3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies

Making delicious sugar cookies doesn’t have to be complicated. With just three simple pantry ingredients—butter, sugar, and flour—you can create buttery, crisp, and slightly chewy sugar cookies without eggs or leavening agents. These cookies are quick to prepare, require minimal effort, and bake to perfection in under 20 minutes.

Whether you need a last-minute dessert, a simple baking project, or a reliable go-to sugar cookie recipe, these 3-ingredient sugar cookies are perfect for any occasion.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Only 3 Ingredients – No eggs, baking soda, or baking powder required.
• Quick and Easy – Ready in under 40 minutes from start to finish.
• Versatile – Customize with vanilla, sprinkles, or dip in chocolate.
• Perfect Texture – Crisp edges with a lightly soft center.

These cookies work well as a snack, dessert, or holiday treat. They pair beautifully with coffee, tea, or a glass of milk.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before you start baking, it’s important to prepare your ingredients and tools properly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing Bowl – To combine ingredients easily.
• Handheld Electric Mixer or Whisk – Helps cream the butter and sugar efficiently.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons – For accurate ingredient measurements.
• Baking Sheets – Line with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Cookie Scoop or Spoon – Ensures uniform cookie sizes.
• Flat-bottomed Glass or Measuring Cup – For pressing the dough.
• Cooling Rack – Allows cookies to cool evenly.

Each of these tools helps ensure the cookies turn out evenly baked with the right consistency.

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Ingredients

This simple recipe requires only a few pantry staples.

• 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 extra flavor)
• Rainbow sprinkles or nonpareils (optional for decoration)

Using high-quality butter enhances the flavor, while sugar adds the perfect level of sweetness and crunch. The flour provides structure, and vanilla extract can enhance the aroma and taste.

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Step-by-Step Directions

1. Preheat the Oven

• Set the oven to 325°F (163°C).
• Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

2. Cream the Butter and Sugar

• In a medium bowl, use a handheld electric mixer to beat the butter and ⅔ cup sugar until well combined.
• The mixture will be slightly gritty due to the sugar, which is normal.

3. Add the Flour

• Gradually mix in the flour until a soft dough forms.
• If using vanilla extract, blend it in evenly.

4. Shape the Cookies

• Roll the dough into 1-inch balls using a cookie scoop or your hands.
• Place them on the baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart.

5. Coat with Sugar

• Roll each dough ball in the remaining 3 tablespoons of sugar for a light coating.

6. Flatten & Decorate

• Press each dough ball lightly with a flat-bottomed glass or measuring cup until about 3/16-inch thick.
• If adding sprinkles, press them into the dough slightly so they stick.

7. Bake the Cookies

• Bake for 14-16 minutes, or until the edges and bottoms are slightly golden.
• Avoid overbaking to keep the cookies from becoming too crisp.

8. Cool & Enjoy

• Let the cookies rest on the baking sheets for 10-15 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
• Serve warm or at room temperature.

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Preparation Tips for the Best Cookies

• Use room-temperature butter – This helps achieve a smooth dough and even baking.
• Measure flour correctly – Spoon and level the flour instead of scooping directly from the bag to prevent dry cookies.
• Chill the dough if needed – If the dough feels too soft, refrigerate it for 15 minutes before shaping.
• Flatten evenly – Pressing too much can make the cookies too crispy, so aim for an even thickness.
• Watch the baking time – Remove the cookies from the oven when they are lightly golden on the edges.

Serving Suggestions

These sugar cookies are delicious on their own, but they can also be paired with different accompaniments to enhance their flavor and texture. Here are some great ways to enjoy them:

1. With Coffee or Tea

• The buttery, slightly crisp texture of these cookies pairs well with a warm cup of coffee or tea.
• Serve them with a classic black tea, chai, or espresso for a simple yet satisfying treat.

2. With Milk

• A glass of cold milk complements the sweetness of the cookies and makes for a nostalgic pairing.
• Try serving them with almond milk, oat milk, or whole milk for different flavor experiences.

3. As an Ice Cream Sandwich

• Use two cookies to sandwich a scoop of vanilla, chocolate, or caramel ice cream.
• Freeze for at least 30 minutes before serving for a firm and delicious dessert.

4. With Chocolate or Caramel Drizzle

• Drizzle melted chocolate or caramel over the cookies for added richness.
• Sprinkle sea salt on top for a sweet-and-salty contrast.

5. Dipped in Chocolate

• Dip half of each cookie in melted dark, milk, or white chocolate.
• Let them set on parchment paper until the chocolate hardens.

6. Crumbled Over Yogurt or Pudding

• Crush a few cookies and sprinkle them over vanilla yogurt or pudding for extra texture.
• This works well as a quick and easy dessert topping.

7. Paired with Fresh Fruit

• Serve the cookies with fresh berries or sliced bananas for a refreshing contrast.
• A side of strawberries, raspberries, or mango slices enhances their sweetness.

8. With Whipped Cream and Berries

• Top the cookies with a dollop of whipped cream and fresh berries.
• This makes a light yet flavorful dessert option.

