Quick and easy sugar cookies made with just three pantry ingredients—no eggs required! These 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies are sweet, buttery, and perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to last-minute treats. Their simplicity makes them a go-to recipe for both novice bakers and seasoned pros. Plus, they can be customized with sprinkles or enjoyed plain, making them a versatile dessert option.
Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tools and Preparation
- Essential Tools and Equipment
- Importance of Each Tool
- Ingredients
- For the Cookies
- How to Make 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies
- Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
- Step 3: Incorporate the Flour
- Step 4: Shape the Cookies
- Step 5: Coat with Sugar
- Step 6: Flatten & Decorate
- Step 7: Bake
- Step 8: Cool
- How to Serve 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies
- With a Glass of Milk
- As Ice Cream Sandwiches
- Decorated with Icing
- Paired with Fresh Fruit
- On a Dessert Platter
- Gift-Wrapped
- How to Perfect 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies
- Best Side Dishes for 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerator Storage
- Freezing 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies
- Reheating 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies
- Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I make 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies more flavorful?
- Can I substitute ingredients in the 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies recipe?
- How long do 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies last?
- Are these sugar cookies suitable for decorating?
- What should I do if my dough is too sticky?
- Final Thoughts
- 📖 Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Simple: With only three main ingredients, these cookies are quick to whip up, even on busy days.
- No Eggs Needed: Perfect for those avoiding eggs or when you run out—just butter, sugar, and flour!
- Customizable: Add vanilla or colorful sprinkles for a personal touch that makes them even more delightful.
- Perfect Texture: Enjoy a lovely crunchy exterior with a soft center—a classic cookie experience.
- Kid-Friendly: An ideal recipe to involve children in baking; they’ll love rolling the dough into balls!
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools makes baking easier and more enjoyable. Gather your essentials before starting this delightful sugar cookie recipe.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Electric mixer
- Mixing bowl
- Cookie scoop or measuring spoon
- Parchment paper
- Baking sheets
Importance of Each Tool
- Electric mixer: Saves time and effort when creaming butter and sugar together.
- Mixing bowl: A must-have for combining all your ingredients efficiently.
- Cookie scoop: Ensures uniform cookie sizes for even baking and presentation.
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- ⅔ cup + 3 tablespoons granulated sugar, divided
- 2 cups + 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, optional but recommended
- Rainbow sprinkles or nonpareils, optional but recommended
How to Make 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 325°F (163°C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a medium bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together the unsalted butter and ⅔ cup granulated sugar. Mix until well combined; it’s normal for the mixture to have a slightly gritty texture.
Step 3: Incorporate the Flour
Add the all-purpose flour to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix until fully combined. If using, blend in the vanilla extract at this stage.
Step 4: Shape the Cookies
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls using a cookie scoop or your hands.
Step 5: Coat with Sugar
Roll each dough ball in the remaining 3 tablespoons of sugar. Place them about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets.
Step 6: Flatten & Decorate
Gently press each dough ball down using the bottom of a measuring cup or glass until they’re about 3/16-inch thick. If desired, sprinkle some rainbow sprinkles on top and press lightly so they adhere.
Step 7: Bake
Place the trays in your preheated oven and bake for about 14-16 minutes. The edges should be just slightly golden when done.
Step 8: Cool
Remove from oven and let cookies rest on baking sheets for at least 10-15 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
Enjoy your delicious homemade cookies!
How to Serve 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies
These delightful sugar cookies are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether for a special occasion or a casual snack, here are some fun serving suggestions to enhance your cookie experience.
With a Glass of Milk
- A classic pairing that never fails. The creamy texture of milk complements the sweetness of the cookies perfectly.
As Ice Cream Sandwiches
- Place a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two sugar cookies for a decadent treat that is sure to impress.
Decorated with Icing
- Use simple royal icing or glaze to add color and creativity. This is especially fun for parties or celebrations.
Paired with Fresh Fruit
- Serve alongside fresh berries or slices of fruit for a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the cookies.
On a Dessert Platter
- Arrange your cookies on a decorative platter with other desserts for an inviting presentation at gatherings.
Gift-Wrapped
- Package these cookies in colorful boxes or tins as homemade gifts. Add a personal touch with ribbons or tags.
How to Perfect 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies
To get the best results from your baking, keep these tips in mind. They will help you create the perfect batch every time.
- Use Room Temperature Butter: This ensures proper creaming with sugar, leading to a better cookie texture.
