3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies

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. Whether you’re planning a birthday party, a holiday gathering, or just a cozy night in, these cookies are sure to impress. Their simplicity and delightful flavor make them a go-to choice for both novice bakers and seasoned pros alike.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Cookies
• For Garnish
• 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 Party Favors
• With Ice Cream
• Decorated for Holidays
• In a Cookie Jar
• With Coffee or Tea
• How to Perfect 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies
• Best Side Dishes for 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies
• Reheating 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What makes these 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies so special?
• Can I customize my 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies?
• How do I know when my cookies are done?
• Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Ingredients: Only three pantry staples are needed, making it easy to whip up a batch anytime.
• Quick Preparation: With minimal prep time, you can enjoy fresh cookies in under an hour.
• Customizable: Add vanilla extract or colorful sprinkles to suit your taste and occasions.
• Perfectly Crunchy Texture: These cookies have a delightful crunch while remaining soft inside.
• No Fancy Equipment Needed: A few basic tools are all you need to create these delicious treats.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the baking process, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline your experience and ensure success.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Handheld electric mixer
• Cookie scoop or hands for shaping
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing Bowl: A good-sized mixing bowl allows ample space for combining ingredients without spills.
• Handheld Electric Mixer: This tool saves time and ensures that the butter and sugar blend perfectly for a smooth dough.
• Cookie Scoop: This helps create uniform cookie sizes, ensuring even baking and presentation.

Ingredients

To make these delightful 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies, gather the following 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)

For Garnish

• Rainbow sprinkles or nonpareils (optional, but recommended)

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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. This ensures that your cookies bake evenly without sticking.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a medium bowl, use a handheld electric mixer to beat the unsalted butter and ⅔ cup granulated sugar. Mix until combined; the mixture will appear slightly gritty.

Step 3: Incorporate the Flour

Add 2 cups + 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour to the butter-sugar mixture. Blend until well combined. If using vanilla extract, mix it in at this stage for added flavor.

Step 4: Shape the Cookies

Use a cookie scoop or your hands to roll the dough into 1-inch balls. This size helps ensure even baking.

Step 5: Coat with Sugar

Roll each dough ball in the remaining 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar. Place them on prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart.

Step 6: Flatten & Decorate

Press each dough ball slightly with the bottom of a measuring cup or glass until they reach about 3/16-inch thickness. If desired, add rainbow sprinkles on top before pressing lightly so they stick.

Step 7: Bake

Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven. Bake for 14-16 minutes or until edges and bottoms turn slightly golden brown.

Step 8: Cool

Remove from the oven and let cookies rest on the 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

Serving 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies is a delightful experience, as they can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether it’s for a party, a family gathering, or just a cozy night in, these cookies are versatile and appealing.

With a Glass of Milk

• Pair your sugar cookies with a cold glass of milk for a classic combination that enhances the sweet flavor.

As Party Favors

• Package the cookies in clear bags tied with ribbon to create charming party favors that guests will love.

With Ice Cream

• Serve warm cookies alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert that combines textures and flavors.

Decorated for Holidays

• Use festive sprinkles or icing to decorate your cookies according to the season or holiday theme, making them visually appealing.

In a Cookie Jar

• Fill a decorative cookie jar with these treats to make an inviting snack station in your kitchen or dining area.

With Coffee or Tea

• Enjoy these cookies with your favorite hot beverage for a comforting afternoon treat that’s perfect for any time of day.

How to Perfect 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies

Perfecting your 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies can elevate their taste and texture. Here are some tips to ensure you get them just right.

• Use Room Temperature Butter: This helps the butter cream better with sugar, creating the right dough consistency.
• Spoon and Level Flour: Accurately measuring flour prevents dry cookies; avoid packing it into the measuring cup.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the baking time; cookies should be lightly golden at the edges but not dark.
• Chill Dough If Necessary: If the dough feels too soft, chilling it for about 30 minutes can make it easier to handle.
• Experiment with Flavors: Adding extracts like almond or lemon can enhance flavor without complicating the recipe.
• Store Properly: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their softness and freshness.

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Best Side Dishes for 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies

These sugar cookies pair well with several side dishes that complement their sweetness. Here are some suggestions to enhance your dessert experience.

1. Fruit Salad
   A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits balances the sweetness of the cookies and adds freshness.
2. Cheese Platter
   A selection of mild cheeses provides a savory contrast that pairs delightfully with sugary treats.
3. Chocolate Fondue
   Dip leftover cookie pieces into warm chocolate for an exciting twist on flavor and texture.
4. Yogurt Parfait
   Layer yogurt with granola and fruit, serving alongside cookies for a balanced treat that’s both sweet and nutritious.
5. Mini Cupcakes
   Offer assorted mini cupcakes as an additional sweet option that complements the simple sugar cookie flavor.
6. Nut Mix
   A bowl of mixed nuts adds crunch and richness, providing a hearty snack alongside your cookies.
7. Coffee Cake
   Enjoy slices of coffee cake as part of a dessert spread; its moistness pairs perfectly with dry sugar cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies can be a breeze, but there are a few common mistakes to watch out for.

• Using too much flour: Adding more flour than needed can lead to dry cookies. Always spoon and level your flour for accuracy.
• Not softening the butter: Cold butter won’t cream well with sugar. Make sure your butter is at room temperature for the best results.
• Skipping the cooling time: Allowing cookies to cool on the baking sheet helps them set properly. Don’t rush this step!
• Baking at the wrong temperature: Baking at 350°F instead of 325°F can cause cookies to over-bake. Stick to the recommended temperature for perfect results.
• Overmixing the dough: Mixing too long can make cookies tough. Mix until just combined for a tender texture.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.

Freezing 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies

• Freeze cookies in a single layer before transferring them to a freezer bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Ensure they are well-sealed.

Reheating 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 300°F and reheat for about 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individually for about 10-15 seconds.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet on low heat, covering it with a lid, and warm for about 2-3 minutes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What makes these 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies so special?

These cookies are incredibly simple with only three ingredients, making them perfect for quick baking sessions without compromising on taste.

Can I customize my 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies?

Absolutely! You can add chocolate chips, nuts, or different flavors of extracts like almond or lemon for varied tastes.

How do I know when my cookies are done?

Look for slightly golden edges; they will continue cooking slightly after being removed from the oven due to residual heat.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but you might want to reduce or omit additional salt in your recipe if using salted butter.

Final Thoughts

These 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile. Whether you dress them up with colorful sprinkles or enjoy them plain, they fit any occasion. Try out this simple recipe and feel free to experiment with your favorite flavors!