There’s something so satisfying about a recipe that’s simple, elegant, and delicious — and these 3-ingredient butter cookies fit that description perfectly. Buttery, tender, and just sweet enough, they melt in your mouth and are perfect for pairing with tea, coffee, or as part of a holiday cookie platter. I first made these on a whim when I wanted something sweet without fussing over complicated ingredients, and they’ve been a go-to ever since.

Let me show you how these incredibly simple cookies come together and why they always impress.

Why This Recipe Works

These butter cookies are proof that less is more. Here’s why they work so well:

• Minimal ingredients: You only need butter, sugar, and flour.
• Buttery and delicate: They have a melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s both light and rich.
• Versatile: Dress them up with sprinkles, a dusting of powdered sugar, or dip them in chocolate.
• Quick to make: Ready in less than 30 minutes from start to finish.
• Perfect for gifting or holiday baking: They store well and look beautiful on cookie trays.

Ingredients You’ll Need

(Makes about 24 cookies | Prep Time: 10 minutes | Bake Time: 12-15 minutes)

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar (you can use granulated sugar if preferred, but powdered gives a smoother texture)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour

Optional:

• A pinch of salt (if using unsalted butter)
• Sprinkles or colored sugar for decoration
• Melted chocolate for drizzling

How I Make 3-Ingredient Butter Cookies (Step-by-Step)

1. Preheat and Prep

I preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, I cream the softened butter and powdered sugar together until light, fluffy, and smooth. This step makes sure the cookies have that delicate texture.

3. Add the Flour

I gradually add the flour, mixing gently until a soft dough forms. It might look crumbly at first, but keep mixing — it will come together into a smooth dough.

4. Shape the Cookies

I roll the dough into small 1-inch balls and place them on the baking sheet about 2 inches apart. I gently press down with a fork or the bottom of a glass to flatten slightly. Sometimes I top them with sprinkles or colored sugar before baking.

5. Bake

I bake for 12-15 minutes until the edges are just turning golden. The centers will still be pale and soft, but they firm up as they cool.

6. Cool and Enjoy

I let them cool on the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. If I’m feeling fancy, I drizzle melted chocolate over them once cooled.

My Favorite Tips for Perfect Butter Cookies

• Use room-temperature butter: It ensures smooth mixing and the perfect soft texture.
• Don’t overbake: Pull them out when the edges are just turning golden for the best tender crumb.
• Add flavors if desired: A splash of vanilla or almond extract takes them up a notch.
• Get creative: Dip in chocolate, sprinkle with sea salt, or roll in crushed nuts for variations.
• Store in an airtight container: They’ll stay fresh and buttery for up to a week.

What I Serve with Butter Cookies

These cookies are perfect on their own, but here’s how I love to enjoy them:

• With a hot cup of tea or cappuccino
• As part of a holiday cookie platter with other festive treats
• Served with vanilla ice cream for a fun twist
• Dipped in melted dark or white chocolate for special occasions

FAQs (From My Kitchen to Yours)

Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can chill the dough for up to 2 days or freeze it for later use.

Q: Can I use salted butter?
A: Yes, just skip adding extra salt to the dough.

Q: Can I roll out the dough and use cookie cutters?
A: Yes, but make sure to chill the dough for about 30 minutes beforehand so it holds its shape.

Q: Can I freeze the baked cookies?
A: Definitely! Store in airtight containers with parchment between layers and thaw at room temperature.

Why These 3-Ingredient Butter Cookies Deserve a Spot in Your Recipe Collection

These butter cookies are everything I love in a sweet treat — simple, buttery, delicate, and endlessly versatile. Whether I need a quick dessert, something to gift, or a classic cookie for the holidays, this recipe never lets me down.

I hope you give these a try — they’re as easy as they are delicious, and I promise they’ll quickly become a staple in your kitchen too.