If you’re looking for a sweet, buttery treat that doesn’t require a lot of fuss, this 3 Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies Recipe will quickly become your go-to. It’s incredibly simple, using just butter, sugar, and flour, yet yields delightfully tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookies that are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re a beginner baker or just need a fast dessert fix, these cookies combine classic flavor with effortless preparation to bring joy straight from your oven to your taste buds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are classic pantry staples, each playing a crucial role in creating the perfect sugar cookie texture and taste. From the rich creaminess of butter to the subtle sweetness of sugar and the structure provided by flour, it all comes together wonderfully.
- 1 cup butter (room temperature): The key to soft, tender cookies with a rich buttery flavor.
- 2/3 cup + 3 tablespoons granulated sugar (divided): Sweetens the dough and adds a slight crunch with the sugar coating.
- 2 cups + 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled): Provides structure and balance to the cookie’s soft crumb.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla (optional, but recommended): Enhances flavor with a warm, fragrant note.
- Rainbow sprinkles or nonpareils (optional, but recommended): Adds a pop of color and festive crunch, making cookies visually fun and inviting.
How to Make 3 Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Station
Start by preheating your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit and lining two large baking sheets with parchment paper. This simple setup ensures cookies bake evenly and don’t stick, making clean-up a breeze.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a medium bowl, use a handheld electric mixer to beat together the room temperature butter and 2/3 cup of sugar until well combined. The mixture might feel a bit gritty, but that’s perfectly normal at this stage and won’t affect your cookies.
Step 3: Add the Flour and Vanilla
Next, blend in the flour until the dough comes together smoothly. If you’re using vanilla, add it now and mix it through. This step forms your cookie dough’s base, creating a soft, buttery consistency that’s easy to work with.
Step 4: Test and Knead the Dough
Pinch off a bit of dough and gently press it between your fingers. It should be soft, buttery, and smooth. If it feels crumbly, give it a little extra kneading to bring it all together perfectly.
Step 5: Scoop and Shape the Cookies
Use a cookie scoop or spoon to portion out 1-inch dough balls. Roll each between your palms until they’re smooth and soft—this helps ensure even baking and a uniform, delicate texture.
Step 6: Coat with Sugar
Roll each dough ball lightly in the remaining 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar. This adds a subtle crunch and a sweet sparkle to your cookies’ surface, making every bite delightful.
Step 7: Flatten and Decorate
Place the sugar-coated dough balls about 2 inches apart on your lined baking sheets. Press them gently with the bottom of a measuring cup or glass to flatten them to about a 3/16-inch thickness. If you want, sprinkle nonpareils or rainbow sprinkles on top and press lightly so they stick beautifully.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Bake your cookies for 14 to 16 minutes until they’re just starting to turn golden around the edges and on the bottom. This timing locks in that perfect tender chew with a hint of crispness.
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy
Don’t rush this part! Let your cookies rest on the baking sheet for 10 to 15 minutes after baking. Cooling on the sheet lets them firm up perfectly before you transfer them to a wire rack. Then, all that’s left is to enjoy your deliciously simple creation.
How to Serve 3 Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies are wonderful on their own, you can add an extra touch by frosting them lightly with cream cheese or buttercream or dusting a little powdered sugar on top. Sprinkles or edible glitter make them festive for celebrations too!
Side Dishes
Pair these tender sugar cookies with a glass of cold milk or a hot cup of tea or coffee to balance their buttery sweetness. Fresh fruit like berries adds a refreshing contrast that brightens the cookie experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, sandwich two cookies together with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or flavored jam in the middle. Arrange them on a pretty platter or nestle in a decorative tin for gifting—it’s sure to bring smiles instantly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your baked sugar cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh and soft for up to a week. Layer them gently with parchment paper to prevent sticking and preserve their delicate texture.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked dough balls by placing them on a tray until firm, then transferring them to a sealed freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, thaw in the fridge and proceed with flattening and baking as usual. Baked cookies freeze well too—just keep them airtight to maintain freshness.
Reheating
To enjoy cookies warm, pop them in a 300-degree oven for about 5 minutes or microwave for 10-15 seconds. This softens them up and revives their fresh-baked charm quickly.
FAQs
Can I substitute butter with margarine or oil?
Butter is key for flavor and texture in this recipe, so margarine or oil won’t give the same rich, tender results. For best sugar cookies, stick with real butter.
Is vanilla required in the 3 Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies Recipe?
Vanilla is optional but highly recommended as it adds depth and warmth to the cookie’s flavor. If you’re out, the cookies will still taste great without it.
Why do the cookies need to cool on the baking sheet?
Cooling on the baking sheet allows the cookies to set properly so they don’t break apart. It also helps them finish baking from residual heat for the perfect texture.
Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts?
Absolutely! Feel free to fold in mini chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit after mixing the dough for extra flavor and texture variations.
What’s the best way to keep sugar cookies soft?
Storing cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread can help maintain softness, as the bread absorbs excess moisture and keeps cookies from drying out.
Final Thoughts
This 3 Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies Recipe is proof that simplicity doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or fun. With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up cookies that bring pure joy to every bite. So go ahead, try it yourself and share these sweet delights—it’s a little slice of happiness you won’t regret!
Print
3 Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 34 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Easy 3-Ingredient Sugar Cookies are a simple, buttery treat perfect for any occasion. With just butter, sugar, and flour, plus optional vanilla and sprinkles, they come together quickly and bake into soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookies with a delicate golden edge. Ideal for beginners or quick homemade sweets, these cookies offer classic flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup butter (room temperature)
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar (for rolling)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (additional)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, but recommended)
- Rainbow sprinkles or nonpareils (optional, but recommended)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking sheets: Preheat your oven to 325 degrees F (163 degrees C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix butter and sugar: In a medium bowl, beat together 1 cup of room temperature butter and 2/3 cup granulated sugar using a handheld electric mixer until combined. It may appear slightly gritty, which is normal at this stage.
- Add flour and vanilla: Gradually blend in 2 cups plus 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour until fully incorporated. If using, add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and mix well.
- Check dough consistency: Pinch off a small amount of dough and press it with your fingers. It should come together smoothly, feel soft and buttery. If crumbly, knead it a bit more to achieve the right texture.
- Form cookie balls: Using a cookie scoop, portion out 1-inch balls of dough. Roll each ball gently in your palms until soft and smooth.
- Coat with sugar: Roll each dough ball lightly in the remaining 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar and place them onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart.
- Flatten cookies: Using the bottom of a measuring cup or glass, press down each ball to flatten it to approximately 3/16 inch thickness. If desired, sprinkle nonpareils on top and press gently so they adhere.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 14-16 minutes or until edges and bottom are just slightly golden.
- Cool and serve: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them rest on the baking sheets for 10-15 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack to cool completely. Enjoy your delicious sugar cookies!
Notes
- Butter must be at room temperature for proper mixing and texture.
- Do not skip letting the cookies rest on the baking sheet after baking; this helps them set and prevents breaking.
- Optional vanilla adds flavor but can be omitted for a more plain cookie.
- Sprinkles or nonpareils add a fun decorative touch but are not necessary.
- If dough is crumbly, continue kneading gently until it holds together well.
