If you’re searching for the ultimate quick-and-easy treat, these {3 Ingredient} Easy Sugar Cookies are the answer to your sweet tooth’s prayers! They mix up in just minutes with simple pantry staples, bake up buttery and crisp, and are the perfect blank canvas for sprinkles or colorful sugar. Whether you’re baking with little ones or just want something fast and fuss-free after dinner, these cookies deliver on all fronts. You’ll be amazed at how luscious, classic, and downright fun homemade sugar cookies can be, even with such a short ingredient list!
Ingredients You’ll Need
It’s almost magical how only three (okay, three plus a couple of optional fun extras) ingredients come together to create such a delicious result. Each element serves a purpose: richness, sweetness, or structure—all in perfect harmony.
- Butter: Use room temperature butter for the softest dough and the classic sugar cookie flavor. The butter is what gives these cookies their exceptionally tender crumb.
- Granulated Sugar: This is split between the dough and for rolling. Sugar provides structure and sweetness and gives the cookies a gently crisp exterior.
- All-Purpose Flour: Spooned and leveled for accuracy, flour gives the cookies just enough structure without making them cakey.
- Vanilla (optional): A teaspoon of vanilla makes everything taste bakery-shop delicious—highly recommended but not required!
- Rainbow Sprinkles or Nonpareils (optional): For a festive touch, roll or sprinkle these on top before baking. They’re especially fun for baking with kids.
How to Make {3 Ingredient} Easy Sugar Cookies
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Start by preheating your oven to 325 degrees F and lining two large baking sheets with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, using a handheld mixer, beat together the butter and 2/3 cup sugar until the mixture is combined. If it looks a little gritty at this point, don’t panic—that’s completely normal, and it’ll all smooth out as you continue mixing!
Step 2: Blend in the Flour (and Vanilla, if Using)
Sprinkle in the flour and blend well with the mixer. If you’re using vanilla, add it now. The dough will be soft and buttery, and should easily come together—if it’s a bit crumbly, simply knead it by hand until smooth. This step is where the magic happens: three simple ingredients (plus a splash of vanilla) transforming into a classic cookie dough.
Step 3: Shape the Cookies
Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, portion out 1-inch balls of dough. Roll each ball between your palms until they’re silky-smooth and uniform. Then, gently roll each ball in the remaining sugar to coat for that irresistible, sparkling finish.
Step 4: Flatten and Add Sprinkles
Transfer the sugar-coated dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Using the bottom of a glass or measuring cup, gently press each ball to flatten it to about 1/8 to 1/4-inch in thickness. If you’re adding sprinkles or nonpareils, sprinkle them now and give a little extra press so they stick. The cookies will spread as they bake—don’t worry if they look small!
Step 5: Bake and Cool
Bake the cookies for 14 to 16 minutes, or until the edges and bottom are just turning golden. Remove the trays from the oven and—very important!—let the cookies rest on the baking sheets for 10-15 minutes before moving. This helps them set up for a perfectly sturdy but tender bite. Once cool, transfer to a rack or dive right in and enjoy your {3 Ingredient} Easy Sugar Cookies fresh from the oven.
How to Serve {3 Ingredient} Easy Sugar Cookies
Garnishes
These cookies are divine just as they are, but dusting them with extra sugar, a pinch of cinnamon, or a cascade of rainbow sprinkles can make them even more festive. For a special occasion, you might drizzle melted chocolate or sandwich them around a slather of nutella or buttercream.
Side Dishes
The beauty of these cookies is their simplicity, so they pair beautifully with almost anything. Enjoy a few alongside a mug of hot chocolate, a tall glass of cold milk, or as part of a cookie platter with fruit and other homemade treats.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or gifting, stack a handful of {3 Ingredient} Easy Sugar Cookies and tie with a ribbon, or package them in a clear bag with a sprig of festive greenery. At home, arrange them on a vintage plate or cake stand with a pile of sprinkles alongside for dipping and dunking!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, stash your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and crisp for about 4 to 5 days—though chances are, they’ll disappear much sooner!
Freezing
These cookies freeze wonderfully both before and after baking. Freeze portioned dough balls on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Baked cookies can be layered between sheets of parchment and frozen the same way—just thaw at room temp before serving.
Reheating
If you love that freshly-baked taste, simply pop a cookie (or three!) in the microwave for 8-10 seconds, or warm in a 300 degree oven for a couple of minutes. This brings back their buttery aroma and just-baked texture.
FAQs
Can I add other flavors to the {3 Ingredient} Easy Sugar Cookies?
Absolutely! While the classic version is lovely, feel free to add a teaspoon of almond extract, lemon zest, or even a dash of cinnamon for a personal twist. You can also fold in mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts for variety.
Why is my dough crumbly instead of soft and smooth?
This usually means the dough needs just a little more kneading. Keep working it with your hands until it’s cohesive—a bit of warmth from your hands and patience will do the trick!
How do I get perfectly round cookies every time?
Using a cookie scoop helps keep the size consistent, and rolling the balls between your palms creates a uniform shape. Flatten them evenly, and they’ll bake up beautiful every time.
Can the recipe be doubled or halved?
Definitely! The {3 Ingredient} Easy Sugar Cookies recipe scales up or down perfectly. Just keep the ratios the same, and adjust bake time slightly if you make mini or jumbo versions.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, you can substitute salted butter—just note that the flavor will have a slightly saltier edge, which many people actually love! No other changes are necessary.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a treat that’s as quick and delightful as it is foolproof, you’ll want to bookmark these {3 Ingredient} Easy Sugar Cookies. Even if you’re new to baking, you’ll wow friends, family, or just yourself with a plate of these simple, glorious cookies. Trust me—once you try them, you’ll be baking them on repeat!
Print
{3 Ingredient} Easy Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 34 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Easy Sugar Cookies are a simple and delicious treat that require only 3 ingredients. Perfect for beginners or baking with kids, these cookies come together quickly and are sure to be a hit with everyone!
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 cup butter, room temperature
- 2/3 cup + 3 tablespoons granulated sugar, divided
- 2 cups + 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- 1 teaspoon vanilla (optional)
- Rainbow sprinkles or nonpareils (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare baking sheets: Preheat oven to 325 degrees F and line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix butter and sugar: In a medium bowl, beat together the butter and 2/3 cup sugar until combined.
- Add flour and optional vanilla: Mix in the flour and vanilla until well blended.
- Form cookie dough: Roll dough into 1-inch balls and coat with remaining sugar.
- Flatten and decorate: Flatten the balls and add sprinkles, then bake for 14-16 minutes.
- Cool and enjoy: Let the cookies rest before transferring to a cooling rack to cool completely. Enjoy!
Notes
- Troubleshooting: Pay attention to tips for achieving the right texture – slightly crunchy but not dry or crumbly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 90 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 1mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 14mg