These serving ideas make the cookies even more enjoyable, whether for a casual snack or a special occasion.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid & How to Perfect the Recipe

Even though these cookies require only three ingredients, small mistakes can affect their texture and taste. Here are the most common issues and how to fix them.

1. Using Too Much Flour

• Issue: Adding too much flour can make the cookies dry and crumbly.
• Fix: Always use the spoon-and-level method when measuring flour. Avoid packing it into the measuring cup.

2. Overbaking the Cookies

• Issue: Baking too long can make the cookies too crispy or dry.
• Fix: Remove them from the oven when the edges are just lightly golden. They will firm up as they cool.

3. Not Using Room-Temperature Butter

• Issue: Cold butter won’t mix properly, leading to uneven dough and texture.
• Fix: Allow the butter to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before using.

4. Flattening the Cookies Too Much

• Issue: Pressing the dough too thin can make the cookies too crunchy.
• Fix: Aim for about 3/16-inch thickness when pressing them down.

5. Making the Dough Balls Too Small

• Issue: Small cookies can bake too quickly and become hard.
• Fix: Stick to 1-inch dough balls for the right balance of softness and crispness.

6. Rolling the Cookies Too Heavily in Sugar

• Issue: Too much sugar on the outside can cause them to brown unevenly.
• Fix: Lightly coat them in sugar, shaking off any excess before baking.

7. Not Allowing the Cookies to Cool Properly

• Issue: Moving the cookies too soon can cause them to break apart.
• Fix: Let them cool on the baking sheet for at least 10-15 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

8. Skipping the Vanilla Extract

• Issue: While optional, leaving out vanilla can make the cookies taste plain.
• Fix: Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for enhanced flavor.

Expert Tips for the Best Cookies

1. Use High-Quality Butter

• Since butter is one of the main ingredients, using high-quality unsalted butter will enhance the flavor and texture of the cookies.
• Avoid margarine or low-fat butter substitutes, as they can alter the consistency.

2. Keep the Dough at the Right Temperature

• If the dough feels too soft or sticky, refrigerate it for 15-20 minutes before shaping the cookies.
• Chilling the dough prevents excessive spreading during baking.

3. Press Evenly for Consistent Baking

• Use a flat-bottomed glass or measuring cup to flatten the cookies evenly.
• Unevenly pressed dough can lead to some cookies baking faster than others.

4. Experiment with Flavors

• Add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.
• Mix in a small amount of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth.
• Substitute vanilla extract with almond extract for a slightly different flavor profile.

5. Bake One Sheet at a Time

• To ensure even baking, place only one tray in the oven at a time.
• If baking multiple trays, rotate them halfway through to avoid uneven browning.

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Storage Instructions

Proper storage helps maintain the cookies’ freshness and texture.

At Room Temperature

• Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers to prevent them from sticking together.

In the Refrigerator

• While refrigeration is not necessary, it can help keep the cookies fresh for up to 7 days.
• Allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

In the Freezer

Freezing Baked Cookies

• Allow cookies to cool completely before freezing.
• Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1 hour.
• Transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag, placing parchment paper between layers.
• Store for up to 3 months.

Freezing Cookie Dough

• Roll the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet.
• Freeze for 1 hour, then transfer to a freezer bag.
• When ready to bake, place frozen dough balls on a baking sheet and bake at 325°F for an additional 2-3 minutes.

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Reheating Instructions

Room Temperature Method

• If cookies have been stored in the refrigerator or freezer, allow them to sit at room temperature for 15-30 minutes before serving.

Oven Method

• Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C).
• Place cookies on a baking sheet and warm for 5 minutes for a freshly baked texture.

Microwave Method

• Place a cookie on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 10-15 seconds.
• This method softens the cookies quickly but may not restore crispness.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but reduce the added sugar slightly to balance the flavor.

2. Why did my cookies turn out too dry?

Dry cookies can result from using too much flour, overbaking, or pressing them too thin. Use the spoon-and-level method to measure flour accurately and avoid overbaking.

3. Can I add other ingredients to this recipe?

Yes, though it may slightly change the texture. Consider adding chocolate chips, nuts, or a pinch of cinnamon for variety.

4. How do I make these cookies softer?

For a softer texture, bake for a shorter time and avoid pressing the dough too thin.

5. Can I double this recipe?

Yes, simply double all the ingredients and mix as directed. Make sure to bake in batches to avoid overcrowding the oven.

6. Do I need to chill the dough?

Not necessarily, but chilling the dough for 15-20 minutes can prevent excessive spreading and create a slightly firmer texture.

7. Can I use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar?

Brown sugar will make the cookies softer and slightly chewy. If substituting, expect a different texture.

8. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.

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Conclusion

These 3-ingredient sugar cookies are simple, delicious, and easy to customize. With just butter, sugar, and flour, you can create a classic treat that is perfect for any occasion. Whether served with coffee, dipped in chocolate, or made into ice cream sandwiches, these cookies are versatile and satisfying.

By following the tips, avoiding common mistakes, and using proper storage techniques, you can ensure the best possible results every time. Whether baking for a quick snack or a holiday treat, this recipe is a reliable go-to option.