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If you’re looking for a cookie recipe that’s as fuss-free as it is delicious, you’re in for a treat. These 3-ingredient butter cookies are the perfect solution for those “I need something sweet, but I’m not trying to bake a 10-layer cake” kind of moments. With just three pantry staples, you can whip up a batch of melt-in-your-mouth cookies that deliver rich buttery flavor with just the right touch of sweetness. Give it a try, whether you are a seasoned baker or someone who barely trusts their oven.
Why You’ll Love This 3-Ingredient Butter Cookies Recipe
- Minimal ingredients: Only three! No eggs, no fancy flavorings, no baking powder.
- Quick to make: From mixing bowl to cooling rack in under 30 minutes.
- Versatile: Dress them up with a dusting of powdered sugar, dip them in chocolate, or enjoy them plain.
- Perfect for beginners and last-minute cravings. Yes. As simple as that!
Ingredients for 3-Ingredient Butter Cookies
Here’s what you’ll need to make these cookies.
- 1 1/2 cups self-raising flour. As the name suggests, self-rising flour already contains a raising agent (and salt), so you do not need to add those two ingredients to this mix. Our goal with using this flour is to save time. Please note that you cannot substitute the self-rising flour with all-purpose flour, or this recipe will not work. You would need to add baking powder and salt to your all-purpose flour first. Sift the flour to ensure your cookies rise nicely.
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted. This is the equivalent of one and a half sticks of butter (in U.S. terms). Again, self-rising flour is quite seriously salted, so make sure to use unsalted butter, or your cookies will be excessively salty.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar. Some makers of this recipe will use three-quarters of a cup of sugar, but I find half a cup enough.
That’s it. Seriously. You probably have all these in your kitchen already.
Steps for 3-Ingredient Butter Cookies
1. Preheat the oven and prepare the baking sheet
Preheat your oven to 340°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. Combine flour and sugar
Sift the self-rising flour into a mixing bowl. Then add sugar and whisk to combine.
3. Add the butter
Add the melted butter to the flour mixture. Use a firm silicone spatula to mix until a soft dough forms. It should be pliable but not sticky. If it feels a bit dry and crumbly, don’t worry. Knead it gently with your hands to help bring it together into a ball.
4. Shape the cookies
Divide the dough into eight, ten, or twelve cookie pieces using whatever method works best for you. I shaped the dough into a disk and cut it into eight equal pieces using a dough scraper. Roll the dough pieces into small balls on the palms of your hands, then flatten them just a little into disk-like shapes. Place them on the prepared baking sheet. You could also choose to place the round dough balls onto the baking sheet, then flatten each slightly with a fork for that classic butter cookie crisscross pattern, or use the bottom of a glass if you prefer a smooth top. But in doing all of this, be gentle not to crack the cookie dough pieces.
5. Bake the cookies
The baking time will depend on the size of your cookies. I made jumbo cookies (only 8 pieces), and I baked them at 340°F for 25 minutes. If you choose to make 10 or 12 pieces, bake them at 350°F for 15-17 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. Don’t overbake these cookies, though, as they are meant to be soft and delicate.
6. Cool and enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Once cool, serve them up with a cup of tea, coffee, or a tall glass of cold milk. Enjoy!
Print the Recipe
Easy 3-Ingredient Butter Cookies Recipe
Course: Breakfast, DessertCuisine: Global, AmericanDifficulty: Easy4
servings10
minutes25
minutes35
minutesQuick and easy recipe.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups self-raising flour
3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup granulated sugar
Directions
- Preheat the oven and prepare the baking sheet. Preheat your oven to 340°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Combine flour and sugar. Sift the self-rising flour into a mixing bowl. Then add sugar and whisk to combine.
- Add the butter. Add the melted butter to the flour mixture. Use a firm silicone spatula to mix until a soft dough forms. It should be pliable but not sticky. If it feels a bit dry and crumbly, don’t worry. Knead it gently with your hands to help bring it together into a ball.
- Shape the cookies. Divide the dough into eight, ten, or twelve cookie pieces using whatever method works best for you. I shaped the dough into a disk and cut it into eight equal pieces using a dough scraper. Roll the dough pieces into small balls on the palms of your hands, then flatten them just a little into disk-like shapes. Place them on the prepared baking sheet. You could also choose to place the round dough balls onto the baking sheet, then flatten each slightly with a fork for that classic butter cookie crisscross pattern, or use the bottom of a glass if you prefer a smooth top. But in doing all of this, be gentle not to crack the cookie dough pieces.
- Bake the cookies. The baking time will depend on the size of your cookies. I made jumbo cookies (only 8 pieces), and I baked them at 340°F for 25 minutes. If you choose to make 10 or 12 pieces, bake them at 350°F for 15-17 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. Don’t overbake these cookies, though, as they are meant to be soft and delicate.
- Cool and enjoy. Let the cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Once cool, serve them up with a cup of tea, coffee, or a tall glass of cold milk. Enjoy!
Recipe Video
Optional Add-Ons (If You’re Feeling Fancy)
While the charm of these cookies lies in their simplicity, feel free to add a little flair:
- A dash of vanilla extract in the dough for a nice aroma
- A sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for some warmth
- A dip in melted chocolate and a sprinkle of crushed nuts
- Press a cherry or a chocolate chip in the center before baking
Conclusion
These 3-ingredient butter cookies are proof that sometimes the simplest recipes are the most satisfying. With just three ingredients, they’re buttery, tender, and just sweet enough to hit the spot. What’s more, they are so easy to make and are ready in no time at all! Bake them with your kids, prep them for a last-minute get-together, or simply treat yourself!
