3-Ingredient Butter Cookies Recipe

3.53 from 627 votes

Learn how to make the easiest butter cookies with only 3 ingredients that you already have. These butter cookies are so delicious and they melt in your mouth! This recipe is super easy and anyone can make it at home.

homemade 3-ingredient butter cookies

As a recipe developer, I always love trying new things and experimenting with recipes. While I already have a successful recipe for classic Melt-in-Your-Mouth Butter Cookies, which has gained almost 2 million views on YouTube, I decided to make things even easier and created this recipe for 3-ingredient butter cookies. Surprisingly, this recipe has become even more popular over the years, with 6 million views and tens of thousands of happy bakers. It has now become one of my signature recipes, alongside my soft and chewy chocolate chip cookies.

Why You’ll Love 3-Ingredient Butter Cookies

heart shape butter cookies

There is a good reason why this recipe is so popular (6 million views on my YouTube channel), here are just few of the reasons:

  • Simple and easy: Only three basic ingredients—butter, flour, and powdered sugar—make this recipe incredibly easy to follow.
  • No eggs needed: Perfect for those with egg allergies or when you want a quick bake without needing eggs. Makes this the perfect no egg butter cookies recipe.
  • Melt-in-your-mouth texture: These cookies have a tender, buttery texture that literally melts in your mouth.
  • Versatile: You can easily customize the flavor with vanilla, salt, or even a sugar coating for extra sweetness.
  • Beginner-friendly: Great for bakers of all skill levels, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro.
  • Quick to prepare: With minimal ingredients and simple directions, these cookies come together in no time, making them a go-to treat.

Butter Cookies Ingredients

The beauty of these easy 3-ingredient butter cookies lies in their simplicity. Here’s a breakdown of the key ingredients:

  • Butter: The star of the recipe, butter gives the cookies their rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture and buttery flavor.
  • Flour: This forms the base of the cookie dough, providing structure and stability to the cookies while keeping them soft.
  • Powdered sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a smooth, tender texture that sets these cookies apart.

These three ingredients come together to make a deliciously simple cookie. But if you’re feeling adventurous, this recipe is incredibly versatile! You can easily upgrade it by adding vanilla extract, a pinch of salt, or even rolling the cookies in sugar for extra sweetness. I’ll be writing about fun variations and add-ins later on, so stay tuned for even more ways to elevate your butter cookies!

How to Make 3-Ingredient Butter Cookies

Here is how to make easy cookie recipes with few ingredients:

  1. Prepare the Dough: Cream the softened butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy. Then, gradually mix in the flour until the dough forms. If the dough feels too soft, add a bit more flour to achieve the right consistency.
prepare butter cookie dough

2. Shape the Cookies: You can either roll the dough into a log and slice it into rounds or roll it out flat and cut into your desired shapes. For easier handling, chill the dough in the fridge for a short time before shaping.

Method 1: cutting shapes using a cookie cutter

cutting cookie dough into hart shape

Method 2: Roll the dough into a log shape, wrap it with plastic wrap, freeze. Then, unwrap and slice the log into 1/4-inch (1/2cm) thick slices.

slicing cookie batter

3. Bake: Place the cookies on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Bake them until they are slightly golden around the edges.

baking easy homemade butter cookies

4. Cool and Enjoy: Let the cookies cool completely before serving. They will firm up as they cool, giving you that perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture.

For the complete recipe scroll down to the recipe card.

Variations

One of the best things about this simple 3-ingredient butter cookies recipe is how easily you can customize it to suit your tastes. With just a few simple add-ins, you can transform these basic cookies into something special. Here are a few fun variations to try:

  1. Vanilla Butter Cookies: Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the dough for a classic flavor boost that pairs perfectly with the buttery base.
  2. Lemon Zest: For a fresh, zesty twist, grate the zest of a lemon into the dough. This adds a bright, citrusy note that complements the rich butter flavor.
  3. Chocolate-Dipped: Once the cookies are baked and cooled, dip them halfway in melted chocolate and let them set. It’s an easy way to turn these simple cookies into a decadent treat.
  4. Spiced Cookies: Mix in a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to the dough for a warm, spiced flavor, especially great for the holiday season.
  5. Salted Butter Cookies: Add a pinch of sea salt to balance the sweetness and bring out the butter’s richness.
  6. Chocolate Butter Cookies: For a rich chocolate twist, replace some of the flour with cocoa powder. This adds a deep, chocolatey flavor while keeping the cookies tender and buttery. Check out my Chocolate Butter Cookies.

These variations are just the beginning! You can play with different flavors and textures to make this easy butter cookie recipe your own.

