These 3-Ingredient Cookies are the ultimate in simplicity and elegance. With just butter, sugar, and flour, they come together in no time and bake up into delicate, crumbly shortbread-style cookies that melt in your mouth. Whether you need a quick treat for afternoon tea, a last-minute dessert, or just crave something sweet with minimal fuss, this recipe is sure to satisfy. The sugar coating adds a lovely sparkle and crunch to these buttery cookies, making them feel extra special.
Ingredients:
- 6 oz. (¾ cup) butter, room temperature
- 3.5 oz. (½ cup) superfine sugar
- 9 oz. (2¼ cups) all-purpose flour
- Raw sugar or large-granulated sugar for coating (about ½ cup)
Instructions:
- Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a mixer, beat the room-temperature butter and superfine sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This will take about 3-4 minutes. The creaming process is crucial for creating a tender and airy cookie texture. - Incorporate the Flour:
Sift the all-purpose flour into the bowl, and gently knead the mixture together by hand or with a spatula until a dough forms. The dough should be soft but firm enough to handle. - Shape the Dough:
On a flat surface, form the dough into a long rectangular prism (or log shape) using your hands. Make sure the shape is even, as this will help create uniform cookies when sliced. - Coat with Sugar and Chill:
Roll the dough log in raw or large-granulated sugar, making sure it is fully coated for a sugary exterior. Wrap the dough in cling film and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling helps the dough firm up, making it easier to slice and ensuring the cookies hold their shape while baking. - Slice and Bake:
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Remove the dough from the refrigerator, unwrap, and slice it into squares or desired shapes. Place the cookie slices onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving a little space between them. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. - Cool and Serve:
Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy the cookies as is, or pair them with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful treat!
Tips for Success:
- Superfine Sugar: Using superfine sugar helps the sugar dissolve more quickly into the butter, leading to a smooth dough. If you don’t have superfine sugar, you can pulse regular granulated sugar in a food processor for a few seconds to achieve a similar texture.
- Chilling the Dough: Don’t skip the chilling step! It helps the cookies hold their shape and prevents excessive spreading while baking.
- Custom Shapes: You can also roll out the dough and use cookie cutters for different shapes if you want to make them more decorative.
- Optional Add-Ins: While these cookies are perfect as-is, you can add a hint of flavor with a sprinkle of cinnamon, vanilla, or even lemon zest for a more personalized touch.
These 3-Ingredient Cookies are buttery, crisp, and perfect for any occasion. Their simplicity makes them an excellent go-to recipe when you need a delicious homemade treat fast!
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