The Magic of Just Four Ingredients
It’s hard to believe such a classic cookie comes from only four pantry staples—each with an important role:
Butter
The star of the recipe. Butter delivers rich flavor, a soft crumb, and that melt-in-your-mouth texture. Make sure it’s softened, not melted or cold.
Sugar
Adds just the right sweetness while helping create lightly crisp edges and a golden finish.
Flour
Provides structure—enough to hold everything together without making the cookies dry or dense.
Vanilla (optional but recommended)
Enhances the buttery flavor and gives the cookies that familiar bakery aroma.
That’s it. No eggs. No baking powder. No complicated chemistry—just simplicity done right.
Ingredients
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1 cup unsalted butter, softened
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½ cup sugar
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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Optional: powdered sugar for dusting
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Dough
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until smooth and fluffy. This step helps create a light, tender texture.
Mix in the vanilla extract. Gradually add the flour, stirring gently until a soft dough forms. If it feels too soft, let it rest for a few minutes.
2. Shape the Cookies
Choose your favorite method:
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Pipe the dough for a classic swirl
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Roll into balls and gently flatten
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Press with a fork for a crisscross pattern
Arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between cookies.
3. Bake
Bake at 350°F (180°C) for 12–15 minutes, until the edges are just lightly golden. Avoid overbaking—cookies will firm up as they cool.
4. Cool & Finish
Let cookies cool on the tray briefly, then transfer to a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar once fully cooled, if desired.
Texture & Flavor
Expect cookies that are:
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Crisp on the outside
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Soft and tender inside
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Lightly sweet
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Rich without feeling heavy
They pair perfectly with coffee, tea, or a cold glass of milk—and many people say they taste even better the next day.
Easy Variations to Try
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Chocolate-Dipped: Dip half of each cooled cookie in melted chocolate
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Lemon Butter: Add fresh lemon zest to the dough
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Jam Thumbprints: Fill a small indentation with jam before baking
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Holiday Sprinkles: Top with sprinkles for festive flair
Storage Tips
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Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days
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Refrigerate for longer freshness
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Freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months
They also make wonderful gifts—just layer them in a tin with parchment paper.
Why This Recipe Works Every Time
The balance is what makes this recipe foolproof. Butter adds richness, flour provides structure, sugar creates sweetness and color, and vanilla ties it all together. With no eggs or leavening, the cookies have a delicate, classic shortbread-style texture that feels comforting and intentional in every bite.