Name: Amazing 3-Ingredient Shortbread Cookies Taste
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 2 cups all-purpose flour

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Hello there, fellow food lovers! I’m Lina Kohn, and I’m so excited to share a recipe that holds a special place in my heart: 3-Ingredient Shortbread Cookies. These simple, buttery delights instantly transport me back to my grandmother’s kitchen in Italy. Even as a little girl, I was captivated by how she could create pure magic with so few ingredients. This recipe is a testament to that—a truly fuss-free way to enjoy a classic treat. They’re incredibly easy, wonderfully delicious, and perfect for any moment you need a little sweetness. You’ll absolutely love making these!

Your Simple Guide to 3-Ingredient Shortbread Cookies

Gathering your ingredients is the first fun step. For these delightful 3-Ingredient Shortbread Cookies, you only need a few pantry staples. First, you’ll need one cup of unsalted butter. Make sure it’s softened; this makes creaming it with sugar so much easier. Next, grab half a cup of granulated sugar. This gives our cookies their lovely sweetness and a little crispness. Finally, you’ll need two cups of all-purpose flour. This is the base that holds everything together. That’s it! Just three things for pure cookie bliss. It’s amazing how simple ingredients can create something so special.

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for 3-Ingredient Shortbread Cookies

The magic of these cookies really comes down to quality ingredients. Using softened butter is key; it helps create a light and fluffy base. If you only have salted butter, no worries! Just use it and maybe reduce the sugar by a tablespoon. Some folks like to add a tiny pinch of salt to the flour. This really makes the buttery flavor pop! While not part of the core three, a splash of vanilla extract is a common addition for extra aroma. But honestly, these cookies are perfect just as they are. Simple is often best!

How to Prepare Perfect 3-Ingredient Shortbread Cookies

Let’s get baking! First, preheat your oven. Set it to 300°F (150°C). This lower temperature is key for shortbread. It bakes slowly. This makes them tender. Next, grab a medium bowl. Cream together your softened butter and sugar. Beat them until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step adds air. It makes the cookies delicate. Now, gently add your flour. Mix it until it just comes together. Be careful not to overmix. Overmixing makes cookies tough. You want a soft dough. Press this dough evenly into an ungreased 8×8 inch baking pan. Make sure it’s flat. Use a fork to prick the dough all over. This stops it from puffing up too much. It also makes pretty patterns!

Baking Your Delicious 3-Ingredient Shortbread Cookies

Now for the oven! Bake your shortbread for about 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges look lightly golden. The centers should still be a pale yellow. Don’t let them get too brown. This ensures that perfect buttery flavor. Watch them closely near the end.

Cooling and Cutting Your 3-Ingredient Shortbread Cookies

Once baked, let the shortbread cool. Let it sit in the pan for 10 minutes. This helps it set. Then, carefully cut it into squares or bars. Use a sharp knife. Let the cookies cool completely in the pan. This prevents them from breaking. Finally, serve them up! They are so good.

Tips for Achieving Bakery-Quality 3-Ingredient Shortbread Cookies

Want your simple cookies to taste extra special? Start with good butter. High-quality butter really makes a difference. It gives a richer, more satisfying flavor. Remember to use softened butter. It should yield slightly when pressed. This helps it cream beautifully with sugar. Proper creaming adds air. This makes cookies tender and light. Don’t overmix the dough once you add flour. Stop mixing when it just comes together. Overmixing develops gluten. This can make your shortbread tough. Want a little sparkle? Sprinkle some extra granulated sugar on top before baking. It creates a lovely, crunchy crust. These little tricks make a big impact!

Enjoying Your Homemade 3-Ingredient Shortbread Cookies

These delightful 3-Ingredient Shortbread Cookies are a joy to eat. They’re perfect on their own for a quick sweet treat. I love pairing them with a warm cup of tea or coffee. They also make a simple yet elegant dessert after any meal. The buttery, crumbly texture is so satisfying. Enjoy these classic cookies anytime!

Frequently Asked Questions About 3-Ingredient Shortbread Cookies

Do you have questions about making these easy cookies? Let’s clear things up. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted? Yes, you can! Just reduce the sugar slightly, maybe by a tablespoon. How should I store these simple cookies? Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh for about a week. Can I add other flavors? While the beauty is in their simplicity, a little vanilla extract or lemon zest can be nice. What kind of pan is best for these classic cookies? An 8×8 inch baking pan works perfectly. You can also use a round tart pan with a removable bottom. Just press the dough evenly. These tips help ensure your baking is successful.

Understanding the Nutritional Value of 3-Ingredient Shortbread Cookies

Please note that the nutritional information for these simple cookies is an estimate. Actual values can vary. This depends on the specific brands and ingredients you use. For precise details, it’s always best to calculate based on your own ingredients. Enjoy these classic cookies responsibly!

Amazing 3-Ingredient Shortbread Cookies Taste

Author: Lina Kohn
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: Approximately 24 cookies
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Enjoy these incredibly simple and delicious 3-ingredient shortbread cookies. Perfect for any occasion, they deliver classic buttery flavor with minimal effort.

Ingredients

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1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a baking sheet 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 a soft dough forms.
Gently shape the dough into a log or flatten it into a disk.
Cut the dough into 1/2-inch thick slices or use cookie cutters.
Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.