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 it’s a birthday party, holiday gathering, or simply a treat for yourself, these cookies will delight everyone. Their simplicity and delightful taste make them a standout choice.
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: Mix Ingredients
- Step 3: Shape the Dough
- Step 4: Flatten the Dough Balls
- Step 5: Bake
- Step 6: Cool Down
- How to Serve {3-Ingredient} Easy Sugar Cookies
- With a Glass of Milk
- Ice Cream Sandwiches
- Cookie Decorating Station
- Coffee Companion
- Holiday Gift Packaging
- Topped with Fresh Fruit
- 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 are {3-Ingredient} Easy Sugar Cookies?
- Can I add flavors to my {3-Ingredient} Easy Sugar Cookies?
- How do I know when my {3-Ingredient} Easy Sugar Cookies are done baking?
- What can I do with leftover cookie dough?
- Final Thoughts
- 📖 Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Simple: With only three ingredients, this cookie recipe is incredibly easy to follow, making baking accessible for everyone.
- No Eggs Needed: Perfect for those with egg allergies or when you run out of eggs, these cookies are still rich and delicious.
- Versatile Flavor: You can enjoy them plain or add sprinkles for fun and color. They can also be customized with different extracts.
- Quick Baking Time: Ready in just about 40 minutes from start to finish, they make for a speedy sweet treat.
- Soft Texture: The cookies have a delightful crunch on the edges while remaining soft in the center—just how a sugar cookie should be!
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into baking your 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies, gather the necessary tools to ensure a smooth process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowl
- Handheld electric mixer
- Cookie scoop (or your hands)
- Measuring cups
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking sheets: Ensure even baking and provide enough space to spread your cookies without sticking together.
- Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup effortless after baking.
- Handheld electric mixer: Makes mixing the butter and sugar quick and easy, ensuring better texture in your cookies.
Ingredients
To make these delightful 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 2/3 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
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper to prepare for your cookies.
Step 2: Mix Ingredients
In a medium bowl:
1. Use a handheld electric mixer to beat the butter and 2/3 cup sugar until combined. The mixture should feel slightly gritty; this is normal.
2. Add in the flour, mixing until everything is well combined. If using vanilla extract, blend it in at this stage.
Step 3: Shape the Dough
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls using a cookie scoop or your hands.
- Roll each ball in the remaining 3 tablespoons of sugar, lightly coating them.
- Place them on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart.
Step 4: Flatten the Dough Balls
Slightly flatten each dough ball using the bottom of a measuring cup or glass. If you’re adding sprinkles, place them on top now and press lightly so they stick. The dough should end up about 3/16-inch thick.
Step 5: Bake
Bake for 14-16 minutes or until you see that the edges and bottoms are just slightly golden.
Step 6: Cool Down
Remove from the oven and let your cookies rest on the baking sheets for at least 10-15 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
Enjoy your delicious 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies!
How to Serve {3-Ingredient} Easy Sugar Cookies
These delightful cookies are versatile and can be served in various ways, making them perfect for any occasion. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your cookie experience.
With a Glass of Milk
- Pair these cookies with a tall glass of cold milk for a classic treat that everyone loves. The creamy texture complements the sweetness of the cookies perfectly.
Ice Cream Sandwiches
- Use two cookies to create an ice cream sandwich. Choose your favorite flavor, add a scoop between the cookies, and enjoy a delicious dessert that’s sure to impress.
Cookie Decorating Station
- Set up a decorating station with icing, sprinkles, and toppings. This interactive idea works great for parties or family gatherings, letting everyone personalize their own cookie.
Coffee Companion
- Serve these cookies alongside your morning coffee or afternoon tea. Their sweet flavor balances well with the bitterness of coffee, making for an enjoyable snack break.
Holiday Gift Packaging
- Package decorated cookies in festive boxes or bags as gifts. Personalize them with ribbons or tags for a thoughtful homemade present during the holidays.
Topped with Fresh Fruit
- Add fresh fruit like strawberries or raspberries on top of each cookie for added flavor and a pop of color. This adds freshness and makes your dessert feel lighter.
How to Perfect {3-Ingredient} Easy Sugar Cookies
Achieving the perfect cookie might take some practice, but these simple tips will help you get there faster.
- Use room temperature butter: Ensuring your butter is at room temperature helps achieve the right texture when mixing, leading to softer cookies.
- Measure flour correctly: Spoon your flour into the measuring cup and level it off. Too much flour can cause dry cookies.
