The most amazing 3–2–1 butter cookies: simple, delicate and perfectly buttery

The most amazing 3–2–1 butter cookies: simple, delicate and perfectly buttery recept

Name: The most amazing 3–2–1 butter cookies: simple, delicate and perfectly buttery
Prep time: 27 min
Cook time: 27 min
Total time: 27 min
Yield: 24
Ingredients: 150 g softened butter; 100 g granulated sugar; 70 g plain flour; 60 g corn or potato starch; ½ teaspoon baking powder; a pinch of salt; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional); powdered sugar for dusting or; chocolate glaze to taste

Easy to prepare
24 portions
27 minutes

Jan, 16. 12. 2025

Print recipe

3–2–1 butter cookies are the kind of recipe you fall in love with at first try. They are extremely simple, ready in a few minutes and taste so good they disappear faster than you can get them out of the oven. They have a light, delicate texture, a subtle buttery aroma and a smooth dough that’s a joy to work with. If you’re looking for a small treat with coffee, quick Christmas cookies or versatile cookies for any occasion, this recipe is a guaranteed hit.

For 24 portions

Ingredients

For the cookies:

150 g softened butter
100 g granulated sugar
70 g plain flour
60 g corn or potato starch
½ teaspoon baking powder
a pinch of salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

To finish:

powdered sugar for dusting or
chocolate glaze to taste

Preparation procedure

Creaming the butter base Cream the softened butter with the sugar until light and fluffy. It takes 2–3 minutes and is an important step — properly creamed butter is what gives the cookies their tenderness. Add the vanilla extract and mix.
Dry ingredients In another bowl sift the plain flour, starch, baking powder and a pinch of salt. Sifting ensures better lightness and even distribution of the leavening.
Combining the dough Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter base and gently work it in with a spoon or your hands. The dough should be smooth, soft and not sticky. If it's too soft, you can add 1 tablespoon of extra flour.
Shaping the cookies Form small balls of dough of equal size and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Leave about 3 cm between the balls. You can lightly press the tops with a fork for a decorative pattern.
Baking Preheat the oven to 175 °C. Bake for 12 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden but the center remains paler. After removing, let them firm up on the sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool.
Finishing Dust the cooled cookies with powdered sugar or dip them in melted chocolate. Either will give them a lovely appearance and a subtle flavor boost.

Quick info

Servings: approx. 24 cookies

Prep time: 15 minutes

Baking time: 12 minutes

Total time: 27 minutes

Variations and tips

add grated lemon or orange zest
you can add 20 g of ground almonds to the dough
part of the starch can be replaced with plain flour (50:50 ratio) for a denser texture
you can flavor the cookies with cinnamon, gingerbread spice or cardamom
for extra crispness, use butter with at least 82 % fat content