Oh wow, you have to try these 3 Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies! They’re soft, sweet, and come together in no time. Trust me, you’ll be making them on repeat.
All you need are three simple ingredients, and they bake up so perfectly every time. Plus, you can decorate them however you like—so fun! I love how quick and easy they are to make.
Perfect for a last-minute treat or a fun baking day with the kids. Once you try them, you’ll want to whip up a batch anytime a cookie craving hits. Everyone’s gonna love them!
Let’s bake them together! Grab your flour, butter, and sugar—I’ll show you how simple and tasty these cookies are. You’re gonna love every sweet bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Minimal Ingredients: Using only three basic ingredients means less shopping and less time measuring. Perfect when your pantry is low or you need a quick baking fix.
- Soft and Buttery Texture: The high butter content gives these cookies a tender crumb that’s soft to bite, not dry or crunchy.
- Versatile Base: These cookies work well plain or with mix-ins like sprinkles or a splash of vanilla extract for subtle flavor.
- No Special Equipment Needed: A simple bowl and spoon are enough—no mixer required.
- Fast and Easy: From mixing to baking, it takes less than 20 minutes, ideal for last-minute baking or when cooking with kids.
What You Need to Know Before You Start
Prep Time & Cook Time:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes — just enough to soften the butter and mix the dough.
- Bake Time: 8-10 minutes — keep an eye on the cookies so they don’t overbake.
- Total Time: About 20 minutes from start to finish.
Servings:
- Makes roughly 12 medium-sized cookies — enough for a small group or a few sweet treats over several days.
Difficulty:
- Very beginner-friendly, great for anyone who’s new to baking or wants a simple homemade cookie.
Required Kitchen Tools
- Mixing bowl: Use any size that can comfortably hold the dough ingredients.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measuring helps keep the dough consistent.
- Baking sheet: A flat pan that fits your oven and can hold the cookies spaced apart.
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat: Prevents sticking and helps cookies bake evenly.
- Spoon or cookie scoop: For portioning dough evenly, making the cookies uniform.
- Oven: Preheated to ensure even cooking.
Ingredients
Here’s the simple list:
- 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened: Soft butter blends easily with sugar, giving the dough a smooth texture and rich flavor.
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar: Sweetens the cookies and helps create a slight crisp edge.
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour: Provides structure and the tender crumb that holds everything together.
Variations for 3 Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies
- Add Vanilla Extract: Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla for a classic flavor boost.
- Sprinkles or Colored Sugar: Mix in or sprinkle on top before baking for festive, colorful cookies.
- Cinnamon Twist: Add ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon for a warm, cozy touch.
- Lemon or Orange Zest: Grate a bit of citrus peel into the dough for a fresh, bright note.
- Chocolate Chips: Fold in ½ cup mini chocolate chips for an easy upgrade.
- Nutty Crunch: Add ¼ cup chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for texture.
How to Make 3 Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies: Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Soften the Butter
Leave the butter out at room temperature for about 30 minutes until soft but not melted. This helps it mix smoothly with the sugar.
2. Mix Butter and Sugar
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and sugar. Use a spoon or spatula to mix until the mixture is creamy and smooth. It will look light and fluffy.
3. Add the Flour
Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the butter and sugar mix. Stir gently until the dough comes together. It should be soft but not sticky.
4. Portion the Dough
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and place them about 2 inches apart on the baking sheet. Flatten each ball slightly with the back of a spoon or your fingers.
5. Optional: Add Toppings
If you want, press a few sprinkles, colored sugar, or a few chocolate chips on top of each cookie for extra flair.
6. Bake the Cookies
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges just start to turn golden. The centers may look soft — they will set as the cookies cool.
7. Cool and Serve
Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Let the cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them firm up and prevents breaking.
Serving and Decoration
These cookies are wonderfully simple and delicious on their own. Here are some ideas to serve or dress them up:
- With a Glass of Milk: Classic pairing for a comforting treat.
- Sandwich Cookies: Spread peanut butter, jam, or chocolate spread between two cookies for a quick sandwich.
- Dipped in Chocolate: Dip half the cookie in melted chocolate and let it set for a pretty finish.
- Decorated with Icing: Drizzle simple glaze or icing sugar for festive occasions.
- Party Platters: Arrange on a plate with fresh fruit for gatherings or kids’ snacks.
Storing Your Sugar Cookies
- Room Temperature: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freezing Dough: You can freeze the dough balls on a tray, then transfer them to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
- Freezing Baked Cookies: Store baked cookies in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before eating.
Nutrition
| Nutrient | Amount per Cookie (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120 |
| Total Fat | 7 g |
| Saturated Fat | 4.5 g |
| Cholesterol | 20 mg |
| Sodium | 20 mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 15 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.2 g |
| Sugars | 8 g |
| Protein | 1 g |
Note: Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on exact ingredients and portion sizes.
3 Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies
Course: Dessert Recipes12
servings10
minutes8
minutes120
kcalIngredients
1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until smooth and fluffy.
- Gradually mix in the flour until dough forms.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions onto the baking sheet, spaced 2 inches apart. Flatten slightly.
- Bake 8-10 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
- Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
3 Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies FAQs
Q: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
A: Yes, but reduce any added salt in other recipes since salted butter adds saltiness.
Q: Can I add vanilla or other flavorings?
A: Absolutely! Adding 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon can enhance the flavor.
Q: How should I store leftover cookies?
A: Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days for best freshness.
Q: Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
A: You can try using a gluten-free flour blend, but results may vary slightly in texture.
Q: Will these cookies spread during baking?
A: They spread a little, which is why spacing on the baking sheet is important.
Conclusion
With just three simple ingredients—butter, sugar, and flour—you can create soft, buttery sugar cookies that are easy to make and delicious to eat. This recipe is perfect for beginners, busy cooks, or anyone who wants a quick homemade treat without complicated steps or lots of ingredients. Whether you keep them plain or add sprinkles, these cookies are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth in a simple, straightforward way.