3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies
Indulge in the delightful simplicity of 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies, a sweet treat that requires no eggs and is made from just three pantry staples. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies are buttery and crunchy on the outside while remaining soft within. Whether it’s a birthday party or a cozy night at home, this recipe is quick and customizable, making it suitable for both novice bakers and seasoned pros alike. Enjoy the pure joy of homemade cookies with minimal effort!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Simple: With only three ingredients, you can whip up these cookies in no time.
- No Eggs Needed: This recipe eliminates the need for eggs, perfect for those with dietary restrictions.
- Customizable Flavors: Add your favorite extracts or sprinkles to personalize each batch.
- Perfect Texture: Enjoy a delightful combination of a crunchy exterior and a soft interior.
- Versatile Treat: Ideal for celebrations, gifts, or simply enjoying at home.
Tools and Preparation
To create your delicious 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies, gather the necessary tools to ensure your baking process goes smoothly.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Measuring cups
- Rolling pin (optional)
- Cooling rack
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A spacious bowl allows for easy mixing of your ingredients without spilling.
- Baking sheets: These provide a sturdy base for baking multiple cookies at once.
- Parchment paper: It prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- ⅔ cup + 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 cups + 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
How to Make 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and ⅔ cup sugar until slightly gritty.
Step 3: Mix in Flour
Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour until blended. If desired, add vanilla extract for extra flavor.
Step 4: Shape the Dough
Roll dough into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball in the remaining sugar for added sweetness.
Step 5: Flatten and Bake
Slightly flatten each ball before placing them on the baking sheets. Bake for 14-16 minutes until golden around the edges.
Step 6: Cool Your Cookies
Let cool on baking sheets for 10-15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy your homemade 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies as a delightful treat!
How to Serve 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies
Serving 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies can elevate your dessert experience. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a quiet evening at home, these cookies can be paired with various treats and beverages to enhance their delightful flavor.
With Coffee or Tea
- Coffee: The rich flavors of coffee complement the sweetness of sugar cookies perfectly.
- Tea: A warm cup of herbal tea can provide a soothing balance to the sugary crunch.
Ice Cream Sandwiches
- Ice Cream Filling: Transform your cookies into ice cream sandwiches by adding a scoop of your favorite ice cream in between two cookies for a delightful treat.
Festive Sprinkles
- Colorful Toppings: Add festive sprinkles on top before baking for an extra pop of color and fun, perfect for parties or holidays.
Fruit Pairings
- Fresh Berries: Serve alongside fresh strawberries or raspberries for a refreshing contrast.
- Citrus Slices: Lemon or orange slices can add a zesty touch that enhances the sweetness of the cookies.
Dessert Platter
- Cookie Variety: Create a dessert platter by mixing these sugar cookies with other homemade treats for a colorful and inviting spread.
With Milk
- Dunking Delight: Pair your cookies with a glass of cold milk for the classic combination that everyone loves.
How to Perfect 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies
Perfecting your 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies is simple with these handy tips. Follow these suggestions to achieve cookie perfection every time you bake!
- Use Room Temperature Butter: Ensure butter is at room temperature for better creaming with sugar, resulting in a lighter cookie texture.
- Don’t Overmix Dough: Mix just until ingredients are combined; overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
- Chill Before Baking: If time allows, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to help maintain shape and enhance flavor.
- Uniform Size: Roll dough balls to an even size for consistent baking, ensuring each cookie bakes evenly.
- Watch Baking Time: Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake; removing them when they’re slightly golden will prevent overbaking.
- Experiment with Flavors: For added flavor, experiment with other extracts like almond or lemon in place of vanilla.
Best Side Dishes for 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies
Pairing side dishes with your 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some great ideas:
- Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the cookies.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layered yogurt with granola and fruit makes for a creamy side that complements the crunchy texture of the cookies.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses offers a savory contrast that pairs well with sweet treats.
- Chocolate Fondue: Dip your cookies in warm chocolate for an indulgent twist that delights chocolate lovers.
- Nut Mix: A bowl of assorted nuts provides crunch and nuttiness, balancing out the sweetness.
- Pudding Cups: Serve small cups of chocolate or vanilla pudding alongside for a smooth, creamy addition.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies can be simple, but certain mistakes can hinder your cookie-making experience. Here are common pitfalls to avoid:
- Using cold butter – Cold butter doesn’t cream well with sugar, resulting in a dense cookie. Always ensure your butter is at room temperature.
- Overmixing the dough – Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined for a tender texture.
- Skipping the chilling step – Not chilling the dough can cause cookies to spread too much while baking. Chill for at least 30 minutes for better shape.
- Incorrect oven temperature – Baking at too high or too low a temperature can ruin your cookies. Use an oven thermometer to ensure accuracy.
- Not measuring flour correctly – Too much flour can make cookies dry. Use the spoon and level method for accurate measurements.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to one week.
- Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Freezing 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies
- Freeze baked cookies for up to three months.
- Use freezer-safe bags or containers, removing as much air as possible.
Reheating 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies
- Oven – Preheat to 300°F (149°C) and bake for about 5 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave – Heat individual cookies on a microwave-safe plate for about 10-15 seconds.
- Stovetop – Place cookies in a covered skillet over low heat for a few minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies:
Can I use different extracts in my sugar cookies?
Yes! You can customize the flavor by using almond or lemon extract instead of vanilla.
How do I make these cookies gluten-free?
You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking.
What if I want to add chocolate chips?
Feel free to mix in chocolate chips! Just add them after combining the dough ingredients.
How many cookies does this recipe make?
This recipe yields approximately 24 delicious sugar cookies.
Final Thoughts
3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies are not only simple but also versatile. Their buttery flavor and soft texture make them ideal for any occasion. Feel free to customize with different extracts or toppings, like sprinkles or chocolate chips, to create your perfect treat. Try these delightful cookies today!
3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies
- Total Time: 31 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful simplicity of 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies, a classic treat that’s perfect for any occasion. These cookies are buttery and crunchy on the outside while remaining soft and chewy within. With no eggs required and just three pantry staples, this recipe is ideal for both novice bakers and seasoned pros. Customize your cookies with favorite extracts or sprinkles to make them uniquely yours. Whether you’re celebrating a special event or enjoying a cozy night at home, these quick and effortless sugar cookies will bring joy and warmth into your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- ⅔ cup + 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 cups + 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and ⅔ cup sugar until slightly gritty.
- Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour until fully incorporated; add vanilla extract if desired.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and coat each ball in the remaining sugar.
- Slightly flatten each ball before placing them on the baking sheets.
- Bake for 14-16 minutes until golden around the edges.
- Allow to cool on baking sheets for 10-15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: <1g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
