Only 3 ingredients and you will have these delicious shortbread cookies. Day 18 we have a very easy cookie recipe that does not require so many ingredients and takes little time. Less than 30 minutes and you have this delicious recipe. These 3 Ingredient Shortbread Cookies are a dream come true for busy bakers, minimalists, or anyone with a sweet tooth. Whether you need a quick treat to satisfy your cravings, a simple homemade gift, or a delightful addition to your afternoon tea, these cookies are the answer. They are also an excellent choice for those looking to introduce their kids to the joy of baking. With just a handful of ingredients and easy steps, these cookies make for a fantastic family activity.
Who Should Make These Cookies?
These 3 Ingredient Shortbread Cookies are a dream come true for busy bakers, minimalists, or anyone with a sweet tooth. Whether you need a quick treat to satisfy your cravings, a simple homemade gift, or a delightful addition to your afternoon tea, these cookies are the answer. They are also an excellent choice for those looking to introduce their kids to the joy of baking. With just a handful of ingredients and easy steps, these cookies make for a fantastic family activity.
The Magic of Shortbread
Shortbread cookies are known for their buttery, crumbly texture and delicate sweetness. The secret lies in the simplicity of the ingredients and the method. The combination of butter, sugar, and flour creates a cookie that's both rich and tender. Shortbread has its origins in Scotland and has been cherished for centuries for its versatility and irresistible taste.
INGREDIENTS
Ingredients You'll Need
Before we dive into the step-by-step instructions, let's
gather our ingredients:
- 1
Cup Butter: Opt for high-quality unsalted butter for the best flavor.
- 1/2
Cup Powdered Sugar: The fine texture of powdered sugar ensures a
smooth, melt-in-your-mouth consistency.
- 2
Cups All-Purpose Flour: Use a good-quality all-purpose flour for the
perfect balance of tenderness and structure.
Kitchen Equipment
To make these cookies, you'll need:
- Mixing
Bowls: One large bowl for mixing the dough and a smaller one for the
powdered sugar.
- Electric
Mixer: While you can mix the dough by hand, an electric mixer makes
the process quicker and easier.
- Measuring
Cups and Spoons: For precise measurements.
- Baking
Sheets: To bake the cookies.
- Parchment
Paper: To prevent sticking.
- Cookie
Cutters: Optional, but they add a delightful touch if you want to
shape your cookies.
Now, let's get baking!
Directions
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). While it's
heating up, make sure your butter is at room temperature. This will make it
easier to cream with the sugar.
In a small bowl, sift the powdered sugar to remove any
lumps. This will ensure a smooth and uniform texture in your cookies. Set it
aside.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In your large mixing bowl, add the room-temperature butter
and sifted powdered sugar. Use your electric mixer (or a sturdy spatula and
some elbow grease) to cream them together until the mixture is light and
fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
Step 3: Add the Flour
Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the butter-sugar
mixture. Mix until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix; you
want a crumbly, tender texture, not a tough cookie.
Step 4: Shape the Cookies
Divide the dough into two equal portions. Roll each portion
into a log shape, about 1.5 inches in diameter. Wrap them in plastic wrap and
chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps the dough firm up
and makes it easier to slice.
Step 5: Slice and Bake
Once the dough is firm, remove it from the refrigerator.
Pre-slice your cookies by cutting the logs into rounds or using your favorite
cookie cutter shapes. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving a
little space between each cookie.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pop your baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for
12-15 minutes or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden. Keep a
close eye on them, as shortbread cookies can go from perfect to overdone
quickly.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Once baked, let the cookies cool on a wire rack. They will continue to firm up as they cool, achieving that signature shortbread texture. Enjoy your 3 Ingredient Shortbread Cookies with a cup of tea, coffee, or a glass of milk.
Recipe Variations
Get creative with your shortbread cookies by adding your
favorite mix-ins or toppings:
- Chocolate
Chip Shortbread: Fold in a half cup of mini chocolate chips for a
delightful twist.
- Nutty
Shortbread: Mix in finely chopped nuts like almonds, pecans, or
walnuts for added crunch and flavor.
- Dipped
Delights: Dip half of each cookie into melted chocolate and let it set
for an indulgent treat.
Perfect Pairings
Pair these 3 Ingredient Shortbread Cookies with:
- A cup
of Earl Grey tea for a classic tea-time experience.
- A
scoop of vanilla ice cream for an easy dessert.
- A glass of champagne for an elegant touch at special occasions.
3 Ingredient Shortbread Cookies – FAQs
1. What are 3 ingredient shortbread cookies?
These are simple, classic shortbread cookies made with just three basic ingredients—usually butter, sugar, and flour—resulting in a buttery, crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
2. Can I use different types of sugar?
Yes. Granulated sugar is common, but powdered sugar or brown sugar can be used for slight texture and flavor variations.
3. What kind of flour is best?
All-purpose flour works best for traditional texture, but some recipes use cake flour for a more delicate crumb.
4. Can I add flavors?
Absolutely! Vanilla extract, lemon zest, or almond extract can enhance flavor without complicating the ingredient list.
5. How should I store these cookies?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh for up to 1 week.
Nutrition Card – Approx. per cookie (~15g)
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value (DV) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 90 kcal | — | Depends on butter content and size |
| Protein | 1 g | 2% | Minimal protein from flour |
| Carbohydrates | 7 g | 3% | Mainly from flour and sugar |
| Sugars | 3 g | — | From sugar |
| Fat | 6 g | 9% | From butter |
| Sodium | 10 mg | <1% | Very low sodium |
| Cholesterol | 15 mg | 5% | From butter |
Dietary Compatibility & Notes
| Diet Type | Compatible? | Suggestions |
|---|---|---|
| Gluten-Free | ❌ No | Use gluten-free flour blend |
| Dairy-Free | ❌ No | Substitute with dairy-free butter alternative |
| Keto/Low-Carb | ❌ No | Contains flour and sugar |
| Paleo | ❌ No | Not compliant due to grains and sugar |
| Whole30 | ❌ No | Contains grains and sugar |
| Vegetarian | ✅ Yes | All ingredients are plant-based except butter |
| Vegan | ❌ No | Use vegan butter substitutes |
Baking Tip:
Press dough evenly in the pan and chill before baking to maintain shape. Avoid overbaking for a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
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