Name: 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature); ⅔ cup granulated sugar; 2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled); 3 tablespoons granulated sugar (for coating); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional); Rainbow sprinkles or nonpareils (optional)

Jump to Recipe

There’s something truly magical about 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies: with just a few pantry staples, you can whip up a batch of buttery, melt-in-your-mouth treats that feel like a warm hug from the inside out. These cookies are the perfect blend of simplicity and deliciousness, making them an ideal go-to recipe whether you’re baking with kids, pressed for time, or just craving something sweet without the fuss. The beauty lies in their gentle sweetness and tender texture, which can be dressed up any way you like or enjoyed just as they are.

3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies come together effortlessly thanks to a handful of fundamental ingredients, each playing a crucial role in texture, tenderness, and flavor. You’ll find that using quality butter and properly measured flour makes all the difference in achieving that perfect cookie consistency.

Unsalted butter: Using room temperature butter ensures smooth creaming with sugar, giving your cookies the best texture.
Granulated sugar: Divided sugar helps create a slightly crisp exterior while keeping the inside soft and sweet.
All-purpose flour: Properly spooned and leveled flour delivers a light, tender crumb that’s not tough or dry.

How to Make 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Prepare your baking sheets and oven

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C) and lining two large baking sheets with parchment paper. This step is essential for ensuring your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick to the pan, saving cleanup time later.

Step 2: Cream the 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. This step introduces air into the dough, which is key for that light texture and subtle sweetness that makes these 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies so irresistible.

Step 3: Add the flour (and vanilla if you want)

Gradually incorporate the all-purpose flour into the creamed butter and sugar, mixing until fully combined. If you’d like to add a touch of extra flavor, mix in a teaspoon of vanilla extract here — it’s completely optional but adds a lovely aromatic note.

Step 4: Shape and sugar-coat the dough balls

Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, then coat each ball in the remaining 3 tablespoons of sugar. Rolling in sugar before baking gives the cookies a delightful sparkle and subtle crunch on the outside, balancing beautifully with the soft interior.

Step 5: Flatten and decorate

Place your sugar-coated dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them out neatly. Gently press down each ball just enough to slightly flatten it. This helps the cookies bake evenly and achieve that perfect crisp edge. Now is also the perfect time to sprinkle on rainbow sprinkles or colorful nonpareils if you want to add a bit of festive charm.

Step 6: Bake and cool

Bake the cookies for 14 to 16 minutes until their edges turn golden and inviting. Once out of the oven, leave them to cool on the baking sheets for 10 to 15 minutes. This allows the cookies to set and makes transferring them easier without breaking.

How to Serve 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies

Garnishes

These cookies love a little flair, so why not dress them up? A light dusting of powdered sugar or a delicate drizzle of melted chocolate adds a hint of elegance. Alternatively, topping with colorful sprinkles before baking creates a joyful burst of color that makes every bite feel like a celebration.

Side Dishes

3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies pair wonderfully with classic companions like a cold glass of milk, a cozy cup of tea, or rich hot chocolate. The mild sweetness of the cookies complements these drinks perfectly, making teatime or dessert moments truly special.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or gift-giving, arrange your sugar cookies on a pretty platter with fresh berries or edible flowers for a beautiful display. Layer them in a decorative tin or clear jar tied with a ribbon to make a simple but heartfelt homemade gift that’s bound to impress any sweet tooth.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay tender and delicious for up to a week, making it easy to enjoy a quick treat anytime without reheating.

Freezing

If you want to bake ahead or save extras for later, these cookies freeze beautifully. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to an airtight freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to three months and thaw quickly at room temperature.

Reheating

To revive the just-baked warmth and soften your sugar cookies, pop them in a preheated 300°F oven for about 3 to 5 minutes. Alternatively, a brief 10-second zap in the microwave can bring back that freshly baked feeling in a flash.

FAQs

Can I add flavors to 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies?

Absolutely! While the basic recipe is wonderful on its own, you can mix in a teaspoon of vanilla extract or lemon zest for a subtle twist. Adding a pinch of cinnamon also pairs nicely with the buttery sweetness.

What is the best way to measure flour for these cookies?

For the best results, spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a straight edge rather than scooping directly from the bag. This prevents packing too much flour and keeps your cookies tender.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

You can use salted butter, but reduce or omit any additional salt in the recipe to avoid over-seasoning. Unsalted butter gives you more control over the cookie’s final flavor.

Are these cookies crunchy or soft?

These sugar cookies strike a lovely balance — slightly crisp around the edges with a tender, melt-in-your-mouth center. If you prefer crunchier cookies, bake them a minute or two longer.

Can I make these cookies vegan or dairy-free?

With a few tweaks, yes! Substitute the butter with a plant-based margarine or coconut oil, and ensure your sugar is vegan-friendly to keep these cookies both easy and inclusive.

Final Thoughts

There’s something incredibly satisfying about a recipe as simple and joyful as these 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies. They prove that delicious baking doesn’t need to be complicated, and having such a reliable, tasty treat in your repertoire is pure magic. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and discover just how much happiness a few ingredients can bring to your kitchen and your loved ones.

3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 10 reviews

Author: Hugo
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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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