Bake Play Smile

MENUMENU
  • Recipes
  • Thermomix
  • Desserts
  • Shop
  • Subscribe
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Thermomix
  • Desserts
  • Shop
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Thermomix
    • Desserts
    • Shop
    • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home » Recipes » Christmas

    The Famous Super Easy 3 Ingredient Shortbread Cookies Recipe

    Published: Dec 11, 2024 by Lucy · This post may contain affiliate links · 198 Comments

    Jump to Recipe
    A stack of shortbread stars dusted with icing sugar.

    The famous 3 ingredient shortbread recipe is the easiest melt-in-your-mouth shortbread you'll ever make... all you need is butter, plain flour and icing sugar!

    Preparing the cookie dough for these classic shortbread cookies takes just minutes, and it's a great activity for the kids to get involved with, too!

    A stack of shortbread stars dusted with icing sugar.

    While this 3 ingredient shortbread is most well-known for being baked into sweet Christmas cookies, it's a simple recipe that can be enjoyed at any time of the year!

    Whether baking for Christmas or simply filling the cookie tin or your little one's lunchboxes, this shortbread recipe is perfect.

    Looking for more easy biscuit recipes? Try my classic Jam Drops, chocolate chip cookies, ANZAC biscuits or the famous 100 cookie recipe!

    A stack of star shaped Christmas shortbread cookies dusted with icing sugar.

    Why You're Going To Love The Famous 3 Ingredient Shortbread Recipe

    Apart from the obvious fact that these crumbly texture, homemade shortbread cookies are made from just 3 ingredients, here are a few more reasons why they're going to become favourites in your house:

    • egg free - my shortbread recipe contains absolutely NO egg making them a great option for those with egg allergies.
    • traditional taste - the classic melt-in-your-mouth crumbly shortbread texture and sweet subtle flavour is exactly what you get with this recipe!
    • no need for rice flour - most traditional shortbread recipes use rice flour but my recipe uses plain flour.

    What You Need

    If you're looking for the easiest and most basic shortbread recipe ever (that still melts in your mouth and tastes AMAZING), this is the recipe for you!

    All you need is 3 simple ingredients:

    Note: please scroll to the full recipe card at the bottom for ingredient quantities and the method

    The ingredients for 3 ingredient shortbread - plain flour, icing sugar and butter.
    • butter - you can use either salted or unsalted butter in this recipe. It's important to ensure that you use room temperature butter so that it beats easily when mixed with a hand mixer or a stand mixer with a paddle attachment.
    • plain flour - also known as all-purpose flour.
    • icing sugar - also known as confectioner's sugar or powdered sugar. Using icing sugar rather than caster sugar will give you the best buttery shortbread cookies.

    ..... 1...2...3.... so easy!

    Equipment Required

    To make this classic shortbread recipe, you will need:

    • large bowl - for mixing the ingredients
    • sieve - for sifting the dry ingredients
    • hand mixer, stand mixer, electric mixer, food processor or Thermomix - for beating the butter and combining the ingredients
    • flat baking trays or cookie sheets lined with parchment paper to lay your shortbread cookies on. Alternatively for a more traditional Scottish shortbread, you can bake your mixture in a square pan or cake pan and cut into shortbread fingers once cooled.

    How To Make Shortbread With 3 Ingredients

    In just a couple of simple steps and less than 10 minutes, you'll have the perfect shortbread dough. This is the EASY way to make shortbread!

    Note: please scroll to the full recipe card at the bottom for ingredient quantities and the method

    Step 1 - Beat The Butter

    Beat the butter until it's pale and creamy. For this step, you can use hand-held beaters, a stand mixer, or a Thermomix.

    Hand-held electric beaters mixing butter in a bowl.
    Creamed butter in a mixing bowl.

    Step 2 - Add The Dry Ingredients

    Slowly add in the sifted icing sugar and beat through.

    Add the sifted plain flour and mix with the beaters on low.

    TIP: For the best result, ensure that you sift the flour and icing sugar before using.

    Shortbread made from 3 ingredients in a mixing bowl on a marble bench.
    Creamed shortbread mixture in a mixing bowl.

    Step 3 - Knead Into A Ball & Chill

    Gently knead and roll the soft dough into a ball.

    Wrap in plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.

    Step 4 - Cut Into Shapes & Bake

    Roll the dough out on a floured board or bench using a rolling pin.

    Cut into shapes using cookie cutters or a sharp knife and place onto a parchment paper-lined baking tray.

    Bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden brown.

    *Please note that baking time may vary slightly depending on your individual oven and the size of the shortbread cookies.

    Remove from the oven and allow to cool for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

    Once cooled, store your perfect shortbread cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 1 week.

    A stack of shortbread star shaped cookies sprinkled with icing sugar.

