3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies

Quick and easy sugar cookies are a delightful treat that can be whipped up in no time with just three pantry ingredients—no eggs required! These 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies are sweet, buttery, and perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering or a cozy night in. Their simplicity is their charm, making them an ideal choice for both novice bakers and seasoned pros.

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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
• For Garnish
• How to Make 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies
• Step 1: Preheat the Oven
• Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
• Step 3: Incorporate the Flour
• Step 4: Shape the Cookies
• Step 5: Coat with Sugar
• Step 6: Flatten & Decorate
• Step 7: Bake
• Step 8: Cool
• How to Serve 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies
• With Milk
• As Party Favors
• With Ice Cream
• At Breakfast
• With Fruit
• How to Perfect 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies
• Best Side Dishes for 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies
• Reheating 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies
• Frequently Asked Questions
• How do I make my 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies softer?
• Can I add flavors to my sugar cookies?
• What should I do if my dough is too sticky?
• Can I use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar?
• How long does it take to make these sugar cookies?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super Simple: With only three ingredients, this recipe is straightforward and quick to follow.
• Versatile Flavor: Optional vanilla extract adds richness, while sprinkles make them festive for any celebration.
• Perfect Texture: These cookies have a light crunch yet remain soft and buttery inside.
• No Eggs Needed: Great for those who are allergic to eggs or looking for egg-free recipes.
• Batch-Friendly: Easily double the recipe for larger gatherings or keep some frozen for later enjoyment.

Tools and Preparation

Gathering the right tools makes baking these cookies even easier. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Handheld electric mixer
• Cookie scoop (or your hands)
• Parchment paper
• Baking sheets
• Measuring cups

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: Essential for combining your ingredients thoroughly without spills.
• Handheld electric mixer: Saves time and energy when creaming butter and sugar together.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking, ensuring easy removal of your cookies after baking.

Ingredients

For the Cookies

• 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 Garnish

• Rainbow sprinkles or nonpareils, optional but recommended

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How to Make 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 325°F (163°C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a medium bowl, use a handheld electric mixer to beat the unsalted butter and ⅔ cup granulated sugar together until combined. The mixture will be slightly gritty; this is normal.

Step 3: Incorporate the Flour

Add the all-purpose flour into the bowl and mix until well combined. If you choose to use it, blend in the vanilla extract now.

Step 4: Shape the Cookies

Roll the dough into 1-inch balls using a cookie scoop or your hands.

Step 5: Coat with Sugar

Roll each ball in the remaining 3 tablespoons of sugar to lightly coat. Place them on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart.

Step 6: Flatten & Decorate

Press each dough ball slightly with the bottom of a measuring cup or glass until they are about 3/16-inch thick. If you’re using sprinkles, add them on top now and press lightly so they stick.

Step 7: Bake

Bake for 14-16 minutes or until the edges and bottoms are just slightly golden.

Step 8: Cool

Remove from the oven and let them rest on the baking sheets for at least 10-15 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.

Enjoy your delicious homemade cookies!

How to Serve 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies

These delightful cookies are versatile and can be served in various ways to enhance your enjoyment. Whether for a family gathering or a cozy evening at home, these serving suggestions will elevate your experience.

With Milk

• A classic pairing, serving your sugar cookies with a glass of cold milk complements their sweet buttery flavor perfectly.

As Party Favors

• Package the cookies in decorative bags or boxes to give as party favors. They make sweet, homemade gifts for guests.

With Ice Cream

• Crumble the cookies over your favorite ice cream for a delicious topping. The crunchy texture adds a delightful contrast.

At Breakfast

• Enjoy these cookies alongside your morning coffee or tea for a sweet start to your day.

With Fruit

• Pair sugar cookies with fresh fruit like strawberries or blueberries for a refreshing and colorful snack.

How to Perfect 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies

To achieve the best results with these easy sugar cookies, follow these simple tips. They will ensure your cookies come out delicious every time!

• Measure Flour Accurately: Use the spoon-and-level method to avoid adding too much flour, which can lead to dry cookies.
• Use Room Temperature Butter: Softened butter helps create a smooth dough, resulting in tender and moist cookies.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the baking time; remove cookies when edges are golden but centers are still soft to maintain chewiness.
• Chill the Dough (Optional): If you have time, chilling the dough for about 30 minutes can enhance the flavors and improve texture.
• Add Flavor Variations: Experiment with different extracts like almond or lemon for a unique twist on the classic sugar cookie taste.
• Store Properly: Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness and prevent them from becoming hard.

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Best Side Dishes for 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies

While these sugar cookies are perfect on their own, pairing them with side dishes can create an enjoyable treat experience. Here are some great options:

1. Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the cookies.
2. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a wholesome side that complements the sweetness.
3. Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses like brie or gouda for a savory contrast to the sugary treats.
4. Chocolate Dipping Sauce: Serve warm chocolate sauce alongside for dipping, making each bite more indulgent.
5. Nut Mix: A selection of mixed nuts provides crunch and protein, balancing out the sweetness of the sugar cookies.
6. Coffee or Tea: Pairing these cookies with hot beverages enhances their flavors while providing a comforting experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies can be a breeze, but there are common mistakes that can affect the outcome. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Using too much flour: Adding excess flour can lead to dry cookies. Always spoon and level your flour for accuracy.
• Not creaming butter and sugar properly: If you don’t mix until well combined, the texture may suffer. Beat until the mixture feels slightly gritty yet uniform.
• Making dough balls too small: Small balls can lead to overly crunchy cookies. Aim for 1-inch diameter dough balls for the right size and texture.
• Overbaking the cookies: Baking them too long will make them hard. Watch closely and remove them when the edges are just golden.
• Skipping vanilla extract: While optional, this ingredient enhances the flavor significantly. Don’t leave it out if you want delicious cookies!

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Place parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent sticking.

Freezing 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies

• Freeze in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
• For best results, freeze before baking; just bake from frozen, adding a couple of minutes to the time.

Reheating 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 300°F (150°C) and heat cookies for about 5 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat each cookie on low power for 10-15 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, cover with a lid, and warm for a few minutes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

To achieve softer cookies, ensure you don’t over-bake them. Remove them from the oven as soon as they turn lightly golden at the edges.

Can I add flavors to my sugar cookies?

Absolutely! You can customize your 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies by adding almond extract or citrus zest for extra flavor.

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 shaping into balls.

Can I use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar?

Yes, using brown sugar will give your cookies a deeper flavor and chewier texture. Just keep in mind that it may alter the color slightly.

How long does it take to make these sugar cookies?

The total time is about 40 minutes, which includes prep, baking, and cooling time—perfect for a quick treat!

Final Thoughts

These 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies are not only quick and simple but also incredibly versatile. Customize them with your favorite sprinkles or flavors to suit any occasion. Whether you’re whipping them up for a party or enjoying them as a sweet snack at home, these cookies are sure to please everyone. Give this recipe a try today!

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