Name: Easy 3‑Ingredient Butter Cookies
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

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I absolutely adore these buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies made with just three simple ingredients. They come together in minutes and yield irresistibly crisp, golden bites.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how effortless this recipe is—only three ingredients, no chilling required, and minimal cleanup. In less than 20 minutes, I can satisfy a sweet craving with buttery, delicate cookies that pair perfectly with tea or coffee.

Ingredients

(HHere's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Unsalted butter, softened
Granulated sugar
All‑purpose flour

Directions

In a mixing bowl, I cream together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
I gradually add the flour, mixing just until the dough comes together and forms a soft ball.
I preheat my oven to 350 °F (175 °C).
I scoop or roll tablespoons of dough into balls and place them about 2 inches apart on an ungreased baking sheet.
I lightly press each ball down with the back of a fork or my fingers to flatten slightly.
I bake for 12–15 minutes, until the edges turn a light golden brown.
I let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and timing

These cookies make about 24 standard‑sized cookies.

Prep time: 5 minutes
Bake time: 12–15 minutes
Total time: approximately 20 minutes

Variations

Vanilla twist: I stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract with the butter and sugar for added aroma.
Citrus zing: I grate a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest into the dough for a fresh flavor.
Almond crunch: I mix in a handful of finely chopped almonds or other nuts before baking.
Chocolate dipped: After cooling, I dip half of each cookie in melted dark or milk chocolate and let it set.

Storage/Reheating

I store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, I freeze them for up to 3 months. To reheat, I let them thaw at room temperature, or warm them in a 300 °F oven for 3–4 minutes to restore crispness.

FAQs

How do I soften butter quickly if I forgot to leave it out?

I cut the cold butter into small cubes and let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes, or briefly microwave it in 5‑second bursts until slightly soft—but not melted.

Can I use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar?

Yes. I’ve used light brown sugar and gotten a slightly chewier and richer flavor, though the cookies turn a bit darker in color.

What if the dough seems too dry or crumbly?

I add one teaspoon of milk at a time and gently knead until the dough holds together without being sticky.

Can I make these gluten‑free?

Definitely. I replace the all‑purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten‑free baking flour blend, and the texture comes out beautifully.

Will the cookies spread too much without chilling the dough?

Not at all. The dough has a high butter content but isn’t overly sticky. If I refrigerate it briefly (10 minutes), they stay thicker, but they bake just fine straight from the bowl.

Conclusion

I love how these butter cookies come together so quickly and use only pantry staples. They’re perfect for an easy treat, and I enjoy customizing them with zests, nuts, or dipping them in chocolate. I hope these simple, buttery bites bring a little joy to your baking—I know they do to mine!

Easy 3‑Ingredient Butter Cookies

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Author: Sue
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These easy 3-ingredient butter cookies are buttery, crisp, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Made with pantry staples and ready in under 20 minutes, they are perfect for a quick and satisfying treat.

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup granulated sugar
2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cream together softened butter and granulated sugar in a mixing bowl until light and fluffy.
Gradually add all-purpose flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Roll tablespoons of dough into balls and place them 2 inches apart on an ungreased baking sheet.
Flatten each ball slightly with the back of a fork or fingers.
Bake for 12–15 minutes, until edges are lightly golden.
Cool cookies on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for extra aroma.
Mix in citrus zest or chopped nuts for variation.
Dip cooled cookies in chocolate for a decorative finish.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.