- Don’t overmix: Mix just until combined after adding flour; overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
- Chill the dough: If possible, chill your dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps control spreading and enhances flavor.
- Watch baking time closely: Ovens can vary; check your cookies a minute or two early to prevent overbaking.
- Let cool properly: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet before transferring them to a rack. This ensures they set properly without breaking apart.
Best Side Dishes for {3-Ingredient} Easy Sugar Cookies
To further enhance your dessert spread, consider pairing these easy sugar cookies with complementary side dishes. Here are some fantastic options:
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits that adds color and nutrition alongside the sweetness of the cookies.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses can offer a nice contrast to the sugary treats, creating balance in flavors.
- Chocolate Fondue: Melted chocolate for dipping adds an indulgent touch that elevates cookie enjoyment to new heights.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layered yogurt with granola and berries creates a delightful contrast in texture and taste next to soft sugar cookies.
- Nut Mix: A simple bowl of spiced nuts offers crunch and savory flavors that complement sweet desserts beautifully.
- Mini Cupcakes: Serve small cupcakes in various flavors for an exciting dessert table that pairs well with sugar cookies’ simplicity.
- Tea Selection: Offer an array of herbal teas that provide warmth and unique flavors enhancing the overall dessert experience.
- Ice Cream Sundae Bar: Set up an ice cream bar where guests can create their sundaes, providing endless combinations alongside your sugar cookies.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making {3-Ingredient} Easy Sugar Cookies, it’s essential to avoid common pitfalls that can affect your results. Here are some mistakes to keep in mind:
- Using too much flour: This can lead to dry cookies. Always spoon and level your flour for accuracy.
- Not softening the butter: Using cold butter makes it hard to mix. Ensure your butter is at room temperature for a smooth dough.
- Overbaking the cookies: Baking too long will make cookies hard. Keep an eye on them; they should be just golden at the edges.
- Skipping the chilling step: If you chill your dough, it helps prevent spreading. This results in thicker, more perfect cookies.
- Not measuring sugar correctly: Make sure to measure both the granulated sugar and the flour properly to achieve the right sweetness and texture.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- To keep them fresh, place a piece of bread in the container; it helps maintain moisture.
Freezing {3-Ingredient} Easy Sugar Cookies
- Freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- For best results, layer parchment paper between cookies to prevent sticking.
Reheating {3-Ingredient} Easy Sugar Cookies
- Oven: Preheat to 300°F (150°C) and warm cookies for about 5–10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time on low power for about 10-15 seconds.
- Stovetop: Place a pan over low heat and warm cookies for a few minutes, flipping halfway through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are {3-Ingredient} Easy Sugar Cookies?
{3-Ingredient} Easy Sugar Cookies are simple, buttery treats made with just three pantry ingredients. They are quick to prepare and perfect for any occasion.
Can I add flavors to my {3-Ingredient} Easy Sugar Cookies?
Yes! You can enhance the flavor by adding vanilla extract or other extracts like almond or lemon zest.
How do I know when my {3-Ingredient} Easy Sugar Cookies are done baking?
They should be slightly golden at the edges but still soft in the center. Remove them from the oven when they look just set.
What can I do with leftover cookie dough?
You can freeze it for later use. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container.
Final Thoughts
These {3-Ingredient} Easy Sugar Cookies are delightful treats that everyone will love. Their simplicity allows for various customization options, such as adding sprinkles or different flavor extracts. Enjoy baking these easy sugar cookies for any occasion!
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
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3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies
- Total Time: 26 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Discover the joy of baking with our 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies, a delightful treat that requires minimal effort and ingredients. These simple cookies are buttery, soft, and perfect for any occasion—whether you’re celebrating a birthday, holiday, or simply indulging your sweet tooth. With just three pantry staples, you can whip up a batch in no time. Not only do they taste incredible, but they’re also customizable: add fun sprinkles or flavor extracts to make them uniquely yours. Enjoy these cookies fresh from the oven or let them cool for a tasty snack throughout the week.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 2/3 cup + 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 cups + 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- Rainbow sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the butter and 2/3 cup sugar until combined. Add flour and mix until just incorporated.
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls and coat with remaining sugar. Place on prepared sheets about 2 inches apart.
- Slightly flatten each ball and add sprinkles if desired.
- Bake for 14-16 minutes or until edges are golden. Allow to cool for at least 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (20g)
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: <1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
