3-Ingredient Butter Cookies That Melt in Your Mouth

3-Ingredient Butter Cookies
3-Ingredient Butter Cookies

Thank you for stopping by the kitchen today—your virtual oven is about to get a serious upgrade! These 3 ingredient cookies are a simple yet heavenly treat you can whip up in no time. If you love fuss-free baking, you’re in the right place. And hey, if you want more delightful recipes delivered straight to your inbox, don’t forget to subscribe for recipes by email!

Overview of Recipe Content

What this recipe is and when to enjoy it

These are classic, buttery melt-in-your-mouth cookies—perfect for afternoon tea, last-minute desserts, or cozy evenings with a warm cup of cocoa. The focus keyword here is 3 ingredient cookies.

Why you’ll absolutely love them

  • Effortless and minimal ingredients
  • Rich, buttery flavor and tender crumb
  • Crowd-pleasing with zero hassle

Taste and texture

They have a delicate crunch on the outside, a soft, melt-y center, and that buttery sweetness that keeps you sneaking “just one more.”

Health/nutritional benefits

Indulge without overthinking: no eggs, no vanilla, just pure cookie brilliance. You can even use half-flour swap for whole wheat if you’d like a fiber boost!

Ingredients

  • 2 cups plain flour (all-purpose)
  • 1 cup butter (room temperature, unsalted)
  • ½ cup icing sugar (powdered sugar)

Tools needed

  • Mixing bowl
  • Hand mixer (optional but helpful)
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Cookie scoop or spoon

Suggested substitutions and additions

  • Use whole wheat flour for a heartier taste
  • Try adding a pinch of salt or splash of vanilla extract
  • Roll in cinnamon sugar or crushed nuts for texture

How to Make 3 Ingredient Cookies

  1. Preheat oven to 180 °C (350 °F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, cream together butter and icing sugar until light and fluffy—about 2–3 minutes. Your mixture should feel like a cloud!
  3. Gradually add the plain flour, mixing just until incorporated. Don’t overmix—you want a soft dough.
  4. Scoop dough into small balls (about 1 tablespoon) and place them a couple of inches apart. Gently flatten with the back of a spoon or your palm.
  5. Bake 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are just turning golden. They’ll firm up as they cool—no overbaking!
  6. Let cookies sit on the hot sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool completely.

These moments in the kitchen? They remind me of my nonna’s gentle hands shaping dough—and yours will feel just as warm and loving!

What to Serve with 3 Ingredient Cookies

Pair these melt-in-your-mouth cookies with:

  • A frothy cappuccino or black tea
  • A scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent twist
  • A cup of milk with a light cinnamon sprinkle

Tips for Making It Perfect

  • Ensure your butter is fully softened—no cold lumps!
  • Use a sifter for your icing sugar to prevent lumps.
  • Don’t skip the parchment paper—these are stick-prone!

Storage Instructions

  • Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
  • For longer storage, freeze in a zip-top bag up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature.

General Information

These buttery bites date back to European tea-times and were once a sign of simple luxury—no fancy ingredients, just good flavor. They’re also gluten-friendly if you swap the flour!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use self‑raising flour?
A: No—stick with plain flour to keep the crumb right. If using self‑raising, reduce baking time and expect more puff.

Q: Why are my cookies too crumbly?
A: Possibly too much flour or old butter. Make sure to pack the flour lightly—don’t over-measure.

Q: Can I add flavors?
A: Absolutely! A pinch of salt, cinnamon, or even a drop of almond extract works beautifully.

Q: Are these vegan?
A: Yes, simply swap butter for plant-based margarine!

Try these delicious recipes by Poulef:

And don’t forget to head over to my Pinterest boards for more delicious inspiration: poulefrecipe on Pinterest

Conclusion

These 3 ingredient cookies prove that magic can be simple—just flour, butter, and sugar transform into buttery bites of heaven. If you enjoyed this, you’ll love the fudgy brownies or garlic knots next! Stay cozy, keep baking, and I can’t wait to hear how they turned out.

Interactive Elements

Let me know in the comments below how yours came out—and pretty please, snap a shot and tag me on Pinterest! I adore seeing your creations.

Nutritional Information

Serving SizeCaloriesFatCarbsProteinSugarFiber
1 cookie (approx.)~120 kcal6 g14 g1 g4 g0.5 g

Values are approximate and may vary depending on ingredients and size.

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3-Ingredient Butter Cookies That Melt in Your Mouth


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  • Author: Poulef
  • Total Time: 25 mins
  • Yield: 24 cookies 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Effortless melt-in-your-mouth cookies made with just flour, butter, and icing sugar.


Ingredients

Scale

2 cups plain flour

1 cup butter, room temperature

1/2 cup icing sugar


Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet.

2. Cream butter and icing sugar until light and fluffy.

3. Add flour and mix until just combined.

4. Scoop dough into balls and flatten slightly.

5. Bake for 12–15 minutes until edges are just golden.

6. Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Notes

Ensure butter is fully softened.

Use sifted icing sugar for smooth texture.

Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 15 mins
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie
  • Calories: 120
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 10mg
  • Fat: 6g
  • Saturated Fat: 3.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 14g
  • Fiber: 0.5g
  • Protein: 1g
  • Cholesterol: 20mg
Product Image

26-Piece Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls Set

A versatile set of mixing bowls with airtight lids and non-slip bottoms. Includes 3 grater attachments for added convenience in the kitchen!

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I’m Poulef from Poulef Recipes. I love sharing perfected dishes from my kitchen. I’m sure they’ll earn a spot in your heart. Let’s savor this journey together!. Let’s be friends!