3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies

Quick and easy, these 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies are perfect for any occasion! With just three simple pantry ingredients, you can whip up a batch of sweet, buttery cookies that will delight friends and family alike. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday or just want a tasty treat, these cookies are versatile and sure to please. Plus, they require no eggs, making them an excellent option for those with dietary restrictions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simplicity: With only three ingredients, this recipe is incredibly easy to follow, making it perfect even for beginner bakers.
• Versatile: These sugar cookies can be enjoyed as is or decorated with sprinkles for festive occasions.
• Quick Preparation: You can have these delightful cookies ready in under an hour, making them a great last-minute dessert option.
• Customizable Flavor: Add vanilla extract or experiment with different toppings to create your perfect cookie flavor.
• No Eggs Required: This recipe is ideal for those avoiding eggs or for when you’re out of them!

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies, gather the necessary tools to ensure a smooth process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Electric mixer
• Mixing bowl
• Cookie scoop (or hands)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Parchment paper
• Baking sheets

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Helps to cream the butter and sugar quickly and efficiently, saving time and effort.
• Parchment paper: Prevents the cookies from sticking to the baking sheets, ensuring they come off easily 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)

• Rainbow sprinkles or nonpareils (optional, but recommended)

PIN THIS!

How to Make 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 325°F (163°C). While it’s heating up, line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a medium bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together 1 cup unsalted butter and ⅔ cup granulated sugar. Mix until the ingredients are combined. The mixture will feel slightly gritty; this is perfectly normal.

Step 3: Incorporate the Flour

Add 2 cups + 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour. Mix until everything is well combined. If you’re using 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, blend it in at this stage for extra flavor.

Step 4: Shape the Cookies

Roll the dough into balls about 1 inch in diameter using either a cookie scoop or your hands.

Step 5: Coat with Sugar

Take each dough ball and roll it in the remaining 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar. Place them on the lined baking sheets about 2 inches apart.

Step 6: Flatten & Decorate

Using the bottom of a measuring cup or glass, press each dough ball slightly down to about 3/16-inch thickness. If desired, sprinkle some rainbow sprinkles on top and press lightly so they stick.

Step 7: Bake

Bake in your preheated oven for about 14-16 minutes or until you see that the edges and bottoms are just slightly golden.

Step 8: Cool

Remove the cookies 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!

How to Serve 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies

These delightful 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies are perfect for various occasions. Whether you want to enjoy them as a snack or serve them at a party, there are several fun and tasty ways to present these cookies.

With Milk

• Pair these cookies with a glass of cold milk for a classic treat. The creamy texture of milk complements the sweetness of the cookies perfectly.

On a Dessert Platter

• Arrange your cookies on a colorful dessert platter. Add some fruits and chocolates for an eye-catching display that guests will love.

Gift Wrapped

• Package the cookies in decorative bags or boxes. They make thoughtful gifts for friends and family, especially during holidays or celebrations.

With Ice Cream

• Serve warm cookies alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The combination of warm and cold creates a delicious experience.

At Parties

• Offer these cookies at birthday parties or gatherings. They’re easy to grab and enjoy without needing utensils.

How to Perfect 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies

To ensure your 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies come out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.

• Use room temperature butter: This helps the butter blend easily with sugar, resulting in a smooth dough.
• Measure flour accurately: Avoid packing the flour into the cup; spoon it in and level it off for precise measurements.
• Don’t overmix the dough: Mix just until combined to keep the cookies tender and avoid excess gluten formation.
• Chill if necessary: If your dough feels too soft, chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before shaping.
• Watch the baking time: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake; remove them when edges are slightly golden for optimal texture.
• Store properly: Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness.

PIN THIS!

Best Side Dishes for 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies

These sweet treats pair well with several side dishes that enhance their flavor and create a more rounded dessert experience. Here are some great options:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the cookies.
2. Chocolate Fondue: Melted chocolate served with fruit pieces encourages dipping and is fun for all ages.
3. Coffee or Tea: Hot beverages like coffee or tea provide warmth that complements the buttery taste of the cookies.
4. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a delicious contrast to the sugar cookies.
5. Cheese Board: Include mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese for those who enjoy sweet-and-savory combinations.
6. Ice Cream Sundae Bar: Create a DIY sundae station where guests can top their ice cream with cookie crumbles, enhancing both desserts!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies can be a breeze, but a few common mistakes can hinder your cookie perfection.

• Using too much flour: Measure your flour carefully by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off. Too much flour can lead to dry cookies.
• Not creaming the butter and sugar enough: Ensure you beat the butter and sugar until they are well combined. A gritty texture is acceptable, but don’t skip this step.
• Overbaking the cookies: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. Remove them when they are just slightly golden on the edges to maintain a soft center.
• Rolling dough balls too small: Make sure your cookie dough balls are about 1-inch in diameter. Smaller balls may bake unevenly and become too crunchy.
• Skipping the chilling step: If possible, chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies hold their shape better.
• Not adding optional ingredients: While vanilla extract and sprinkles are optional, including them adds flavor and fun visual appeal.

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies

• Freeze cookie dough balls for up to 3 months.
• Use freezer-safe bags or containers, ensuring air is removed before sealing.

Reheating 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 325°F (163°C) and bake for about 5 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time on medium power for about 10-15 seconds.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet over low heat for about 1 minute, flipping once.

PIN THIS!

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes these 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies special?

These cookies require just three simple ingredients, making them quick and easy to whip up without any fuss. They are buttery and delightful!

Can I add flavors to my 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies?

Absolutely! Consider adding almond extract or lemon zest for a unique twist that enhances the flavor profile.

How do I know when my cookies are done?

Your cookies should have slightly golden edges while remaining soft in the center. This ensures they will be chewy rather than dry.

Can I use different types of sugar?

Yes! You can experiment with brown sugar or coconut sugar; however, this may alter the final taste and texture slightly.

What should I do if my dough is too crumbly?

If your dough crumbles, try adding a teaspoon of softened butter or a splash of milk to help bring it together.

Final Thoughts

These 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize them with various extracts, sprinkles, or even chocolate chips. Their simplicity makes them perfect for any occasion—give this recipe a try today!