- Measure Flour Carefully: Spoon and level flour to avoid using too much, which can make cookies dry.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix until just combined to maintain a tender texture; overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
- Chill the Dough: If time allows, chill the dough for 30 minutes before shaping. This helps prevent spreading during baking.
- Watch Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake; they should be lightly golden but not browned.
- Store Properly: To keep them fresh, store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
Best Side Dishes for 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies
These sugar cookies can be complemented by various side dishes that enhance their flavor and presentation. Consider these delicious options!
- Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the cookies.
- Chocolate Fondue: Melted chocolate for dipping brings an extra layer of indulgence that pairs wonderfully.
- Whipped Cream: Light and airy whipped cream can be served alongside or atop the cookies for added richness.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses provides a savory contrast that makes each bite interesting.
- Coffee or Tea: A warm beverage like coffee or herbal tea enhances the overall taste experience while enjoying these treats.
- Nut Mix: Offering a crunchy nut mix on the side introduces different textures that complement soft cookies nicely.
- Mini Cupcakes: These can make for an exciting dessert table alongside your sugar cookies, adding variety.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fruits, creating a light dish that pairs well with sweet flavors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking sugar cookies can be simple, but mistakes happen. Here are some common pitfalls to watch for.
- Using too much flour: Add the flour gradually and spoon it into the measuring cup for accuracy. Over-measuring can lead to dry cookies.
- Not creaming butter and sugar well enough: Ensure the mixture is smooth and slightly gritty before adding flour. This helps create a nice texture.
- Skipping the cooling time: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for at least 10-15 minutes. This prevents them from breaking apart when moved.
- Baking at the wrong temperature: Stick to 325°F (163°C) as specified in the recipe. Higher temperatures can result in burnt edges.
- Flattening cookies too much: Press each dough ball just slightly. Over-flattening can lead to cookies that are too crispy rather than soft.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container: Place cookies in a sealed container to keep them fresh.
- Shelf life: Refrigerate for up to one week without losing flavor or texture.
Freezing 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies
- Wrap individually: Use plastic wrap or parchment paper to wrap each cookie separately.
- Store in a freezer bag: Place wrapped cookies in a labeled freezer bag for easy access.
- Shelf life: Freeze for up to three months for best quality.
Reheating 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies
- Oven: Preheat to 300°F (150°C) and warm cookies for about 5 minutes. This restores their soft texture.
- Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat.
- Stovetop: Place a cookie in a pan on low heat for a minute or two, covered. This gently warms them without drying them out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making and storing these delicious cookies.
How do I make 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies more flavorful?
You can add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract or almond extract to enhance the flavor of your sugar cookies.
Can I substitute ingredients in the 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies recipe?
Yes! You can use margarine instead of butter, but it may affect the texture slightly. Make sure it’s also room temperature.
How long do 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies last?
When stored properly, these cookies can last up to one week in the refrigerator or three months in the freezer.
Are these sugar cookies suitable for decorating?
Absolutely! You can decorate with icing, sprinkles, or colored sugars after they cool down for festive occasions.
What should I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough feels sticky, try chilling it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before rolling into balls.
Final Thoughts
These 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies are not only quick and easy but also incredibly versatile. They’re perfect for any occasion, whether you want a simple treat or something special. Feel free to customize with different flavors or toppings like sprinkles, chocolate chips, or nuts!
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
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3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies
- Total Time: 26 minutes
- Yield: About 24 cookies 1x
Description
Delight in the simplicity of our 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies! This quick and effortless recipe requires only three basic pantry staples: butter, sugar, and flour. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies are a hit with both novice bakers and seasoned pros. Their buttery flavor and soft texture make them a fantastic treat that can be easily customized with sprinkles or enjoyed in their classic form. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or need a last-minute dessert, these cookies will satisfy your sweet tooth without the fuss. Get ready to whip up a batch of these delightful cookies that promise joy with every bite!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- ⅔ cup + 3 tablespoons granulated sugar (divided)
- 2 cups + 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- Rainbow sprinkles or nonpareils (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and ⅔ cup of granulated sugar until well combined.
- Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the mixture, mixing until fully incorporated. If desired, add vanilla extract.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and coat with the remaining sugar. Place them on the baking sheets about 2 inches apart.
- Flatten each ball gently with the bottom of a measuring cup and sprinkle with rainbow sprinkles if using.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 14-16 minutes until edges are slightly golden.
- Let cool on baking sheets for at least 10-15 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (about 20g)
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: <1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
