Oh, the holidays! They’re just magical, aren’t they? And what’s more magical than the smell of freshly baked cookies filling your home? Personally, I find the simplest recipes are often the most treasured, especially when life gets hectic. That’s exactly why I’m SO excited to share these Easy 3-Ingredient Christmas Cookies with you. Seriously, they are a lifesaver! I remember one year, I completely underestimated how many cookies I’d need for a bake sale, and these little gems saved the day. They’re my go-to when I need a festive treat in a flash, and they always disappear faster than you can say ‘Santa Claus’!
Why You’ll Love These Easy 3-Ingredient Christmas Cookies
Trust me, these cookies are an absolute game-changer for holiday baking! Here’s why you’re going to adore them:
- Seriously Speedy: With just 10 minutes of prep and 12 minutes of baking, these Easy 3-Ingredient Christmas Cookies are perfect for last-minute needs.
- Super Simple: Only three pantry staples needed! No complicated steps, just pure cookie joy.
- Deliciously Classic: They bake up buttery, tender, and just sweet enough – a perfect base for your favorite festive decorations.
- Kid-Approved: They’re so easy, the little ones can help make them! Making memories in the kitchen has never been easier.
Gather Your Simple Ingredients for Easy 3-Ingredient Christmas Cookies
Honestly, the beauty of these Easy 3-Ingredient Christmas Cookies is right in the name! You likely have everything you need kicking around your kitchen already. For this festive baking adventure, you’ll just need:
- 1 cup Butter, softened: Make sure it’s good quality, unsalted butter if you can. Let it sit on the counter for about an hour before you start. It’s got to be soft enough to really cream nicely, but not melted!
- 1/4 cup Powdered Sugar: Also called confectioners’ sugar or icing sugar. This is what gives our cookies that delicate sweetness and tender crumb.
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour: Nothing fancy here, just your standard all-purpose flour will do just fine. Sifting isn’t strictly necessary, but it can help make them even lighter!
That’s it – literally three powerhouses that come together to make cookie magic!
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Your Easy 3-Ingredient Christmas Cookies
Okay, let’s get these simple yet stunning Easy 3-Ingredient Christmas Cookies into the oven! It’s really a breeze.
Creaming Butter and Sugar: The Base of Your Cookies
First things first, grab your softened butter and that powdered sugar. Pop them into a medium-sized bowl. Now, this is where the magic starts. Beat them together until they’re super smooth and creamy, almost like a fluffy cloud. Don’t rush this part; it’s what gives our cookies that lovely tender texture.
Forming the Dough for Your Simple Holiday Baking
Once your butter and sugar are perfectly creamed, it’s time for the flour! Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the bowl. Mix it in gently until everything just comes together to form a soft dough. Be careful not to overmix here; we want to keep those little air pockets intact for a delicate cookie!
Shaping and Baking Your Easy 3-Ingredient Christmas Cookies
Now for the fun part! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take small spoonfuls of the dough and roll them into little balls, about an inch wide – really, whatever size makes you happy! Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper (my favorite trick for easy cleanup!). Bake for about 10-12 minutes. You’re looking for them to be lightly golden around the edges. They might look a little soft in the very center, but that’s okay; they’ll firm up as they cool!
Cooling and Decorating Your 3 Ingredient Cookies
Once they’re out of the oven, leave the cookies on the baking sheet for a few minutes to set up a bit before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This is super important! Trying to decorate warm cookies is a recipe for disaster (and sticky fingers). Once they’re totally cool, you can go wild with frosting, sprinkles, or just enjoy them as they are!
Tips for Perfect Easy 3-Ingredient Christmas Cookies
Even though these Easy 3-Ingredient Christmas Cookies are incredibly simple, a few little tricks can make them absolutely stellar. Pay attention to your butter temperature – you want it soft, but not melted or greasy. If it’s too cold, it won’t cream properly, and if it’s too warm, your dough might spread too much in the oven! When you’re mixing in the flour, stop as soon as the dough just comes together. Overmixing is the enemy of tender cookies; it can make them tough. If you’re feeling a bit adventurous, a tiny splash of vanilla extract (like 1/2 teaspoon) added with the butter and sugar is a fantastic little flavor booster without adding another “main” ingredient. And for baking, watch them closely! Ovens can be a little quirky, so just 10-12 minutes is a good guideline, but you’re looking for that light golden hue.
