By Alexandra EmanuelliView →
VIRAL RETRO
The Retro 3-Ingredient Cookie Recipe Redditors Are Calling "So Good" and "Perfect"
★★★★★
5.0 (410)|(2 Reviews)Melt-in-your-mouth Scottish shortbread fork cookies made with butter, powdered sugar, and flour.
M
By Meghan Splawn (Recipe Developer)•Published May 22, 2026
⏱ 25 mins
Simply Recipes / Meghan Splawn🔥 130 kcal
WHY MAKE THIS
- Only 3 ingredients from your baking pantry.
- Delicate, crumbly European bakery texture.
VIRAL RETRO
The Retro 3-Ingredient Cookie Recipe Redditors Are Calling "So Good" and "Perfect"
A classic 1-2-3 shortbread ratio rediscovered by thousands on Reddit: 1 part sugar, 2 parts butter, 3 parts flour. The dough is rolled into simple balls, pressed with a fork, and baked into crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth perfection. Difficulty: Super Easy.
Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time15 mins
Total Time25 mins
Servings10 servings
Scale Recipe:
📱Keep Screen Awake While Cooking
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened at room temperature
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (confectioners' sugar)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour & pinch of fine salt
Directions
1
Cream butter and sugar
Beat softened butter and powdered sugar until pale and fluffy. Gradually stir in flour and pinch of salt until a soft dough forms.
2
Roll and fork press
Roll into 1-inch balls and place on parchment baking sheet. Press each ball flat with the tines of a fork dipped in flour.
3
Bake gently
Bake at 325°F (165°C) for 14–16 minutes until bottoms are lightly golden but tops remain pale.
💡 CHEF'S PRO TIPS
- Bake at low temperature (325°F) so the cookies stay pale and maintain their delicate melt-in-your-mouth crumb.
Nutrition Facts
Per ServingCalories130 kcal
Protein1g
Carbs13g
Total Fat8g
Sodium: 30mg
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 2g
Community Reviews & Ratings
2 cooks have shared their thoughts on this recipe
S
Sarah M.★★★★★
This has completely replaced my normal avocado toast! The beans blend so well you cannot even tell, and I stay full until lunchtime!
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David K.★★★★★
Great trick for adding protein without cooking eggs on busy mornings. Added a pinch of red pepper flakes and lemon zest—delicious.
