
Sometimes the simplest recipes are the most delightful, and these 3-Ingredient Shortbread Cookies are proof of that! With just butter, sugar, and flour, you can create buttery, crumbly cookies that melt in your mouth. These cookies are perfect for a cozy afternoon snack with tea, holiday baking, or as a sweet treat to share with family and friends.
What’s even better? These cookies require no fancy equipment, no chilling, and come together in just 30 minutes! It’s a great recipe to make with kids, as the dough is super forgiving and fun to shape. Let’s get baking!
What You’ll Need
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar (plus extra for sprinkling)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
Pro Tips for Perfect Shortbread Cookies
- Use softened butter: Soft butter is key to achieving a smooth dough. If your butter is too hard, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before starting.
- Don’t overmix: Mix the dough just until it comes together. Overmixing can make the cookies tough.
- Shape evenly: Roll the dough evenly to ensure the cookies bake uniformly. Use a cookie cutter for clean edges or roll into a log and slice for a simple shape.
- Add a pinch of salt: If using unsalted butter, you can add a tiny pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.
- Customize flavors: Add vanilla extract, almond extract, or lemon zest for extra flavor without complicating the recipe.
Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon or hand mixer
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutters (optional)
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Substitutions and Variations
- Sugar: Use powdered sugar instead of granulated for a smoother, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Flour: Substitute ¼ cup of the flour with cornstarch for an even more delicate crumb.
- Toppings: Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar, dip in melted chocolate, or add a drizzle of glaze after baking.
- Shapes: Use a fork to press a criss-cross pattern or roll into balls and flatten slightly for a more rustic look.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Freeze the Dough: Roll the dough into a log, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 3 months. Slice and bake directly from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time.
- Store Baked Cookies: Baked cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Instructions
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. You can use a wooden spoon, hand mixer, or stand mixer for this step.
Step 2: Add the Flour
Gradually add the flour to the butter mixture and mix until a soft dough forms. The dough should come together easily and not be sticky.
Step 3: Shape the Cookies
Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes, or roll the dough into a log and slice into rounds about ¼-inch thick. Place the cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 4: Bake the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Optional: Sprinkle the cookies with granulated sugar while they’re still warm for a sparkly finish. Serve with a cup of tea, coffee, or milk for a cozy treat!
Leftovers and Storage
- Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Freezing: Freeze baked cookies in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Conclusion
These 3-Ingredient Shortbread Cookies are the ultimate no-fuss treat. Whether you enjoy them plain or dressed up with a touch of sugar or chocolate, they’re bound to become a family favorite. Perfect for holidays, tea parties, or just a quiet afternoon, these cookies will leave everyone asking for more. Try them out and share your experience in the comments—did you stick to the basics or try a fun variation? 🍪✨