    Tips For Making Shortbread:

    • Sift the icing sugar and plain flour - this ensures your dough is lump-free and perfectly combined.
    • Use room-temperature butter
    • Don't overwork the dough - simply mix through until combined.
    • Chill the dough before cooking - this ensures the cookies hold their shape when baked.
    • Don't overcook the shortbread—once cooked, it should only have a light tinge of golden colour. The cookies will firm up slightly as they cool.
    A shortbread star on a black and gold plate sprinkled with icing sugar.

    How To Store Shortbread

    Once cooled, baked cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.

    Freezing Shortbread Dough

    Uncooked shortbread dough can be rolled into a ball, wrapped in plastic wrap and frozen for up to 1 month. 

    Allow to defrost in the fridge before using.

    Recipe FAQs

    Is icing sugar the same as powdered sugar?

    Yes, it is! Here in Australia, it's known as icing sugar, but in other parts of the world, it's referred to as confectioners' sugar or powdered sugar.

    How long do shortbread biscuits last?

    Shortbread biscuits can be stored at room temperature for up to one week. They will last longer than that but will soften over time.

    How do you know when the biscuits are ready?

    The key to delicious shortbread biscuits is not to overcook them!
    Simply bake until only just lightly golden. They will firm up on cooling.
    If you overcook the biscuits, they'll lose their famous crumbly and melt-in-your-mouth texture!

    Can you make shortbread ahead of time?

    Yes! Prepare the dough, roll it into a ball (or log), wrap it in plastic wrap, and freeze it for up to one month.
    Defrost in the fridge (preferably overnight) before using.

    What equipment do I need?

    To prepare the dough, you will need a stand mixer, hand-held beaters, or a Thermomix. You'll also need an oven to bake the cookies.

    Can you make shortbread without rice flour?

    Absolutely! My three-ingredient shortbread recipe is made from plain flour, icing sugar, and butter—that's it!

    Can this recipe be used to cut shapes out of the dough?

    Yes! This shortbread recipe is perfect for cutting out Christmas shapes!

    Are shortbread cookies the same as sugar cookies?

    No. While they are similar, sugar cookies and shortbread cookies are not the same. Sugar cookies remain flatter once baked and do not spread - making them the perfect option for biscuits that you can ice. Sugar cookies also contain egg, whereas shortbread cookies do not. You can find my sugar cookies recipe here.

    More Homemade Christmas Gift Recipes

    Our three-ingredient shortbread makes the perfect Christmas gift!

    If you're looking for even more homemade Christmas recipe inspiration, click here to check out these delicious Christmas food gifts.

    A collage of homemade recipes for Christmas gifts.

    WANT EVEN MORE DELICIOUS RECIPES? Subscribe to my newsletter or follow along on Facebook or Instagram. And if you love baking, then please come and join my Facebook cooking club group or subscribe to my YouTube channel. 

    Our 3 ingredient shortbread recipe is the easiest shortbread you'll ever make... all you need is butter, plain flour and icing sugar!

    3 Ingredient Shortbread Recipe

    The famous 3 ingredient shortbread recipe is the easiest melt-in-your-mouth shortbread you'll ever make... all you need is butter, plain flour and icing sugar!
    5 from 399 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Cookies
    Cuisine: western
    Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 15 minutes minutes
    Chilling time: 30 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 55 minutes minutes
    Servings: 35 cookies
    Calories: 123kcal
    Author: Lucy - Bake Play Smile

    Ingredients

    • 340 g (3 sticks) butter
    • 130 g (1 cup) icing sugar confectioners sugar or powdered sugar
    • 375 g (3 cups) plain flour all-purpose flour
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    Conventional Method

    • Preheat oven to 160 degrees celsius (fan-forced). Line two large flat baking trays with baking paper and set aside. 
    • Beat the butter in a large bowl using an electric mixer on medium until smooth (approximately 30 seconds). 
    • Slowly add the icing sugar and continue mixing until well combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl. 
    • Add the flour and mix on low speed until combined (please note that the mixture will be crumbly at this stage). 
    • Gently knead the dough into a ball (but don't overwork it) and place into the fridge for at least 30 minutes to chill. Roll out to ½-1 cm thick. Use cookie cutters to cut the dough shapes out. 
    • Place the shapes onto the prepared trays and bake for 12-15 minutes or until just very lightly golden (do not overcook). 
    • Allow to cool on the trays for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. 

