3 Ingredient Shortbread Cookies: 5 Steps to Pure Bliss

Let me tell you about my absolute favorite treat: 3 Ingredient Shortbread Cookies! Seriously, these little bites of heaven are so simple to make, you’ll wonder why you haven’t tried them before. The beauty of this recipe is that it requires just three ingredients: salted butter, icing sugar, and all-purpose flour. Trust me, if you can mix, roll, and bake, you can whip these up in no time, whether you’re a novice baker or a seasoned pro.

Every time I make these cookies, it takes me back to cozy afternoons in my kitchen, the aroma of buttery sweetness filling the air. They’re perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual get-together, a holiday feast, or just because you deserve a cookie (which, let’s be honest, is every day!). You can even dress them up with toppings or enjoy them plain—either way, they’re a delightful treat that never disappoints!

Ingredients List

To make my beloved 3 Ingredient Shortbread Cookies, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 cup salted butter (softened) – Make sure it’s nice and soft, but not melted! This is the star of the show, bringing that rich flavor.
• ½ cup icing/powdered sugar – This adds just the right amount of sweetness and helps create that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• 2 cups all-purpose flour – This is what holds everything together. Sift it if you want an ultra-fine texture, but I usually just scoop it straight from the bag!

That’s it! With these three ingredients, you’re on your way to cookie bliss.

How to Prepare 3 Ingredient Shortbread Cookies

Now that you’ve got your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the fun part! Making these 3 Ingredient Shortbread Cookies is a breeze, and I promise you’ll love how simple it is. Just follow these easy steps, and you’ll be enjoying warm cookies in no time!

Step 1: Creaming Butter and Sugar

First things first, grab your stand mixer or hand beater and toss in the softened butter and icing sugar. Beat them together for about 1-2 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. You’ll know it’s ready when it looks pale and creamy—this step is crucial for that melt-in-your-mouth texture!

Step 2: Mixing in Flour

Next, it’s time to add the all-purpose flour. Gently mix it in on low speed until the dough starts to come together. Don’t be alarmed if it looks a bit crumbly at first—that’s perfectly normal! Keep mixing until the dough can hold its shape, and you’ll see it forming a ball.

Step 3: Chilling the Dough

Once your dough is ready, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and form it into a ball. Wrap this beautiful ball of dough in plastic wrap and pop it into the refrigerator for at least 60 minutes. Chilling not only helps the flavors meld but also makes it easier to roll out later!

Step 4: Rolling and Cutting

After the dough has chilled, take it out and roll it out on a floured surface to about ¼-½ inch thick. Use your favorite cookie cutters to create fun shapes. Once cut, place the cookies on a baking sheet and stick them back in the fridge while you preheat your oven. This helps them hold their shape while baking!

Step 5: Baking the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Once it’s ready, take those chilled cookies out and pop them in the oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them because they can go from perfect to overdone in a flash!

Step 6: Cooling

Once they’re out of the oven, let the cookies cool on the sheet for a few minutes. This helps them set up nicely. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Trust me, the aroma will be irresistible, and you’ll be tempted to snack before they cool!

Tips for Success with 3 Ingredient Shortbread Cookies

To ensure your 3 Ingredient Shortbread Cookies turn out perfect every single time, here are a few handy tips that I swear by!

• Check your butter: Make sure your butter is softened properly. If it’s too cold, you won’t get that creamy texture when creaming with the sugar. But if it’s too melted, your cookies might spread too much while baking!
• Consistency is key: If the dough feels too dry or crumbly, don’t panic! Just add a tablespoon of softened butter to bring it all together. You want it to be soft enough to hold its shape but not sticky.
• Chill, chill, chill: Don’t skip the chilling step! It’s crucial for the dough to firm up so that your cookies keep their shape while baking. A little patience goes a long way here!
• Storage tips: Keep your baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, store them in the fridge for up to 10 days or freeze them for up to a month!

Following these tips will ensure your cookies are a delightful treat every time you whip them up!

Nutritional Information

Let’s talk numbers! Each of these delightful 3 Ingredient Shortbread Cookies packs an estimated nutritional punch that you might find surprising. Here’s the breakdown per cookie:

• Calories: 107
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 19mg
• Sodium: 63mg
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 2g
• Protein: 1g

Keep in mind that these values are estimates, so your actual results may vary slightly based on your ingredients and portion sizes. But hey, even a cookie or two can fit nicely into a balanced diet, especially when they’re this delicious!

FAQ Section

Got questions about these 3 Ingredient Shortbread Cookies? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I get:

• Can I use unsalted butter? Absolutely! While salted butter adds a nice flavor, unsalted butter works just as well. Just remember to adjust your salt in other recipes accordingly.
• What if my dough is too sticky? If your dough feels sticky, simply sprinkle a little more flour on your work surface while rolling it out. This will make it easier to handle without compromising the cookie’s texture.
• Can I add flavorings? Yes! Feel free to add a splash of vanilla extract or even some lemon zest for a fresh twist. These cookies are versatile and can be customized to your taste.
• How should I store the cookies? Keep your baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, they freeze beautifully!
• What makes these cookies so special? The simplicity! With just three ingredients, you get a deliciously buttery treat that’s perfect for any occasion without all the fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Simple: With only three ingredients and minimal steps, these cookies come together in no time!
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday gathering or an afternoon snack, these shortbread cookies fit right in.
• Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture: The combination of butter and icing sugar creates a delightful, melt-in-your-mouth experience.
• Customizable: You can easily add flavors like vanilla or lemon zest to make them your own!
• Great for Sharing: These cookies are perfect for gifting or sharing with friends and family—they’ll be a hit, trust me!

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