Easy 3-Ingredient Christmas Cookies Recipe - Foolproof Holiday Baking

If you’re looking for the simplest Christmas cookie recipe, this one is for you. These cookies are buttery, tender, and absolutely delicious on their own, and the best part? You only need three basic ingredients. No mixer, no chilling overnight, and no complicated steps.

They’re perfect for last-minute baking, holiday cookie boxes, or baking with kids.

Ingredients (Base Recipe)

• 300 g flour

• 200 g softened butter

• 100 g icing (powdered) sugar

That’s it!

But if you want to customize them, you can also add:

• Lemon or orange zest

• Chopped walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts

• Cinnamon or your favorite cookie spices

The base dough is already delicious, so any additions are totally optional.

Instructions

1. Prepare the dry ingredients
   Sift the flour into a bowl and add the icing sugar. Mix until well combined.
2. Add the butter
   Cut the softened butter into slices and add it to the flour mixture.
   Using your fingers, rub the butter into the flour and sugar until it starts to come together.

3. Form the dough
   Once the butter is fully incorporated, you’ll be able to form a smooth dough. You don't need to add additional flour as the dough should be soft but not sticky. 

4. Chill the dough
   Place the dough in the fridge for 15–30 minutes. This makes it much easier to roll out and cut.

5. Roll and cut
   Lightly flour your work surface to prevent sticking.
   Roll out the dough evenly (not too thin, so the cookies bake evenly and don’t burn).
   Use your favorite Christmas cookie cutters to cut out shapes.

6. Prepare for baking
   Line a baking tray with baking paper and place the cookies on it.

7. Bake
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
   Bake the cookies for 8–10 minutes, until they get just a little color, not too much.

8. Cool
   Let the cookies cool slightly on the tray before moving them.

Decorating Ideas

You can enjoy these cookies plain, or decorate them however you like:

• Dip or drizzle with melted chocolate

• Add festive sprinkles

• Simply dust with icing sugar

Simple Icing for Sprinkles

To help sprinkles stick, make a quick paste:

• Icing sugar

• A little lemon juice

• A small amount of water

Mix until it reaches a paste-like consistency.

Be careful not to add too much lemon juice so it doesn’t become too sour.

Spread a small amount on each cookie, add sprinkles, shake off the excess, and you’re done!

Final Thoughts

These 3-ingredient Christmas cookies are proof that holiday baking doesn’t have to be complicated. They’re quick, versatile, and perfect for customizing with your favorite flavors or decorations.

You can find the whole process in this video! 

Happy baking and happy holidays! 🎄🍪