Butter cookies are one of the easiest and most delicious treats you can make at home. They are buttery, crumbly, and melt in your mouth, making them perfect for any occasion. The best part? You only need three simple ingredients—butter, sugar, and flour—to make these cookies from scratch.
This recipe is perfect for beginners because there’s no need for fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients. You can prepare the dough in just a few minutes and bake them to golden perfection. These cookies are great for tea time, holiday baking, or when you’re craving something sweet but don’t want a complicated recipe.
Take the butter out of the fridge 30 minutes before baking to let it soften. Softened butter should be easily spreadable but not melted. If you press it, your finger should leave a slight dent. If you’re short on time, microwave the butter for 10 seconds on low power.
In a large mixing bowl, add the softened butter and sugar. Use a hand mixer or a wooden spoon to beat them together. Mix for 2-3 minutes until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in colour. If using granulated sugar, mix a little longer to dissolve the sugar properly.
Sift in 2 cups of all-purpose flour gradually. Mix with a spatula or wooden spoon until it forms a crumbly dough. Once it starts coming together, use your hands to gently knead it into a smooth dough. The dough should be soft but not sticky. If it’s too dry and crumbly, add 1-2 teaspoons of milk to help it bind.
If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour, 1 tablespoon at a time. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Roll small portions of dough into 1-inch balls using your hands. Place them on the baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.
Use a fork to press down lightly, creating a simple design. Roll the dough into a log shape (about 1.5 inches thick). Wrap it in plastic wrap and chill it for 15-20 minutes. Slice into ¼-inch thick rounds and place them on the baking sheet. Transfer the dough into a piping bag fitted with a star tip. Pipe small swirls or shapes onto the baking sheet.
Chill the Shaped Cookies (Optional, but Recommended) Place the shaped cookies in the fridge for 15-20 minutes before baking. Chilling helps them hold their shape better and prevents spreading. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges turn light golden brown.
Keep an eye on them in the last few minutes to avoid overbaking. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Transfer them to a wire rack and let them cool completely before eating.
Expert Tips for Perfect Butter Cookies;
Use room temperature butter – This makes mixing easier and results in a smooth, creamy dough.
Don’t overmix the dough – Overmixing can make the cookies tough instead of soft and crumbly.
Chilling the dough helps – If your cookies spread too much, chilling the dough first will prevent it.
Bake on the middle rack – This ensures even baking and prevents burning.
Let the cookies cool completely – They firm up as they cool, so don’t move them while they’re hot.
Customization Ideas;
Want to make your butter cookies extra special? Try these variations.
Vanilla Butter Cookies – Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for a classic flavour.
Lemon Butter Cookies – Mix in 1 teaspoon of lemon zest for a refreshing taste.
Chocolate-Dipped Cookies – Dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate and let it set.
Nutty Butter Cookies – Add ¼ cup of chopped almonds or pecans to the dough.
Sprinkle Butter Cookies – Top with colourful sprinkles before baking for a fun look.
Serving Suggestions;
Enjoy these cookies with tea, coffee, or hot chocolate.
Serve them as a light dessert after meals.
Pack them in a cookie tin for gifting during the holidays.
Crush them up and use them as a topping for ice cream or yoghurt.
Storing Baked Cookies
Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
If you want to keep them longer, store them in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Freezing the Dough
Shape the dough into a log, wrap it in plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 3 months.
When ready to bake, slice and bake from frozen (add 1-2 extra minutes to baking time).
Reheating Cookies
If your cookies have gone soft, reheat them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes to crisp them up.
These easy 3-ingredient butter cookies are perfect for a quick homemade treat. With just butter, sugar, and flour, you can create delicious cookies that melt in your mouth. Whether you enjoy them plain or customize them with flavours, they’re guaranteed to be a hit
Ingredients;
To make about 20-25 butter cookies, you’ll need:
- 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup (100g) sugar (granulated or powdered)
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
