🧈 Easy Shortbread Cookies Recipe (3 Ingredients!) – Buttery, Simple & Perfect for Students

Let’s be honest: when you’re a student, baking can feel like a luxury. Between late-night study sessions, microwave dinners, and caffeine-fueled mornings, who has time to bake cookies from scratch?

But here’s the secret no one tells you: you don’t need to be a pastry chef (or have a full kitchen) to make insanely good cookies.

This shortbread cookies recipe is the definition of simple. It’s buttery, crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth perfection made from just three basic ingredients — flour, butter, and sugar. No eggs, no baking powder, no stress.

Whether you’re baking to treat yourself during finals week or making something impressive for a dorm party, this easy shortbread cookie recipe will become your go-to comfort bake.

💛 Why You’ll Love This Shortbread Cookies Recipe

There’s a reason shortbread cookies have been around for centuries — they’re timeless. Originally from Scotland, shortbread was once considered a luxury treat for special occasions. Fast-forward to today, and it’s the ultimate easy cookie recipe for students and beginners.

Here’s why you’ll love it:

• 🧈 Only 3 ingredients (you probably already have them!)
• 🍪 No special tools or mixers needed — a bowl and spoon will do
• 💸 Budget-friendly — ideal for student bakers on a tight budget
• 🕒 Ready in under 30 minutes
• 😋 Rich, buttery flavor that melts in your mouth

Looking for a chocolatey classic after these cookies? Try our classic chocolate chip cookies.

🧂 Ingredients You’ll Need

Just three basic ingredients make the magic happen.

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Unsalted butter	1 cup (2 sticks)	Room temperature for easy mixing
Granulated sugar	½ cup	You can substitute powdered sugar for a smoother texture
All-purpose flour	2 cups	Be sure to measure correctly – don’t pack it down!

Optional:

• A pinch of salt (enhances flavor if using unsalted butter)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract for a cozy aroma
• Sugar for sprinkling on top before baking

💡 Student Tip: If you’re baking in a dorm, you can use a toaster oven! Just reduce the baking time slightly and keep an eye on the cookies.

🍪 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, combine softened butter and sugar. Use a fork, spoon, or hand whisk to mix until creamy and smooth.
If you’ve got an electric mixer, go for it — but trust me, this recipe works perfectly fine with good ol’ elbow grease.

Step 2: Add the Flour

Gradually add flour to your butter-sugar mix. Stir gently until the dough starts coming together.
It might look crumbly at first — that’s totally normal! Keep mixing until it forms a soft dough that holds its shape when pressed.

Step 3: Shape the Dough

You have two easy options:

• Roll and cut: Roll the dough on a floured surface to ½ inch thick. Use a cup or cookie cutter to cut shapes.
• Press into a pan: For ultimate simplicity, press the dough into an 8×8 baking pan and cut into squares after baking.

Step 4: Bake

Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
Place cookies on a parchment-lined baking tray and bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden (not brown).
Cool for 10 minutes before transferring to a rack.

Step 5: Enjoy!

Your classic shortbread cookies are ready! Pair them with coffee, tea, or a late-night Netflix binge.

🧁 Student Story: I once made these at 1 a.m. during finals week — they made the entire dorm smell like a bakery. Everyone came knocking. Instant popularity unlocked.

🎓 Student Baking Tips

• Softened butter = perfect texture. If your butter is too hard, microwave it for 10 seconds.
• Don’t overmix. Stop once the dough holds together — overmixing makes cookies tough.
• Chill before baking (optional): For extra crumbly texture, chill dough 15 minutes.
• Add toppings: Dip edges in melted chocolate, sprinkle sugar, or drizzle caramel.
• Store properly: Keep in an airtight container for up to a week — though they’ll probably disappear sooner.

🌈 Flavor Variations to Try

Once you’ve mastered the basic shortbread cookies recipe, you can experiment with endless flavors!

1. Chocolate Chip Shortbread

Add ½ cup of mini chocolate chips to the dough before baking. Perfect for study snack breaks.

2. Lemon Zest Shortbread

Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest and a few drops of vanilla for a bright, zesty twist.

3. Matcha Shortbread

Mix 1 tablespoon of matcha powder into the flour for a trendy, Instagram-worthy green hue.

4. Cinnamon Sugar Shortbread

Sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top before baking — cozy and comforting for fall semester vibes.

Want brownie + cookie in one bite? Check out our fudgy brookies recipe.

🧊 Storage and Freezing Tips

• Room Temp: Store in an airtight container for up to 7 days.
• Freeze Dough: Wrap unbaked dough tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw before baking.
• Freeze Baked Cookies: Cool completely, then store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months.

❓ FAQ: Shortbread Cookies Recipe

🏁 Conclusion: Your Go-To Shortbread Cookies Recipe

So there you have it — a shortbread cookies recipe so easy, buttery, and budget-friendly that it deserves a permanent spot in your student baking rotation.

With only 3 ingredients, no fancy gear, and just 30 minutes, you can create cookies that taste like home — even if “home” is a dorm room kitchen.

So preheat that oven, grab your butter, and bake a batch today. You’ll be amazed how something so simple can taste so fancy.