Ingredient Notes and Simple Substitutions
Okay, so the magic of these Easy 3-Ingredient Christmas Cookies really lies in their simplicity, but let’s chat for a sec about those few ingredients. The butter? It’s the backbone, bringing that rich, buttery flavor and helping the cookies hold their shape. You *really* want to use real butter here. Margarine or spreads can have different water content and might make your cookies spread too much or just not taste quite right. Trust me on this one! As for the powdered sugar and flour, standard versions from the grocery store are perfectly fine. No need to get fancy, just grab what you have!
Serving and Storing Your Simple Holiday Baking
These little guys are so versatile! They’re just perfect with a steaming mug of coffee or a cold glass of milk. I love serving them as is, but they also make a fantastic base for a little bit of frosting or a dusting of powdered sugar if you want to get fancy. For storing, pop them into an airtight container once they’re completely cooled. They’ll stay wonderfully fresh for about 3-4 days at room temperature. If you find they get a little too crisp, you can pop a slice of bread in the container to help soften them up a bit. Honestly, though, they usually don’t last that long!
Frequently Asked Questions About Easy 3-Ingredient Christmas Cookies
Got questions about these super simple treats? I’ve got answers!
Can I use margarine instead of butter for easier 3-ingredient Christmas cookies?
While you *can* technically use margarine, I really recommend sticking with real butter for the best results. Butter gives these cookies that classic rich, buttery flavor and that perfect tender texture. Margarine can sometimes have a different water content, which might make your cookies spread too much or turn out a bit greasy. For the most delicious Easy 3-Ingredient Christmas Cookies, butter is king!
How can I make these cookies softer?
These cookies are naturally a bit crumbly and tender, which is part of their charm! If you find they’re a little too crisp for your liking, the best trick is to store them with a slice of bread in an airtight container. The bread releases moisture, which the cookies will absorb overnight, making them wonderfully soft. Also, be sure not to overbake them – pulling them out when they’re just lightly golden will help keep them tender.
Can I add other flavors to these Easy 3-Ingredient Christmas Cookies?
Absolutely! While the magic is in the simplicity, they’re a fantastic base for adding little flavor boosts. My favorite is a teaspoon of vanilla extract mixed in with the butter and sugar. You could also add a little almond extract, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or even some orange zest for a festive twist! Just remember, adding too much liquid might change the dough consistency, so start with just a little.
What’s the best way to decorate these 3 ingredient cookies?
Once your Easy 3-Ingredient Christmas Cookies are completely cool, the decorating fun begins! A simple dusting of powdered sugar is lovely. Or, whip up a quick royal icing (powdered sugar, a tiny bit of milk, and maybe some corn syrup for shine) and go to town with sprinkles, edible glitter, or even just simple swirls. Melted chocolate is another fantastic option – dip half the cookie and let it set!
Estimated Nutritional Information
Just a heads-up, these numbers are estimates and can change depending on the exact brands and ingredients you use! For one of these delicious Easy 3-Ingredient Christmas Cookies (about 1 oz each):
Calories: ~100
Fat: ~6g
Sugar: ~5g
Carbohydrates: ~10g
Protein: ~1g
They’re a nice little treat without being too over the top!
Print
Easy 3-Ingredient Christmas Cookies
- Total Time: 22 min
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Simple Christmas cookies made with just three ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Gradually add the flour and mix until a dough forms.
- Roll the dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden.
- Let cool completely before decorating or serving.
Notes
- You can add vanilla extract for extra flavor.
- Decorate with frosting or sprinkles after cooling.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 12 min
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: easy christmas cookies, 3 ingredient cookies, simple holiday baking, quick cookies