for a few minutes to soften slightly.
Chill Time is Key: Don’t skip chilling the dough; this prevents excessive spreading and keeps the cookie shapes intact.
Flavor Additions: While optional, you can enhance these cookies with a splash of vanilla extract, lemon zest, or a sprinkle of cinnamon in the dough.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these cookies alongside tea, coffee, or hot cocoa for a comforting treat.
Decorate the cookies with a drizzle of melted chocolate or a dusting of powdered sugar for a festive flair.
Pair with a scoop of ice cream for a decadent dessert.
Storage and Shelf Life
Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Freezer: Freeze unbaked piped dough or fully baked cookies for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Why You’ll Love These Cookies
These 3-Ingredient Butter Cookies are the perfect blend of simplicity and decadence. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe delivers foolproof results every time. With their melt-in-your-mouth texture and irresistible buttery flavor, they’re bound to become a household favorite!