Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

Yes, you can substitute salted butter, but reduce the added salt in the recipe. Otherwise, the cookies may taste too salty.

How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?

Make sure to chill the dough slightly if you’re in a warm environment. This helps the butter firm up and prevents excessive spreading during baking.

What if my dough is too crumbly?

If the dough feels too dry or crumbly, add a teaspoon of milk or water. This should help it come together more easily.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking mix to make these cookies gluten-free. They’ll have a slightly different texture, but will still be delicious.

How long can I freeze these cookies?

These cookies can be frozen for up to three months. Make sure to layer them with parchment paper in an airtight container to prevent them from sticking together.

3-Ingredient Butter Cookies: A Simple, Delicious Recipe

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
(Optional) 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for extra flavor

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple step keeps the cookies from sticking and ensures even baking.
Cream the butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy. Creaming the butter and sugar creates air pockets, making the cookies soft and tender.
Add the flour gradually to the mixture, stirring until the dough comes together. The dough should be smooth and slightly sticky.
Shape the dough by rolling it into 1-inch balls and placing them on the prepared baking sheet.
Flatten each ball with the back of a fork, pressing down gently to create a crisscross pattern on each cookie.
Bake for 12-15 minutes, until the edges turn a light golden color. Watch closely; these cookies are delicate!
Cool the cookies on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Softening the Butter: Softened butter makes a big difference here. Cold butter won’t mix well, and melted butter can make the dough too soft.
For Even Size: Roll the dough into uniform 1-inch balls to ensure even baking. You can use a cookie scoop for precision.
Adding Vanilla or Almond: If you’re a fan of extra flavor, go ahead and add a teaspoon of vanilla or almond extract.
Storage: Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or freeze them for up to three months.

Author: Elina
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 100 kcal
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 30mg
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 1g
Cholesterol: 10mg

Keywords: Quick dessert recipes, Easy butter cookies recipe, 3-ingredient cookies, Classic butter cookies