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
Scale
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.
