These easy 3-ingredient sugar cookies are perfect when you want a simple homemade cookie without a long ingredient list or complicated steps. Made with butter, sugar, and flour, they bake into soft, buttery cookies with a tender texture and a lightly sweet flavor. They are a great choice for busy days, last-minute desserts, family baking, holidays, or anytime you want a quick sugar cookie recipe that feels homemade and comforting.
Easy 3-Ingredient Sugar Cookie Recipe
This 3-ingredient sugar cookie recipe is simple enough for beginner bakers and convenient enough for experienced bakers who need a fast dessert. The dough comes together quickly in one bowl, and the cookies can be left plain or dressed up with sprinkles, frosting, or melted chocolate. Because the base recipe is so simple, it works well for everyday snacking, birthday treats, school events, cookie trays, or casual gatherings.
The flavor is buttery and lightly sweet, with a texture that is similar to a soft shortbread cookie. Since there are no eggs in the dough, the cookies are easy to mix and have a rich, melt-in-your-mouth quality. For extra flavor, you can add vanilla extract or almond extract, although the recipe works well without it.
Ingredients You Will Need to Make this Recipe
Unsalted butter, softened: Butter gives these sugar cookies their rich flavor and soft texture. Use softened butter so it blends smoothly with the sugar and helps create the right dough consistency.
Granulated sugar: Plain granulated sugar adds sweetness and helps keep the cookies light. It also gives the cookies a delicate texture without making the dough heavy.
All-purpose flour: Flour gives the cookies structure and helps form a soft dough. Measure it carefully so the cookies do not become dry or crumbly.
Optional: 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or almond extract: Vanilla or almond extract is not required, but it adds a deeper flavor. If you want a classic sugar cookie taste, vanilla is a great choice.
How to Make 3 Ingredient Sugar Cookies
STEP 1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat so the cookies release easily after baking.
STEP 2. Add the softened butter and granulated sugar to a large mixing bowl. Use a stand mixer or electric hand mixer to beat them together until the mixture looks sandy and evenly combined.
STEP 3. Add the flour in portions, mixing on medium speed after each addition. Continue mixing until all of the flour is incorporated and a soft cookie dough forms. The dough should hold together when scooped.
STEP 4. Use a cookie scoop or large spoon to portion the dough. Roll each portion into a ball, then gently flatten the top. Leave the cookies plain or press sprinkles into the tops before baking. Arrange the dough on the prepared baking sheet with about one inch of space between each cookie.
STEP 5. Place the baking sheet on the center rack of the preheated oven. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the edges just begin to turn golden brown. Avoid overbaking if you want a soft cookie.
STEP 6. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 3 to 5 minutes. Transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting, decorating, or storing.
Tips
- Soften the butter: This recipe works best when the butter is softened but not melted. Let it sit at room temperature for 15 to 30 minutes before baking. If needed, microwave it for only 5 to 10 seconds.
- Use real butter: Margarine has a different water and fat content, which can cause the cookies to spread too much. Real butter helps keep the cookies tender and flavorful.
- Measure carefully: Spoon flour into the measuring cup and level it with a flat knife. Too much flour can make the dough dry and the cookies crumbly.
- Decorate simply: Add sprinkles before baking, or frost the cooled cookies for a quick party dessert. You can also dip part of each cookie in melted chocolate.
- Watch the edges: The cookies are ready when the edges are lightly golden. They may look soft in the center, but they will firm up as they cool.
Variations
- Top with sprinkles: Press sprinkles gently onto the dough before baking for a colorful, festive cookie.
- Add frosting: Once the cookies are completely cool, spread them with prepared frosting for a quick decorated sugar cookie.
- Try mix-ins: Stir in chocolate chips or small candies for a simple variation. Keep mix-ins modest so the dough still holds together.
- Add extract: A teaspoon of vanilla extract or almond extract adds more flavor while keeping the recipe simple.
FAQ’S
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 or 6 days. You can also freeze the dough for up to 2 months.
Yes. These cookies are delicious and have a flavor similar to shortbread. Even with only a few ingredients, they are buttery, sweet, and satisfying.
This dough does not hold detailed shapes well during baking, so it is not the best choice for cut-out sugar cookies.
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3 Ingredient Sugar Cookies
Equipment
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Large Bowl
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Mixer
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Cookie Scoop
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Baking Sheet
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
Optional: 1 teaspoon vanilla, sprinkles, or frosting
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
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Add the softened butter and sugar to a large mixing bowl. Beat with a stand mixer or electric mixer until the mixture looks sandy and combined.
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Add the flour in intervals, mixing on medium speed after each addition. Continue mixing until a soft cookie dough forms.
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Scoop the dough with a cookie scoop or large spoon, roll it into balls, and gently flatten the tops. Add sprinkles if desired, then place the dough on the prepared baking sheet about one inch apart.
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Bake on the center rack for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the edges begin to turn lightly golden brown.
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Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 3 to 5 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling.
Notes
Serving size is based on two cookies per person.
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 27g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 41mg
Sodium: 3mg
Sugar: 11g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.