3 Ingredient Butter Cookies

There’s something truly magical about the simplicity of a cookie recipe that requires only three ingredients. These delightful 3 Ingredient Butter Cookies are a testament to the beauty of minimalism in baking. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a batch of cookies that are crispy, buttery, and sweet—perfect for any occasion, especially during the holiday season. If you’re a fan of Danish butter cookies but often find yourself disappointed by store-bought versions, you’re in for a treat with these homemade beauties. Let’s dive into the details and bring a little bit of bakery magic into your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Ingredients: With just three pantry staples, these cookies are easy to whip up anytime.
• Delicious Flavor: The rich buttery taste and crisp texture make them irresistible.
• Perfect for Gifting: These cookies are elegant enough to be packaged as gifts for friends and family.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Large mixing bowl
• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Spatula
• Piping bag with a large open star tip
• Silicone baking mat or parchment paper
• Baking sheets

Ingredients

• 1 cup (227 g) butter, softened and slightly melted
• 1 cup (118 g) powdered sugar
• 2 cups (256 g) all-purpose flour

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line two large baking sheets with silicone baking mats or parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and powdered sugar on high speed for about 5 minutes, or until the mixture is light and fluffy. It should transition from yellow to white and resemble whipped cream. If using a stand mixer, stop occasionally to scrape down the bowl with a spatula.
3. Gradually add the flour, mixing on low speed at first, then increasing the speed as the flour incorporates. The mixture will start crumbly but will form a thick, soft dough.
4. Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a large open star tip. Pipe the dough into swirls or your desired shape, spacing the cookies about 1 inch apart on the baking sheets. Chill the piped cookies in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to prevent spreading during baking.
5. Bake one sheet at a time in the center of the oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges and surface are lightly browned. Mine took about 18-20 minutes. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet before transferring to a container.

Tips for Success

• Ensure your butter is softened but not melted entirely, as this helps achieve the right dough consistency.
• Chilling the dough before baking is crucial to maintain the cookie shapes.

Additional Tips or Variations

• If you don’t have a piping bag, you can roll the dough into balls and flatten them slightly with a fork.
• Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a pinch of salt for extra flavor.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

• Calories: 120
• Fat: 7g
• Sugar: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Protein: 1g

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use salted butter? A: Yes, you can use salted butter for a slightly different flavor profile.

Q: How should I store these cookies? A: Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

Q: Can I freeze the dough? A: Yes, the dough can be frozen for up to a month. Thaw in the refrigerator before baking.

Conclusion

These 3 Ingredient Butter Cookies are a delightful treat that anyone can make. With their simple ingredients and exquisite taste, they’re sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. I invite you to try this recipe and experience the joy of homemade butter cookies. Don’t forget to share your results and any creative twists you come up with!