Classic 3 Ingredient Butter Cookies That Melt in Your Mouth

Thank you for being here—truly Recipes like these 3 Ingredient Butter Cookies are proof that baking doesn’t need to be complicated to be special. With just butter, flour, and powdered sugar, you get cookies that are tender, rich, and wonderfully nostalgic.

These are the kind of cookies my nonna would make when the cookie jar was empty but the coffee was still hot. If you love timeless, no-fail baking like this, don’t forget to subscribe by email—I share the classics and the cozy stuff you’ll actually make again.

Overview of the Recipe Content

These butter cookies are simplicity at its absolute best.

What This Recipe Is

Soft, tender butter cookies made with only three pantry ingredients and baked until lightly golden.

Why You’ll Love Them

• Only 3 ingredients
• No eggs, no milk, no leavening
• Ready in under 30 minutes
• Perfect with tea or coffee
• Easy to customize

What They Taste Like

Rich, buttery, lightly sweet, and melt-in-your-mouth soft with delicate crisp edges.

Ingredients (Full & Complete)

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• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (not melted)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ⅔ cup powdered sugar

Optional Add-Ins (Still Simple!)

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Zest of ½ lemon or orange
• Dip half the cookie in melted chocolate after baking

Tools Needed

• Mixing bowl
• Hand mixer or wooden spoon
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Fork or cookie stamp
• Cooling rack

How to Make 3 Ingredient Butter Cookies

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This is the kind of recipe you can memorize after one bake.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven
   Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Cream the butter and sugar
   In a bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the flour
   Gradually mix in the flour until a soft, smooth dough forms.
4. Shape the cookies
   Roll dough into small balls and place on the baking sheet. Gently flatten with a fork or stamp.
5. Bake
   Bake for 12–15 minutes, just until the bottoms are lightly golden. The tops should stay pale.
6. Cool
   Let cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack.

The smell alone will tell you you’re doing it right.

What to Serve with Butter Cookies

• Coffee or espresso
• Tea or herbal tea
• Hot chocolate
• A light dusting of powdered sugar

Tips for Making Them Perfect

• Butter must be soft, not melted
• Don’t overbake—pale tops mean tender cookies
• Chill dough 10 minutes if too soft
• Use high-quality butter for best flavor

Storage Instructions

• Room temperature: Up to 5 days in an airtight container
• Refrigerator: Up to 7 days
• Freezer: Freeze baked cookies up to 2 months

General Information

Butter cookies have been a staple in European and American kitchens for generations. Their simplicity highlights the quality of ingredients—especially butter—which is why this recipe has stood the test of time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Can I pipe the dough?

Absolutely—this dough works well in a piping bag.

Why are my cookies spreading?

Butter may be too warm—chill dough briefly before baking.

Can I add vanilla?

Yes! Vanilla is a lovely addition without overpowering.

Conclusion

These 3 Ingredient Butter Cookies are proof that the simplest recipes are often the most loved. Buttery, tender, and endlessly adaptable, they’re perfect for everyday baking or last-minute guests.

If you loved this recipe, try these next:

• https://poulef.com/vanilla-oat-comfort-tray-bake/
• https://poulef.com/healthy-nut-seed-energy-cookies/
• https://poulef.com/soft-oatmeal-carrot-cake/
• https://poulef.com/moist-chocolate-snack-cake/
• https://poulef.com/banana-vanilla-breakfast-snack-bars/

Interactive Elements

Baked these cookies?
Leave a comment, rate the recipe, and share your batch on Pinterest:
https://www.pinterest.com/poulefrecipe/

Nutritional Information (Per Cookie – 24 Cookies)

Calories	Carbs	Sugar	Fat	Protein
115 kcal	12g	5g	7g	1g

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