Enjoy soft, chewy 3 ingredient einkorn cookies with melted butter made with simple, wholesome ingredients. A quick and healthy treat perfect for any occasion!
What Are 3 Ingredient Einkorn Cookies?
Imagine biting into a soft, slightly chewy cookie with just the right amount of sweetness—made from only three ingredients! That’s what makes 3 Ingredient Einkorn Cookies with melted butter so special. These cookies are simple, wholesome, and incredibly easy to make. They rely on einkorn flour, a touch of sweetness (usually honey or sugar), and a binding fat like butter. No eggs, no leavening agents—just a minimalist approach to delicious homemade treats.
Einkorn flour, an ancient grain, gives these cookies a slightly nutty, rich flavor that sets them apart from regular cookies. Since it has a different gluten structure than modern wheat, it creates a tender texture that’s almost melt-in-your-mouth. Plus, if you’re trying to avoid over-processed ingredients, this is a fantastic option for a more natural cookie.
These cookies are perfect for when you’re craving something sweet but don’t want a complicated recipe. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or someone who barely turns on the oven, you’ll love how quick and fuss-free they are.
Benefits of Using Einkorn Flour in Baking
Baking 3 ingredient einkorn cookies with melted butter isn’t just about taste—it’s also about health benefits. Unlike conventional wheat flour, einkorn is less processed, easier to digest, and richer in nutrients. Let’s break down why you might want to swap out your regular flour for einkorn in your next batch of cookies.
Nutritional Advantages of Einkorn Flour
Einkorn is packed with more protein, fiber, and essential vitamins compared to standard wheat flour. Here’s why it stands out:
- Higher protein content – While einkorn has gluten, it’s weaker and easier to digest than modern wheat.
- More nutrients – Einkorn contains higher levels of B vitamins, iron, and zinc.
- Lower gluten strength – This makes it a better choice for people with gluten sensitivities (though not suitable for celiac disease).
- Easier digestion – Some people find that einkorn flour doesn’t cause bloating or discomfort the way traditional wheat does.
Because of these benefits, einkorn is a great alternative for people looking to bake healthier treats without sacrificing taste or texture.
Einkorn Flour vs. Regular Flour
If you’re wondering whether you can swap einkorn flour 1:1 with regular flour, here’s the deal:
| Feature | Einkorn Flour | Regular Wheat Flour |
|---|---|---|
| Gluten Strength | Weaker, easier to digest | Stronger, more elastic |
| Nutritional Value | More protein, fiber, and vitamins | Lower in essential nutrients |
| Texture in Baking | Produces softer, more delicate bakes | Can create chewier, more structured textures |
| Absorption | Needs slightly less liquid in recipes | More absorbent |
So, if you’re new to einkorn, expect a slightly different baking experience, but one that’s totally worth it for the flavor and health perks.
Why Use Melted Butter in Cookies?
You might’ve noticed that some cookie recipes call for melted butter instead of softened butter. But why does this matter? The answer lies in how butter interacts with the other ingredients, affecting everything from texture to flavor.
If you’re curious about other baked treats that use simple ingredients, check out this 4 Ingredient Banana Bread for another quick and delicious recipe.
Impact of Melted Butter on Cookie Texture
Using melted butter in cookie dough has a big impact on the final result:
- Softer, chewier cookies – Because melted butter mixes more thoroughly with the sugar, it creates a denser, richer texture.
- Less air in the dough – When you use softened butter and cream it with sugar, you introduce air, which leads to fluffier cookies. Melted butter, on the other hand, leads to a more compact and chewy texture.
- More spread during baking – Since melted butter is already in liquid form, it encourages the dough to spread more as it bakes, resulting in thinner cookies.
Comparing Melted vs. Softened Butter in Baking
Here’s a quick breakdown of how each type of butter affects cookies:
| Butter Type | Effect on Cookies |
|---|---|
| Melted Butter | Chewier, denser, cookies spread more |
| Softened Butter | Fluffier, slightly thicker cookies with more structure |
| Cold Butter | Creates a more crumbly, delicate texture (often used in shortbread) |
So, if you’re aiming for a chewy, soft cookie with that melt-in-your-mouth feel, melted butter is the way to go. However, if you prefer a more structured, cakier cookie, softened butter might be the better choice.
Basic Recipe for 3 Ingredient Einkorn Cookies with melted butter
Before we get into all the fun variations, let’s start with the simplest version of this recipe. These cookies require only three ingredients, but don’t let that fool you—they’re packed with flavor and have an irresistible texture.
