Description
These 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies are a simple, classic treat perfect for any occasion. With just a few staple ingredients, you can whip up buttery, soft cookies with a delightful crisp edge. Optional vanilla and sprinkles add a fun, customizable touch.
Ingredients
Scale
Basic Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
Additional Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar (for coating)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- Rainbow sprinkles or nonpareils (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and ⅔ cup of granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy, which helps incorporate air for lighter cookies.
- Add Flour and Vanilla: Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the butter mixture and mix until fully combined. If using, incorporate the vanilla extract at this stage for added flavor.
- Shape Dough Balls: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Coat each ball in the remaining 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar for a sweet, slightly crunchy exterior.
- Prepare for Baking: Place the sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets. Slightly press down each ball to flatten them and sprinkle with optional rainbow sprinkles or nonpareils, if desired.
- Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 14-16 minutes or until the edges turn golden, ensuring a perfect balance of crispy edges and soft centers.
- Cool Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 10-15 minutes. This helps the cookies set before transferring them to cooling racks or plates.
Notes
- Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming.
- Do not overmix the dough once the flour is added to avoid tough cookies.
- For variety, try adding lemon or almond extract instead of vanilla.
- Cookies will keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- These cookies can be frozen as dough balls and baked fresh when needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 30 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 11 g
- Fiber: 0.2 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
Keywords: easy sugar cookies, 3-ingredient cookies, simple cookies, classic sugar cookies, quick dessert
