{3-Ingredient} Easy Sugar Cookies

These 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies are soft, buttery, and lightly crisp on the edges. Made with just pantry staples—flour, butter, and sugar—this simple recipe requires no eggs and comes together in under 40 minutes. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a quick snack, or a last-minute dessert, these cookies are a perfect go-to.

PIN FOR LATER!PIN FOR LATER!

---

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Only 3 ingredients – no complicated or hard-to-find ingredients.
• No eggs required – great for those with egg allergies.
• Quick and easy – from mixing to baking in under 40 minutes.
• Perfect texture – slightly crisp on the outside, soft and buttery inside.
• Versatile – add sprinkles, dip in chocolate, or sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.

---

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Handheld electric mixer – for creaming the butter and sugar efficiently.
• Mixing bowls – one for mixing and one for coating the dough balls.
• Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate ingredient proportions.
• Baking sheets – lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Cookie scoop or spoon – ensures even-sized cookies.
• Flat-bottomed glass or measuring cup – for flattening the cookies.
• Cooling rack – allows cookies to cool evenly and prevents sogginess.

Preparation Tips

• Measure flour correctly – spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level it off instead of scooping directly from the bag.
• Use room-temperature butter – makes it easier to mix and results in a smooth dough.
• Chill the dough if needed – if the dough is too soft or sticky, refrigerate it for 15 minutes before rolling.

---

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 2/3 cup + 3 tablespoons granulated sugar, divided
• 2 cups + 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
• (Optional) 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – enhances flavor
• (Optional) Rainbow sprinkles or nonpareils – for decoration

---

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheets

Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.

2. Mix Butter and Sugar

• In a medium mixing bowl, beat the butter and 2/3 cup sugar using a handheld electric mixer until well combined.
• The mixture will look slightly gritty, which is normal.

3. Incorporate Flour

• Gradually add the flour, mixing until a smooth dough forms.
• If using vanilla extract, stir it in at this stage.

4. Shape the Cookies

• Roll the dough into 1-inch balls using a cookie scoop or your hands.
• Roll each dough ball in the remaining 3 tablespoons of sugar for a light coating.
• Place the balls 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.

5. Flatten and Decorate

• Using a flat-bottomed glass or measuring cup, press down on each dough ball to about 3/16-inch thickness.
• If using sprinkles, add them on top and press lightly so they stick.

6. Bake

• Bake in the preheated oven for 14-16 minutes, or until the edges and bottoms turn light golden brown.

7. Cool and Serve

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

---

Notes and Troubleshooting

• These cookies should have a slight crunch but should not be dry or crumbly.
• If the cookies turn out too dry, check for the following:
  • Too much flour – always spoon and level flour instead of scooping.
  • Dough balls were too small – smaller cookies bake faster and may become overbaked.
  • Cookies were flattened too much – press gently to avoid making them too thin.
  • Baked at too high a temperature – always bake at 325°F rather than 350°F.
  • Baked for too long – remove them when the edges start to turn golden brown.

Serving Suggestions

These 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies are simple yet versatile, making them a great treat for any occasion. Here are a few ways to serve them:

• Classic Style – Enjoy them as they are, fresh from the oven or at room temperature.
• With a Cup of Coffee or Tea – The buttery texture pairs well with hot beverages.
• Dipped in Chocolate – Melt some dark, milk, or white chocolate and dip half of each cookie for a more decadent treat.
• As Ice Cream Sandwiches – Place a scoop of vanilla, chocolate, or strawberry ice cream between two cookies.
• Sprinkled with Cinnamon Sugar – For a hint of warmth, mix cinnamon with sugar and sprinkle it over the cookies before baking.
• With a Spread of Nutella or Peanut Butter – A thin layer of spread can add extra richness.
• Crumbled Over Yogurt or Pudding – Adds a nice crunch to creamy desserts.
• Decorated for Special Occasions – Use colorful icing, edible glitter, or themed sprinkles for holidays and celebrations.

PIN FOR LATER!

Common Mistakes to Avoid and How to Perfect the Recipe

Even with just three main ingredients, a few small missteps can affect the final result. Here are common mistakes and tips to achieve the best cookies:

1. Using Too Much Flour

• Mistake: Scooping flour directly from the bag packs it down, leading to dry cookies.
• Solution: Always spoon and level the flour into the measuring cup instead of scooping.

2. Overmixing the Dough

• Mistake: Mixing for too long can lead to tough cookies.
• Solution: Mix just until the flour is incorporated and the dough holds together.

3. Not Using Room-Temperature Butter

• Mistake: Using melted butter can cause the cookies to spread too much, while cold butter makes the dough difficult to mix.
• Solution: Let butter sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before using. It should be soft but not melted.

4. Skipping the Sugar Coating

• Mistake: The extra sugar adds texture and a slight crunch.
• Solution: Roll each dough ball in sugar before baking for the best results.

5. Flattening the Cookies Too Much

• Mistake: Pressing too hard can make them too thin and crisp.
• Solution: Gently press down to about 3/16-inch thickness for the perfect balance of crisp edges and a soft center.

6. Baking at the Wrong Temperature

• Mistake: Baking at 350°F or higher can cause the cookies to brown too quickly, making them hard and dry.
• Solution: Stick to 325°F for a slow, even bake.