Ingredient List
To make a batch of 3 Ingredient Einkorn Cookies with melted butter, you’ll need:
- 1 cup einkorn flour (sifted for best results)
- ¼ cup melted butter (or coconut oil for a dairy-free option)
- 3 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (for natural sweetness)
That’s it! No eggs, no sugar, no leavening—just wholesome, simple ingredients.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix the ingredients in a bowl until a soft dough forms. If it feels too dry, add a teaspoon of water or milk.
- Shape the cookies by rolling the dough into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter). Flatten slightly with your palm or the back of a fork.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let them cool for at least 5 minutes before eating—they’ll firm up as they cool.
These cookies are soft and slightly chewy, with just the right amount of sweetness. They also make a great base for customizing with different flavors!
Common Variations of Einkorn Cookies
Even though this recipe is fantastic as-is, sometimes you want to mix things up. Here are a couple of ways to take these cookies to the next level.
Adding Chocolate Chips or Nuts
Who doesn’t love a chocolate chip cookie? To make a richer, more indulgent version, simply add:
- ¼ cup dark chocolate chips (or chopped chocolate for a rustic feel)
- ¼ cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds work great!)
Just fold them into the dough before shaping your cookies. Since there’s no extra sugar in this recipe, the chocolate adds a nice contrast of sweetness.
Making Gluten-Free Einkorn Cookies
While einkorn has lower gluten levels than modern wheat, it still contains gluten. If you need a gluten-free option, try using:
- Einkorn all-purpose flour substitute (gluten-free blend with similar texture)
- Almond flour (for a nuttier, more delicate cookie)
If you use almond flour, you may need to add an extra tablespoon of liquid to get the right consistency. The result? A slightly softer, crumbly cookie that’s still delicious.
If you’re looking for more wheat-free meal ideas, you might enjoy these Gluten-Free Lunch Ideas for inspiration beyond baking.
Tips for Baking with Einkorn Flour
Einkorn flour behaves a little differently than regular wheat flour, so it’s helpful to keep a few things in mind.
Adjusting Baking Times and Temperatures
Because einkorn absorbs liquid differently, you might notice:
- Slightly longer baking times – Einkorn cookies sometimes need an extra minute or two to firm up.
- Lower oven temperatures work best – If your cookies are browning too quickly, drop the temperature to 325°F (163°C) and bake for a couple of extra minutes.
- Dough consistency matters – If your dough feels too sticky, let it rest for 5 minutes before shaping the cookies. Einkorn absorbs moisture more slowly.
Storing and Preserving Einkorn Cookies
To keep your cookies fresh and soft:
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Refrigerate for longer shelf life—up to two weeks in an airtight container.
- Freeze the dough before baking! Just shape the cookies and freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring to a bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding 2 extra minutes to the baking time.
How to Serve 3 Ingredient Einkorn Cookies with melted butter
You’ve baked your cookies—now what? While they’re delicious on their own, there are plenty of ways to make them even better. Whether you’re pairing them with a drink or looking for a creative way to serve them, here are some ideas.
Pairing Cookies with Beverages
A good cookie deserves an equally good drink. Depending on your mood, try one of these:
- Classic milk pairing – There’s nothing like a warm cookie and a glass of cold milk. If you’re dairy-free, almond or oat milk works just as well.
- Coffee or espresso – The nutty flavor of einkorn flour pairs beautifully with a bold cup of coffee—especially a latte or a cappuccino.
- Herbal tea – If you’re feeling cozy, try chamomile, cinnamon spice, or vanilla rooibos tea. The mild sweetness of the cookies makes a perfect match.
- Hot chocolate – Want an indulgent treat? Dip these cookies in thick, creamy hot cocoa for the ultimate comfort snack.
Creative Presentation Ideas
If you’re serving these cookies at a gathering (or just want them to look extra fancy), here are some fun ways to present them:
- Dust with powdered sugar – A light sprinkle makes them look bakery-worthy.
- Drizzle with dark chocolate – Melt some dark chocolate and drizzle it over the top for a gourmet touch.
- Stack and tie with twine – A cute stack of cookies tied with string makes an adorable gift.
- Dip in yogurt or nut butter – Half-dipping them in Greek yogurt or almond butter adds a creamy contrast.
These cookies taste amazing with a warm drink—pair them with a classic English Breakfast Tea for a cozy, satisfying treat.
Troubleshooting Common Cookie Issues
Even with a simple recipe, things can go wrong. If your cookies didn’t turn out as expected, here’s how to fix them next time.
