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The Ultimate 3-Ingredient Melt-in-Your-Mouth Butter Cookies (Classic Recipe)

A stack of four soft, sugar-coated 3-ingredient butter cookies resting on a small, light-colored plate.

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Make incredibly simple, buttery cookies using only three core ingredients. These melt in your mouth and are perfect for quick baking sessions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for flavor)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. If using, mix in the vanilla extract now.
  3. Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the butter and sugar mixture. Mix on low speed or by hand until a soft dough forms. Do not overmix.
  4. Shape the dough. You can roll the dough into small balls and flatten them slightly with a fork, or roll the dough out to 1/4 inch thickness and use cookie cutters for shapes.
  5. Place the shaped cookies onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch between them.
  6. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn light golden brown.
  7. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

  • For a crispier cookie or one that holds cut-out shapes better, chill the dough for 30 minutes before rolling and cutting.
  • If you prefer a less sweet cookie, reduce the powdered sugar to 1/3 cup.
  • These cookies are naturally eggless, making them a great option for quick treats.

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