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. These cookies are buttery, crunchy on the outside, and soft within, making them perfect for any occasion—from birthday parties to cozy nights at home. With minimal preparation time and easy customization options, these cookies cater to both novice bakers and seasoned pros alike. Add your favorite extracts or colorful sprinkles for a personal touch. Enjoy the pure joy of homemade cookies with this quick and fun recipe!

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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: Cream the Butter and Sugar
• Step 3: Add Flour
• Step 4: Shape the Dough
• Step 5: Bake
• Step 6: Cool Down
• How to Serve 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies
• With Coffee or Tea
• Ice Cream Sandwiches
• Decorated for Celebrations
• Gift-Wrapped Treats
• With Fresh Fruit
• How to Perfect 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies
• Best Side Dishes for 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• 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 customize my 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies?
• How do I make my 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies softer?
• What should I do if my dough is too sticky?
• How long do these cookies last?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: Whip up a batch in just 10 minutes! Perfect for last-minute cravings.
• Few Ingredients: With only three main ingredients, you likely have everything on hand.
• Customizable Flavors: Add vanilla, almond, or lemon extracts for a unique twist.
• Perfect Texture: Buttery and crunchy on the outside while remaining soft inside.
• Versatile Treat: Great for various occasions—birthdays, holidays, or just a sweet snack.

Tools and Preparation

Before you begin baking your delicious 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Measuring cups
• Rolling pin (optional)
• Wire rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: Essential for combining your ingredients evenly to ensure a smooth dough.
• Baking sheets: Provides a sturdy base for even baking; lining them with parchment prevents sticking.
• Wire rack: Allows cookies to cool properly without getting soggy on the bottom.

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. This step ensures that your cookies bake evenly.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and ⅔ cup granulated sugar until slightly gritty. This process incorporates air into the mixture, giving your cookies a light texture.

Step 3: Add Flour

Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour. Continue mixing until blended. If you want added flavor, now is the time to include vanilla extract.

Step 4: Shape the Dough

Roll dough into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball in the remaining sugar for a sweet finish.

Step 5: Bake

Slightly flatten each ball before placing them onto your prepared baking sheets. Bake for 14-16 minutes until golden around the edges.

Step 6: Cool Down

Let cool on baking sheets for about 10-15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling period helps set their shape and texture.

Enjoy your freshly baked 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies! Store any extras in an airtight container for up to one week or freeze them for longer storage.

How to Serve 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies

These delightful cookies are versatile and can be served in many creative ways. Whether you want to impress guests or enjoy a cozy evening at home, these serving suggestions will elevate your cookie experience.

With Coffee or Tea

• Pair these cookies with a warm cup of coffee or tea for a comforting afternoon treat.
• The buttery flavor complements the richness of coffee and the warmth of herbal teas.

Ice Cream Sandwiches

• Use two cookies to create delicious ice cream sandwiches.
• Choose your favorite ice cream flavor to fill the center for an extra indulgent dessert.

Decorated for Celebrations

• Use royal icing or simple glaze to decorate these cookies for special occasions.
• Adding colorful sprinkles can make them perfect for birthdays or festive gatherings.

Gift-Wrapped Treats

• Package the cookies in a decorative box or bag as a thoughtful gift.
• Include a little note about the recipe for a personal touch that friends and family will appreciate.

With Fresh Fruit

• Serve alongside fresh fruit like strawberries or raspberries for a refreshing contrast.
• The sweetness of the cookies balances well with the tartness of the fruit.

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How to Perfect 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies

Creating the perfect batch of 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies is easy with just a few tips. Follow these guidelines to enhance your baking experience.

• Use room temperature butter: This helps in creaming better with sugar, leading to a fluffier cookie texture.
• Don’t overmix: Once you add flour, mix just until combined to keep cookies tender.
• Chill the dough: If time allows, chilling the dough for 30 minutes can help improve flavor and texture.
• Experiment with flavors: Add extracts like almond or lemon for unique twists on traditional sugar cookies.
• Watch baking time closely: Ovens vary, so check your cookies starting at 14 minutes to avoid overbaking.
• Store properly: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, or freeze them for longer storage.

Best Side Dishes for 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies

Adding side dishes can complement your sugar cookie experience. Here are some delightful options:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad
   A mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and freshness that pairs well with sweet cookies.

2. Whipped Cream
   Lightly sweetened whipped cream makes a fluffy topping that enhances the cookie’s rich flavors.

3. Chocolate Fondue
   Dip the sugar cookies into warm chocolate fondue for an extra layer of indulgence.

4. Yogurt Parfait
   Layer yogurt with granola and fresh fruits alongside your cookies for a balanced dessert option.

5. Cheese Platter
   A selection of mild cheeses can provide a savory contrast to the sweetness of the cookies.

6. Coffee Cake
   Serve slices of coffee cake as part of a dessert spread; its moist texture complements crunchy cookies nicely.

7. Nut Mix
   A blend of roasted nuts can offer a satisfying crunch next to soft sugar cookies.

8. Mini Pastries
   Include mini pastries filled with fruit or cream cheese for variety on your dessert table.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies, avoiding common baking mistakes can enhance your results. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Using cold butter: Cold butter makes it hard to cream with sugar. Always ensure your butter is at room temperature for better blending.
• Overmixing the dough: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined for a soft texture.
• Skipping the sugar coating: Not rolling the dough in sugar means less sweetness and crunch. Make sure to coat each ball well before baking.
• Not preheating the oven: Baking in a cold oven can affect cookie consistency. Always preheat your oven before placing the cookies inside.
• Ignoring cooling time: Transferring cookies too soon can cause them to break apart. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for adequate time.

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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 unbaked cookie dough balls for up to three months.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or place in a freezer-safe container.

Reheating 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 300°F (150°C) and bake for 5-7 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time on medium power for about 10-15 seconds.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a non-stick skillet over low heat for a few minutes, flipping occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies?

These are simple cookies made with just three main ingredients: butter, sugar, and flour. They are quick to make and deliciously satisfying.

Can I customize my 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies?

Absolutely! You can add extracts like almond or lemon, or mix in chocolate chips or sprinkles for added flavor and fun.

How do I make my 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies softer?

To achieve a softer texture, avoid overbaking them. Bake until just golden around the edges and let them cool properly.

What should I do if my dough is too sticky?

If your dough is sticky, try chilling it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before rolling into balls.

How long do these cookies last?

When stored properly in an airtight container, these cookies will stay fresh for up to one week at room temperature.

Final Thoughts

The 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies offer delightful simplicity while being incredibly versatile. Their buttery flavor and customizable nature make them perfect for any occasion. Whether enjoyed plain or dressed up with sprinkles or extracts, this recipe is sure to bring joy to your baking experience. Try making them today!