Why Are My Cookies Too Crumbly?
If your cookies fall apart when you pick them up, it’s likely because:
- Too much flour – Einkorn absorbs less liquid, so over-measuring can make the dough too dry. Try using a spoon-and-level method instead of scooping directly from the bag.
- Not enough fat – Since there are only three ingredients, butter (or coconut oil) is key for holding everything together. Make sure you’re using the full ¼ cup.
- Baking too long – If they stay in the oven too long, they’ll dry out. Pull them out when they just start to turn golden on the edges.
How to Achieve the Perfect Chewy Texture
If you prefer a chewier cookie, try this:
- Use a little extra honey – A teaspoon more will add moisture and create a softer texture.
- Slightly underbake them – Take them out when the centers still look a bit soft—they’ll firm up as they cool.
- Let the dough rest before baking – Resting for 5–10 minutes helps einkorn flour fully absorb the liquids, leading to a better texture.
Nutritional Information of Einkorn Cookies
Even though these cookies are simple, they’re still packed with some good-for-you nutrients.
Caloric Content and Serving Sizes
Here’s an estimate per cookie (assuming the recipe makes 10 small cookies):
| Nutrient | Amount per Cookie |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~80 |
| Carbohydrates | 10g |
| Protein | 2g |
| Fat | 3.5g |
| Fiber | 1g |
Not too bad for a sweet treat! And since these don’t have refined sugar, they’re a healthier option than most store-bought cookies.
Healthier Alternatives and Modifications
If you want to tweak the recipe, here are a few swaps:
- Use coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free version.
- Replace honey with mashed banana for a naturally sweet, lower-calorie cookie.
- Add a sprinkle of cinnamon to boost flavor without extra sugar.
- Try whole grain einkorn flour instead of all-purpose for more fiber and nutrients.
FAQs
What happens if you make cookies with melted butter?
Using melted butter in 3 ingredient einkorn cookies changes the texture significantly. Instead of creating a light and fluffy cookie (which happens when you cream softened butter with sugar), melted butter makes cookies chewier and denser. It also causes cookies to spread more during baking since the fat is already in liquid form. If you want thin, chewy cookies with a slightly crisp edge, melted butter is a great choice.
Is einkorn flour good for baking cookies?
Yes! Einkorn flour works wonderfully in cookie recipes. Its slightly nutty, rich flavor gives cookies a unique taste that’s more complex than regular wheat flour. Since einkorn has a different gluten structure, it creates a more delicate, tender texture in baked goods. Plus, it’s more nutritious than regular flour, making it a great choice for healthier homemade cookies.
Are cookies better with melted or softened butter?
It depends on the texture you’re after.
- Melted butter → Creates chewy, spread-out cookies with a rich, dense texture.
- Softened butter → Makes cookies fluffier and thicker because it allows air to be incorporated when creamed with sugar.
For 3 Ingredient Einkorn Cookies with melted butter, melted butter works best because it blends well with the einkorn flour, ensuring a soft and slightly chewy cookie.
What are the ingredients for 3 ingredient peanut butter cookies?
If you’re looking for a simple peanut butter cookie recipe, here’s a classic version:
- 1 cup peanut butter
- ½ cup sugar (or honey for a natural option)
- 1 egg
Mix everything together, scoop into small balls, flatten with a fork, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes. These cookies are soft, slightly crumbly, and packed with peanut butter flavor.
Can I use other flours instead of einkorn?
Yes, but the texture may change. Here are some possible swaps:
- All-purpose flour – Works well but lacks einkorn’s nutty flavor and nutrition.
- Whole wheat flour – Will make cookies denser and more fiber-rich.
- Almond flour – Creates a gluten-free version but will need extra liquid to hold together.
Since einkorn flour absorbs liquid differently, you may need to adjust the moisture levels when using a substitute.
How do I store einkorn cookies for freshness?
To keep your cookies fresh and delicious:
- Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Refrigerator: Keeps cookies fresh for up to 2 weeks (great if you want to make them ahead of time).
- Freezer: Store baked cookies in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, let them thaw for a few minutes or warm them in the oven for a freshly baked taste.
Can I make these cookies dairy-free or vegan?
Absolutely! Here’s how to tweak the recipe:
- For a dairy-free version: Use coconut oil or vegan butter instead of regular butter.
- For a vegan version: Swap the honey for maple syrup or agave nectar.
These simple swaps will still give you delicious, soft einkorn cookies while keeping them plant-based.