    Thermomix Method

    • Preheat oven to 160 degrees celsius (fan-forced). Line two large flat baking trays with baking paper and set aside. 
    • Place the icing sugar into the Thermomix bowl and mix for 10 seconds, Speed 8. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and add the butter and plain flour. Mix for 10-15 seconds, Speed 6 and then for 1 minute on Interval/Knead function.
    • Gently knead the dough into a ball (but don't overwork it) and place into the fridge for at least 30 minutes to chill.
    • Roll out to ½-1 cm think and use cookie cutters to cut the dough shapes out. 
    • Place the shapes onto the prepared trays and bake for 12-15 minutes or until just very lightly golden (do not overcook). 
    • Allow to cool on the trays for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. 

    Notes

    RECIPE NOTES
    Equipment - you can either use hand-held beaters, a stand mixer or a Thermomix for this recipe. 
    Sifting - sift the icing sugar and plain flour to remove any lumps.
    Mixing -  don’t overwork the dough, instead it should be gently folded and then pressed together. 
    Chilling - chill the dough before cooking to avoid shapes spreading when baked. 
    Testing the cookies - don’t overcook the shortbread cookies – they should only just have a light tinge of colour once cooked.
    Storage - Once cooled, shortbread cookies can be stored at room temperature for up to 1 week. Alternatively, the uncooked dough can be rolled into a ball, wrapped in plastic wrap and frozen for up to 1 month. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 123kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 21mg | Sodium: 70mg | Potassium: 14mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 245IU | Calcium: 4mg | Iron: 0.5mg
    Did you try this recipe?Mention @BakePlaySmileBlog or tag #BakePlaySmile!

    More Easy Christmas Baking Recipes

    • A peppermint crisp and cream dessert in a baking dish.
      Peppermint Crisp Tart
    • Two filled bottles with handwritten labels attached.
      Homemade Baileys Irish Cream
    • A bowl of creamy pasta salad.
      Creamy Pasta Salad with Mayo
    • A collage of Christmas dessert recipes.
      The Most Popular Christmas Dessert Recipes | 30+ Recipes

    Comments

    1. Yvonne says

      March 25, 2025 at 9:07 am

      5 stars
      Love this recipe. Few ingredients, easy and very tasty. I wanted to bake something for my grandson, and this was one of the easiest and tasty one.

      Reply
    2. Skye Gillan says

      January 13, 2025 at 3:21 pm

      5 stars
      How much cranberries should I put ?

      Reply
      • Lucy says

        January 14, 2025 at 2:04 pm

        It's up to you! I'd suggest around 1/2 cup!

        Reply
    « Older Comments
    5 from 399 votes (355 ratings without comment)

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    I’m Lucy! A mum, a wife, a food blogger and a lover of all things to do with food! I love creating delicious, no-fuss Thermomix and conventional recipes the whole family will love. Classic baking favourites, lunch box snacks, quick and easy family dinners and more!

    More about me →

    Trending Recipes You’ll Love

    • No-Bake Rum Balls made with coconut, biscuits, condensed milk and cocoa powder.
      Kid-Friendly Rum Balls
    • A quick and easy classic dark chocolate hedgehog slice made with crushed biscuits, walnuts, coconut and condensed milk... the perfect melt and mix slice!
      Chocolate Hedgehog Slice
    • Introducing the famous 100 Cookie Recipe made with just 4 ingredients... butter, caster sugar, condensed milk and self-raising flour. This freezer-friendly cookie dough can be flavoured with any add-ins you like!
      The Famous 100 Cookie Recipe | Easy Condensed Milk Cookies
    • This new and improved Lemon & Coconut Slice recipe is absolutely perfect! A beautiful tangy base topped with a creamy lemon frosting... it seriously doesn't get any better than this!
      Lemon Coconut Slice - New & Improved

    Cosy Winter Desserts

    • A forkful of moist sticky date pudding with caramel sauce and a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
      Sticky Date Pudding with Caramel Sauce
    • These super easy golden syrup dumplings are sure to become a family favourite! Serve hot with a big scoop of ice-cream for the perfect dessert.
      Easy Golden Syrup Dumplings | Winter Dessert Recipe
    • Chocolate self saucing pudding with ice cream on a plate.
      Chocolate Self-Saucing Pudding
    • A slice of apricot pie with a scoop of ice-cream on top.
      Apricot Pie
    Names of brands that Bake Play Smile has had recipes featured in.

    Lunch Box Snacks

    • A white cake stand with yo yo biscuits that have pink and blue filling.
      Yo Yo Biscuits | Classic Recipe
    • A bowl filled with malted milk and coconut balls.
      Milo Balls | 4 Ingredient Recipe
    • Pieces of chocolate coconut slice on a white plate.
      Easy Chocolate Coconut Slice | Most Popular
    • ANZAC oat biscuits cooling on a wire rack.
      ANZAC Biscuits

    Footer

    Subscribe for weekly updates!

    Subscribe
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms & Conditions
    • Accessibility Policy
    • ↑ back to top

    Copyright © 2025 Bake Play Smile

    ↑ back to top

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.