Okay, you guys, if you’re looking for a holiday cookie that’s ridiculously easy but tastes like you slaved away for hours, you HAVE to try these Three-Ingredient Butter Cookies for Christmas. Seriously, I whip these up when I need a quick treat for unexpected guests or just a little something sweet for myself. They come together so fast, and the best part? Only three ingredients! It’s my go-to for a reason, especially when the holiday season gets crazy. You get that perfect buttery flavor and a lovely crumb with almost no effort. Trust me, they’re a lifesaver!
Why You’ll Love These Three-Ingredient Butter Cookies for Christmas
Honestly, what’s not to love? These cookies are a holiday miracle!
- Minimal Ingredients: Just three things stand between you and cookie heaven.
- Super Quick Prep: You can have the dough ready in about 15 minutes.
- Deliciously Buttery: They have that rich, melt-in-your-mouth flavor everyone adores.
- Perfect for Gifting: They look so pretty decorated and make fantastic homemade gifts!
Gathering Your Ingredients for Three-Ingredient Butter Cookies for Christmas
Seriously, the best part about these cookies is how simple the ingredient list is. It’s almost unbelievable that just three things can make something so delicious, right? It makes holiday baking feel so much less stressful! Here’s what you’ll need to grab:
Unsalted Butter, Softened
You’ll need 1 cup (that’s two sticks) of unsalted butter. The most important thing here is that it needs to be softened. Not melted, not cold, but *softened*. You want it to be pliable enough that you can easily press your finger into it, leaving a little indent. This is crucial because softened butter creams up beautifully with the sugar, creating that light and airy texture that makes these cookies melt-in-your-mouth good. If your butter is too cold, it won’t cream properly, and if it’s too warm, your cookies might spread too much.
Powdered Sugar
We need 1/2 cup of powdered sugar, also known as confectioners’ sugar or icing sugar. This isn’t just for sweetness; it also helps create that lovely tender texture and a slightly crisp edge. Powdered sugar has a finer grain than granulated sugar, which contributes to the smooth, almost delicate crumb of these cookies.
All-Purpose Flour
And finally, the backbone of the cookie: 2 cups of all-purpose flour. When you measure your flour, it’s best to spoon it lightly into your measuring cup and then level it off with a straight edge, like the back of a knife. Don’t scoop directly from the bag, as that can pack the flour down too much, leading to denser, tougher cookies. We want these to be tender, so proper flour measurement is key!
Crafting Your Delicious Three-Ingredient Butter Cookies for Christmas
Alright, now for the fun part – actually making these little beauties! It’s so straightforward, you’ll be amazed. Just follow along, and you’ll have a batch of perfect butter cookies in no time. It’s honestly one of my favorite things to do when I need a little baking therapy, especially during the holidays.
Preparing Your Baking Station
First things first, let’s get that oven preheated! You want to set it to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, grab your baking sheets and line them with parchment paper. Trust me on this one – parchment paper is your best friend. It stops the cookies from sticking, makes cleanup a breeze, and ensures they bake up evenly without those dreaded burnt bottoms. No one wants a stuck cookie!
Creaming Butter and Sugar
Now, let’s get to creaming! In a big bowl, combine your softened butter and the powdered sugar. I like to use an electric mixer for this, but you can totally do it by hand with a whisk or a sturdy spoon if you’re feeling ambitious. Beat them together until the mixture is really light and fluffy. You’ll see it change color, becoming paler, and the texture will get airy. It should look almost like pale yellow whipped cream. This step is super important for getting that nice, tender cookie texture.
Incorporating the Flour
Okay, time for the flour! Add the flour to your creamed butter and sugar mixture. It’s best to add it gradually, maybe in two or three additions, mixing on a low speed or gently with a spatula after each addition. Mix until it’s *just* combined. Seriously, stop as soon as you don’t see any more dry flour streaks. Overmixing here is the enemy of tender cookies; it can develop the gluten too much and make them tough. We want melt-in-your-mouth, not chewy like a rubber band!
Shaping the Three-Ingredient Butter Cookies for Christmas
Once the dough is mixed, it’s time to shape! I usually just use a tablespoon or a small cookie scoop to grab about a tablespoon of dough. Roll it gently between your palms to form a little ball, about an inch in diameter. Then, place these little balls onto your prepared baking sheets, leaving a little space between them. To get that classic butter cookie look, I like to flatten them just a bit. You can use the bottom of a glass dipped in a little flour, or even just gently press them down with your fingertips. Don’t flatten them too much, just enough to make them a little more cookie-shaped.