How to Store Butter Cookies

  • Room Temperature: Store these simple butter cookies cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-5 days to keep them fresh and soft.
  • Refrigeration: If you prefer a slightly firmer texture, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Just make sure they’re in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out.
  • Freezing: Butter cookies freeze well! Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

How to Make Gluten-Free Butter Cookies

  1. Use a gluten-free flour blend: Simply substitute the regular flour in the recipe with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that includes xanthan gum or another binder. This will help maintain the structure of the cookies without the gluten.
  2. Adjust the texture: Gluten-free flours can sometimes absorb more moisture, so if your dough feels dry or crumbly, add a teaspoon or two of water or milk until it reaches the right consistency.
  3. Chill the dough: Gluten-free dough can be a bit softer, so it helps to chill the dough before shaping and baking to keep the cookies from spreading too much.

The result will be gluten-free butter cookies that are just as delicious, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth as the classic version!

Common Questions

Can I use granulated sugar instead of powdered sugar?

While granulated sugar can technically be used, it’s not recommended for this recipe. Powdered sugar is finer and dissolves easily into the butter, resulting in a smoother, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Using granulated sugar could make the cookies more grainy and less tender.

Why is my dough too soft?

If the dough is too soft, it might be due to the butter being overly softened or warm. To fix this, you can add 1-2 tablespoons of flour or refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes before shaping.

Can I add flavorings to the recipe?

Absolutely! You can add vanilla extract, a pinch of salt, or even lemon zest for extra flavor. These add-ins won’t alter the texture but will enhance the taste of the cookies.

How do I keep the cookies from spreading while baking?

If your cookies are spreading too much, make sure to chill the dough before baking. This will help them maintain their shape. Also, be sure that your butter isn’t too warm when you start the recipe.

Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Simply shape the dough into a log, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and freeze. When ready to bake, slice the dough into rounds and bake as usual, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.

More Cookie Recipes

If you enjoyed this simple butter cookies recipe and looking for more easy cookie recipes with few ingredients, here are few ideas for you:

3-ingredient butter cookies

3-Ingredient Butter Cookies Recipe

Learn how to make the easiest butter cookies with only 3 ingredients that you already have. These butter cookies are so delicious and they melt in your mouth! This recipe is super easy and anyone can make it at home.
3.53 from 627 votes
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Chilling time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
DIFFICULTY Easy
Course Dessert
Cuisine World
Servings 50 cookies
Calories 34 kcal

Ingredients
 

  • 1 cup (230 g) Unsalted Butter softened
  • 2 cups (250 g) Flour read notes
  • cup (85) Powdered sugar

Optional additions:

  • Vanilla extract
  • Salt
  • Sugar for coating

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350F (180C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper, set aside.
  • In a large bowl cream together the butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add the flour and mix until combined. If the dough is too soft, add 2-3 tablespoons of flour
  • 2 ways to shape the cookies:
  • Shape the dough into a disk form, wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour. Then, roll out the dough into 1/4-inch (1/2cm) thick. Then, cut into desired shape (hearts, round, rectangle).
  • Roll the dough into a log shape, wrap it with plastic wrap and freeze for 30 minutes. Then, unwrap and slice the log into 1/4-inch (1/2cm) thick slices.
  • Transfer the cookies to the baking tray and bake for 12-15 minutes, until slightly golden.

Video

YouTube video

Notes

  • Watch the Video: For a better understanding of the recipe, I always recommend watching the video recipe, which includes a step-by-step guide to help you succeed.
  • FAQs: Make sure you read the FAQs for this recipe which are located above the recipe box for additional tips and troubleshooting! For extra tips and variations read the article.
  • Flour: to make these butter cookies you can use AP flour or plain flour.

Nutrition

Calories: 34kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 0.3gFat: 0.1gSaturated Fat: 0.1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.01gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.03gTrans Fat: 0.01gSodium: 35mgPotassium: 3mgFiber: 0.2gSugar: 2gVitamin C: 0.2mgCalcium: 17mgIron: 0.4mg
Nutrition information is automatically generated and thus we can not guarantee it is 100% accurate.
Keyword easy

38 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    I tried your recipe with exact measurements minus vanilla extract. It was super delicious…. My family loved it. Thank you very much

    April 7, 2021
  2. Debra Gordon says:

    Can the recipes be printed out??

    April 21, 2021
    1. Press the printer icon on the right bottom corner of where the picture of biscuits is.

      September 19, 2022
  3. 5 stars
    I NEVER write comments for these recipe pages but… I’m amazed. I’ve never had such good butter cookies! They’re delicate, simple, and dissolve in the mouth beautifully.
    I piped these in rounds because I didn’t have the patience to roll them out and it still worked great. And so easy!!!

