Easy 3 Ingredient Shortbread Cookies Recipe

3 Ingredient Shortbread Cookies are classic butter cookies made with flour, butter, and sugar—nothing extra. They bake into tender, crumbly cookies that melt in the mouth.

3 Ingredient Shortbread Cookies I make on repeat when I need something quick but homemade.

It amazes me how three basic pantry ingredients—butter, sugar, and flour—turn into something so comforting.

No mixer needed, no chill time if you’re impatient like me, and no fancy skills. Just soft butter, a bowl, and a few minutes of mixing.

Why You’ll Love 3 Ingredient Shortbread Cookies?

You’ll love 3 Ingredient Shortbread Cookies recipe because it gives you soft, buttery cookies with almost no work. The dough mixes in one bowl, and the ingredients are already in most kitchens.

These cookies bake up tender, crumbly, and perfect for tea, holidays, or quick snacking. It’s simple, steady, and easy to remake any time you want something homemade without stress.

How To Prepare 3 Ingredient Shortbread Cookies?

Recipe Overview

3 Ingredient Shortbread Cookies are buttery cookies made with flour, butter, and sugar. They come together in minutes and bake into soft, crumbly treats you can enjoy any time.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Chill Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1hour 10 minutes
• Cuisine: American
• Course: Dessert / Cookies
• Difficulty Level: Easy
• Yield: About 20 cookies
• Calories: ~110 per cookie
• Servings: 20
• Serving Size: 1 cookie

Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Spatula or wooden spoon
• Measuring cups
• Baking tray
• Parchment paper
• Cookie scoop or spoon
• Cooling rack

Ingredients

• 1 cup salted butter, softened
• ½ cup icing sugar, powdered sugar, castor sugar, or fruit sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour

Ingredient Notes

1. Butter:

Softened butter gives the cookies a smooth, crumbly texture. I use salted butter, but unsalted works fine too—just add a tiny pinch of salt.

2. Sugar:

I prefer icing sugar because it dissolves quickly, giving the cookies a tender bite. Castor sugar, powdered sugar, and fruit sugar all work well.

3. Flour:

Regular all-purpose flour is perfect. Protein flour or bread flour can make the dough tough, so stick to regular flour for the classic shortbread texture.

How To Make 3 Ingredient Shortbread Cookies

1. Cream the Butter and Sugar

Add softened butter and icing sugar to a bowl. Mix until smooth and creamy. This step helps the cookies stay light.

2. Add the Flour

Add the flour in two parts. Mix slowly until the dough starts to form. The dough will look a little crumbly at first—that’s exactly how shortbread should look.

3. Shape the Cookies

Scoop small dough balls, press them gently with your fingers or the back of a fork. You can also roll the dough into a log and slice it into rounds.

4. Bake

Place the cookies on a parchment-lined tray and bake at 325°F (165°C) for 12–15 minutes. The bottoms should be lightly golden.

5. Cool

Let them cool 45 minutes completely on a rack. They firm up as they cool.

Tip: If the dough feels too soft, pop it in the fridge for 10 minutes.

Nutrition (Per Cookie)

• Calories: ~110
• Carbs: 12g
• Sugar: 4g
• Fat: 7g
• Protein: 1g

Tips and Variations

✅Add mini chocolate chips to the dough.

✅Mix in a little vanilla extract.

✅Add finely chopped pecans or almonds.

✅Roll the cookies in powdered sugar after baking for a “snowball cookie” touch.

Storage Tips

❖  Keep cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

❖  Store in the fridge for a firmer texture.

❖  Freeze the unbaked dough for up to 2 months.

Serving Suggestions

▶Serve with tea, coffee, or hot chocolate.

▶Use as a base for ice cream sandwiches.

▶Pair with fresh fruit or jam.

▶Add them to holiday cookie boxes.

Recipe Notes

• Soft butter mixes easier.
• Don’t over-bake or the cookies turn dry.
• If using powdered sugar, sift it to remove lumps.
• For clean edges, shape the dough into a smooth log before slicing.

Can I Use Powdered Sugar In 3 Ingredient Shortbread Cookies?

Yes, powdered sugar works great in 3 Ingredient Shortbread Cookies because it mixes smoothly and gives the cookies a soft, melt-in-the-mouth texture.

Why Is My Dough Dry When Making 3 Ingredient Shortbread Cookies?

The dough for 3 Ingredient Shortbread Cookies can feel dry if the butter isn’t soft enough. Just press the dough together with your hands, and it will start to come together.

Can I Freeze The Dough For 3 Ingredient Shortbread Cookies?

Yes, you can freeze the dough for 3 Ingredient Shortbread Cookies. Shape it into a log, wrap it tight, and slice and bake whenever you want fresh cookies.

FAQs

Conclusion

I hope you enjoy making these 3 Ingredient Shortbread Cookies as much as I do. They’re quick, comforting, and perfect for last-minute baking. If you try them, let me know how they turned out or if you added your own twist—I always love hearing from you.