Baking to Golden Perfection
Into the oven they go! Bake for about 10 to 12 minutes. Keep an eye on them, especially towards the end. You’re looking for the edges to be just lightly golden. They might not look super brown, but that’s okay! They’ll continue to firm up as they cool. Ovens can be a little tricky, so if yours runs hot, start checking around the 9-minute mark. We want a delicate golden edge, not a dark brown one.
Cooling and Finishing Touches
Once they’re out of the oven and looking perfectly golden, let them hang out on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This helps them set up a bit so they don’t fall apart when you move them. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This is where you can get creative! Once they’re totally cool, you can sprinkle them with a little extra powdered sugar, dip them in melted chocolate, or even add some fun Christmas sprinkles. They look so pretty and festive!
Tips for Perfect Three-Ingredient Butter Cookies for Christmas
Even with just three ingredients, a few little tricks can make these cookies absolutely perfect every single time. It’s all about paying attention to the details, which honestly, makes baking so much more rewarding!
Ingredient Temperature Matters
I can’t stress this enough: softened butter is your best friend here. If your butter is too cold, it won’t cream properly with the sugar, and you won’t get that lovely airy texture. If it’s too melty, your cookies might spread out too much and lose their shape. The best way to soften butter is to just leave it on the counter for about an hour before you start. If you’re in a pinch, you can cut it into cubes and let it sit for 15-20 minutes, but watch it closely!
The Art of Not Overmixing
This is probably the most crucial tip for these simple butter cookies. Once you add the flour, mix it in *just* until it’s combined. Seriously, stop when you don’t see any more dry flour. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which will make your cookies tough and a bit chewy instead of tender and crumbly. We want them to practically dissolve in your mouth, not fight back!
Consistent Cookie Size
For even baking, try to make your cookie dough balls all the same size. I usually use a tablespoon or a small cookie scoop to get them uniform. This way, they all bake at the same rate. If you have some cookies that are much bigger than others, the smaller ones might burn before the bigger ones are done, or vice versa. Consistency is key for that perfect golden edge!
Frequently Asked Questions About Three-Ingredient Butter Cookies for Christmas
Got questions about these super simple holiday cookies? I’ve got you covered!
Q1. Can I really make these cookies with just three ingredients?
Absolutely! That’s the magic of this recipe. You just need butter, powdered sugar, and flour. It’s one of the easiest Christmas cookie recipes out there, perfect for beginners or when you’re short on time.
Q2. My cookies spread a lot. What did I do wrong?
The most common culprit is the butter temperature! Make sure your butter is softened, not melted or too cold. Also, be careful not to overmix the dough once you add the flour, as that can also cause spreading. Baking them on parchment paper also helps them hold their shape better.
Q3. Can I add other flavors or decorations?
You bet! While they’re delicious as is, you can totally jazz them up. Try adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a pinch of almond extract to the dough. For Christmas, a sprinkle of festive colored sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate after they cool is fantastic. You can also add chocolate chips or even some finely chopped nuts!
Q4. How should I store these simple butter cookies?
These cookies stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Make sure they are completely cool before storing them, otherwise, they can get a bit soft or sticky. They also freeze really well if you want to make them ahead of time!
Storing Your Holiday Treats
Once your beautiful Three-Ingredient Butter Cookies for Christmas have completely cooled, it’s time to store them so they stay perfectly delicious. The best way to keep them fresh is in an airtight container. You can pop them right in there at room temperature. They’ll stay wonderfully tender and buttery for up to a week, which is great if you’re making them ahead for all your holiday gatherings!
Estimating Nutritional Information
Just a heads-up, the nutritional info for these cookies is approximate since it depends on exact ingredient amounts and how you shape them. But, as a general idea, one of these simple butter cookies usually comes in around:
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 7g
- Protein: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
It’s pretty amazing how few ingredients can still pack in some good stuff!
Print
3-Ingredient Christmas Butter Cookies Delight
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Simple and delicious butter cookies perfect for Christmas. Made with just three ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Gradually add the flour to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Shape the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheets. Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass or your hand.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- You can add sprinkles or a drizzle of melted chocolate for decoration.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 15mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Three-Ingredient Butter Cookies, Christmas Cookies, Easy Cookies, Simple Baking, Holiday Treats