7. Overbaking

• Mistake: Leaving them in the oven too long can make them too crunchy.
• Solution: Remove when the edges just start to turn golden brown. The cookies will continue to set as they cool.

Perfect Side Dish Pairings

Pairing these cookies with the right sides can elevate the experience. Here are some great options:

1. Hot Chocolate

The rich creaminess of hot chocolate balances the crisp, buttery texture of the cookies.

2. Fresh Strawberries and Whipped Cream

A light and refreshing combination that complements the sweetness of the cookies.

3. Espresso or Cappuccino

The slight bitterness of espresso cuts through the sweetness, making it an excellent pairing.

4. Fruit Salad

A mix of citrus, berries, and grapes adds a fresh contrast to the richness of the cookies.

5. Peanut Butter or Almond Butter

A spoonful of nut butter enhances the flavor and adds a bit of protein.

6. Caramel or Dulce de Leche Sauce

Drizzle some caramel over the cookies for an extra layer of sweetness.

7. Greek Yogurt with Honey

A creamy, tangy side with a touch of honey provides a balanced, healthier option.

8. Cheese Platter

Surprisingly, mild cheeses like brie or cream cheese pair well with the buttery cookies.

These serving ideas and pairing suggestions ensure that your sugar cookies can be enjoyed in multiple ways, making them a versatile treat for any occasion.

PIN FOR LATER!

Recipe Tips for the Best Sugar Cookies

Even with a simple three-ingredient recipe, a few extra tips can make all the difference in achieving the perfect texture and flavor.

1. Use High-Quality Butter

Since butter is one of the main ingredients, choose a high-quality unsalted butter for the best flavor. Lower-quality butter may have more water content, which can affect the cookie texture.

2. Adjust Sweetness if Needed

If you prefer slightly less sweet cookies, reduce the sugar in the dough by a tablespoon. However, keep the sugar coating, as it helps with texture and adds a light crunch.

3. Add Flavors for Variety

While the base recipe is delicious on its own, a few small additions can create different flavors:

• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon) for a classic sugar cookie taste
• Almond extract (½ teaspoon) for a nutty, bakery-style flavor
• Lemon zest (1 teaspoon) for a refreshing citrus touch
• Cinnamon or nutmeg (¼ teaspoon) for a warm spice note

4. Chill the Dough for Better Shape

If the dough feels too soft, chilling it for 15-20 minutes before rolling can help prevent excessive spreading. This is especially useful if baking in a warm kitchen.

5. Experiment with Different Coatings

Instead of rolling the cookies in granulated sugar, try:

• Cinnamon sugar for a snickerdoodle-style twist
• Powdered sugar for a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture
• Coarse sanding sugar for extra crunch

---

Storage and Reheating Instructions

How to Store Sugar Cookies

• At room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Keep in a cool, dry place.
• In the refrigerator: While not necessary, cookies can be refrigerated for up to 2 weeks. Let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
• In the freezer: These cookies freeze well for up to 3 months. Store in a freezer-safe container, layering with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

How to Freeze Cookie Dough

• Roll the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag.
• When ready to bake, roll in sugar, flatten slightly, and bake straight from the freezer. Add 1-2 extra minutes to the baking time.

How to Reheat Sugar Cookies

• To refresh crispness: Bake at 300°F for 3-5 minutes until warm.
• For a softer texture: Microwave for 5-8 seconds, but be careful not to overheat.

---

PIN FOR LATER!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I Make These Cookies Without a Mixer?

Yes, you can mix the ingredients by hand using a sturdy spatula. The butter should be soft enough to blend smoothly with the sugar.

2. Can I Use Salted Butter Instead of Unsalted?

Yes, but reduce the added sugar slightly to balance the flavor. Salted butter will add a hint of saltiness, which some people prefer.

3. How Do I Make These Cookies Softer?

For a softer cookie:

• Bake for 12-13 minutes instead of the full 14-16 minutes.
• Store in an airtight container with a slice of bread to retain moisture.

4. Can I Make These Gluten-Free?

Yes, substitute gluten-free all-purpose flour in a 1:1 ratio. The texture may be slightly different, but the cookies will still turn out delicious.

5. Can I Add Chocolate Chips or Nuts?

Yes, but keep in mind that adding mix-ins may slightly change the texture. If using chocolate chips, mini chips work best so the cookies hold their shape.

6. Why Did My Cookies Turn Out Too Hard?

• They may have been baked too long. Remove them as soon as the edges turn golden.
• Too much flour could make the dough too dry. Always measure by spooning and leveling.
• Overmixing can cause a tougher texture. Mix just until combined.

7. Can I Make the Dough in Advance?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. If chilled, let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before shaping.

8. Do I Have to Roll the Cookies in Sugar?

No, but the sugar coating adds a nice texture. If skipping it, consider adding a bit of extra sugar to the dough to maintain sweetness.

---

Conclusion

These 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies prove that a simple recipe can still be incredibly delicious. Whether you enjoy them plain, with sprinkles, or dipped in chocolate, they are a quick and satisfying treat for any occasion. With the right techniques for measuring, baking, and storing, you can achieve perfectly crisp yet buttery cookies every time.

Try experimenting with flavors and toppings to make them your own. With just three staple ingredients, this is a recipe you can always count on when you need a quick homemade dessert.