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4-Ingredient Desperation Cookies Recipe: Buttery, Tender, and Easy

4-Ingredient Desperation Cookies

A simple butter, sugar, flour, and vanilla cookie with a tender shortbread-like texture. These lightly golden cookies are quick to mix and perfect when you need an easy homemade treat.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 24 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 cup (226 g) Unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (200 g) Granulated sugar
  • 2 cups (240-250 g) All-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. Beat the softened butter and granulated sugar for 1 to 2 minutes, until creamy and well combined. Mix in the vanilla extract.
  3. Add the flour gradually, mixing only until a soft dough forms. If the dough is sticky or difficult to shape, chill it for 20 to 30 minutes.
  4. Scoop tablespoon-size portions, roll them into balls, and place them on the prepared baking sheets. Flatten each gently with a fork or the bottom of a glass.
  5. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden while the centers remain fairly pale. Cool on the baking sheet for several minutes, then transfer to a rack.

Notes

Use softened butter rather than melted butter to prevent excessive spreading and greasy, thin cookies. If using salted butter, additional salt is normally unnecessary. The cookies firm as they cool.