    April 26, 2021
  4. Ulani Fletcher says:

    5 stars
    I tried these cookies and love them, my family loves cookies I usually store them in the freezer or chiller. How long would these last if I store them?

    May 29, 2021
    1. Gabriel Forcier says:

      in a airtight container, they last about three days 🙂

      December 12, 2021
      1. Ulani Fletcher says:

        Thank you

        December 12, 2021
  5. How much salt and vanilla should be used?

    June 10, 2021
  6. Barbara Jacqueline says:

    5 stars
    I am waiting on the refrigeration part then I will roll and cut. I plan to make a hack alfajaor with these as I have a load of homemade dulce de leche spread I’ve got to use!
    Stay tuned!

    August 15, 2021
    1. was that english-?

      September 3, 2021
      1. No of course it is not English. I’m shocked, if you’re a baker you don’t know the word “Alfajor.” I dare you to make them! 😂

        Have a splendid day!

        September 3, 2021
  7. What flour should I use?

    September 2, 2021
    1. I think its plain because optional salt

      December 12, 2021
      1. The thing is she/he doesn’t want to say including the people who did the recipe. They are bad for not stating and i would not recommend this person and what type of butter they say Don’t put a recipe on the Internet if you don’t say what type of ingredients you put down, bad communication, and i think if Ramsey or jamie Oliver seen this they would be disappointed in you because of that reason.

        December 16, 2021
      2. Tolitz Joneda says:

        For melt in the mouth type of Cookies, use gluten free flour like Uraro Flour, Cassava Flour or Corn Starch.

        January 23, 2024
      3. Tolitz Joneda says:

        For melt in the mouth type of Cookies, use gluten free flour like Uraro Flour, Cassava Flour or Corn Starch.

        January 23, 2024
    2. All purpose flour <3

      October 30, 2023
  8. 5 stars
    i used a drizzle of maple syrup instead of the powdered suger and it worked! 😀

    September 3, 2021
    1. Cherie Moore says:

      Hi how much ch maple did you use? Did it cream up please

      March 18, 2024
  9. Yes I get the cracks too but trust me no one has complained!
    If you sift the flour, and use powdered (also sifted), plus corn starch, that’s pretty much the base alfajores! They’re so good it’s almost the texture of Mexican wedding cookies.
    I do love this recipe on here as well with a piping bag to make it decorative.
    Happy Holidays all!

    November 28, 2021
  10. Mary Jane Koczot says:

    Can I put this receipe in a cookie press?

    December 10, 2021
  11. Gabriel Forcier says:

    These cookies were AMAZING! They came out beautifully, and surprisingly looked just like the picture! They were delicious. I highly recommend these.

    December 12, 2021
  12. What is the kind of blender/whisker you used? Where do you buy it

    November 18, 2022
    1. The Cooking Foodie says:

      There is a link with a list of product in the top of the page. It’s called shop”.”

      February 23, 2023
  13. Ray Mackay says:

    What is powdered sugar

    February 22, 2023
    1. The Cooking Foodie says:

      Powdered sugar also known as icing sugar is a regular sugar that has been ground into a powder. You can find it at any store.

      February 23, 2023
  14. 5 stars
    Deliciously buttery and not overly sweet!

    May 11, 2023
  15. Can I decorate these cookies with icing on top or will it loose its crunch?

    May 31, 2023
    1. The Cooking Foodie says:

      Yes, you can.

      June 5, 2023
  16. What kind of flour?

    July 6, 2023
    1. The Cooking Foodie says:

      AP flour or Plain flour

      July 9, 2023
  17. 5 stars
    These cookies are delicious! I love baking them because they are so easy to make!

    July 20, 2023
  18. How much vanilla extract should I use?

    July 21, 2023
  19. Can you make these gluten free, i.e. using almond flour?

    December 23, 2023
  20. Hello how much vanilla extract, and what type of butter unsalted, regular?

    March 17, 2024
    1. 5 stars
      Greetings April,
      you can use any type of butter [Salted/Unsalted] I tried it and found no particular difference.
      also think 1 1/2 tsp of vanilla is just the right amount.
      You can also try putting a couple tablespoons of cocoa or choc chips and then they make the PERFECT coffee biscuits [in my opinion.]
      Sorry It took a long time for someone to reply.
      Hope you have a great day and God bless.
      😊

      June 21, 2024
  21. 5 stars
    Hands down, best butter cookies recipe. I am amazed you only need 3 ingredients. wow.

    October 16, 2024
  22. 5 stars
    Thank you for sharing this recipe. Love it

    October 18, 2024
3.53 from 627 votes (617 ratings without comment)

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