The Easiest 3-Ingredient Cookie Recipe – Buttery & Delicious

If you're looking for a simple, foolproof cookie recipe that delivers rich, buttery flavor with minimal effort, you've come to the right place. These 3-ingredient cookies require no eggs, no fancy equipment, and just a few pantry staples. Whether you're a beginner baker or need a quick dessert, this recipe guarantees soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookies every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Only 3 ingredients – no eggs, no baking soda, no fuss.
  • Perfect texture – soft, buttery, and lightly crisp around the edges.
  • Customizable – add flavors like vanilla, almond, or lemon for variety.
  • Great for beginners – foolproof and easy to make.

Ingredients & Their Role

1. Unsalted Butter (1 cup / 2 sticks, softened)

  • The key to rich, melt-in-your-mouth cookies.
  • Using softened butter ensures a smooth dough.

2. Powdered Sugar (½ cup)

  • Adds a delicate sweetness without making the cookies overly sugary.
  • Creates a light, tender texture rather than a crisp one.

3. All-Purpose Flour (2 ½ cups)

  • Provides structure and stability to the cookies.
  • Helps achieve the perfect buttery shortbread texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat Your Oven

Set your oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Mix the Dough

  • In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
  • Gradually add the flour, mixing until a dough forms. The dough might seem crumbly at first—keep mixing until it holds together.

3. Shape the Cookies

  • Hand-rolled method: Roll the dough into walnut-sized balls and gently press them down with a fork or your fingers.
  • Cut-out method: Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters for fun shapes.

4. Arrange & Bake

  • Place the cookies on an ungreased baking sheet, leaving space between them.
  • Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are light golden brown.

5. Cool & Enjoy

  • Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • Enjoy as-is or dust with powdered sugar for an elegant finish.

Pro Tips for Perfect Cookies

Use high-quality butter for the best flavor—European-style butter works great.
Sift the powdered sugar for an extra smooth dough.
Want extra flavor? Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract or ½ teaspoon of almond extract to the dough.
Make them festive by dipping them in melted chocolate or sprinkling with sugar before baking.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

  • Serve these cookies with a hot cup of tea, coffee, or milk for a cozy treat.
  • Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
  • Freeze the dough for up to 3 months and bake fresh whenever you want!

Final Thoughts

This 3-ingredient cookie recipe proves that baking can be easy, fun, and incredibly delicious with just a few pantry staples. Whether you're baking for a party, a quick snack, or a last-minute dessert, these cookies are guaranteed to impress. Try them today and enjoy the simplest homemade cookies ever!

Want to customize your cookies? Let me know in the comments!