3 Ingredient Butter Cookies
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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
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line two large baking sheets with silicone baking mats or parchment paper.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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!
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