Classic 3-Ingredient Butter Cookies (Bakery-Style)

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Introduction

These classic butter cookies are proof that simple ingredients can create extraordinary results. With just butter, powdered sugar, and flour, you get rich, delicate cookies that melt on the tongue. They’re perfect for tea time, holidays, gifting, or when you want an easy recipe that looks fancy with minimal effort.

This recipe creates cookies with a light crisp edge, soft center, and beautiful piped shape, just like traditional European butter cookies.

Ingredients (Only 3!)

  • 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened (very soft but not liquid)
  • 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar (icing sugar)
  • 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour, sifted Optional (not required, but allowed if you want extra flavor)*
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • A pinch of salt (if butter is unsalted)

Equipment Needed

  • Mixing bowl
  • Hand mixer or stand mixer
  • Rubber spatula
  • Piping bag with star tip (for swirl design)
  • Baking tray
  • Parchment paper

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Dough

  1. In a large bowl, add the softened butter.
  2. Beat on medium speed for 2–3 minutes until creamy and pale.
  3. Add the powdered sugar gradually.
  4. Beat again for 2 minutes until light, fluffy, and smooth. This step is key for airy, tender cookies.

Add the Flour

  1. Sift the all-purpose flour.
  2. Add it slowly to the butter mixture.
  3. Mix on low speed or fold gently with a spatula.
  4. Stop mixing as soon as a soft, pipeable dough forms. Do not overmix, or cookies may become dense.

Shape the Cookies

  1. Preheat oven to 170°C (340°F).
  2. Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
  3. Transfer dough into a piping bag fitted with a star tip.
  4. Pipe small swirls or rosettes onto the tray, leaving space between each. If dough feels stiff, let it rest for 5 minutes at room temperature.

Bake

  1. Bake for 12–15 minutes.
  2. Cookies should remain pale with light golden edges.
  3. Remove from oven and let cool on the tray for 5 minutes.
  4. Transfer to a rack to cool completely.

Tips for Perfect Butter Cookies

  • Butter must be very soft, not melted
  • Always sift flour for smooth dough
  • Use powdered sugar, not granulated
  • Chill piped cookies 10 minutes if shapes spread
  • Store in airtight container for freshness

Variations (Optional Ideas)

  • Chocolate-dipped: Dip half the cookie in melted chocolate
  • Jam-filled: Press thumb in center and add jam before baking
  • Citrus twist: Add lemon or orange zest
  • Sprinkle sugar on top before baking for sparkle

Nutrition (Approx. per cookie)

  • Calories: ~90
  • Fat: 6 g
  • Carbs: 8 g
  • Sugar: 3 g

(Values depend on size)

Conclusion

These 3-ingredient butter cookies are timeless, elegant, and incredibly easy. They’re perfect for beginners yet impressive enough for special occasions. Whether plain or decorated, they deliver rich buttery flavor with every bite.

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