3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies

Quick and easy sugar cookies made with just three pantry ingredients—no eggs required! These 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies are not only simple to whip up but also deliciously sweet and buttery. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies bring a delightful treat to parties, holidays, or even just a cozy afternoon snack. With their minimal ingredients, they are accessible to everyone, making them a go-to recipe for bakers of all levels.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Ingredients: With just three main ingredients, you can create delicious cookies without fussing over complex recipes.
• Quick Preparation: The entire process takes less than 40 minutes, making it perfect for last-minute cravings or unexpected guests.
• Versatile Toppings: Customize your cookies with sprinkles or enjoy them plain—the choice is yours!
• No Eggs Required: This recipe is great for those who may be avoiding eggs or have allergies.
• Perfect Texture: These cookies have a slight crunch while remaining soft inside, providing the best of both worlds.

Tools and Preparation

To make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable, having the right tools on hand is essential. Here are some key tools you’ll need to prepare these delightful cookies.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or handheld electric mixer
• Mixing bowl
• Cookie scoop (or tablespoon)
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or handheld electric mixer: Speeds up the mixing process and ensures everything is combined thoroughly.
• Mixing bowl: A sturdy bowl is crucial for combining ingredients without spills.
• Cookie scoop: Helps in portioning dough evenly for uniform cookie sizes.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make your 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies:

1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
2/3 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)

For Garnish

• Rainbow sprinkles or nonpareils

How to Make {3-Ingredient} Easy Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Prepare two large baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper to ensure the cookies do not stick.

Step 2: Mix Butter and Sugar

In a medium bowl, use a handheld electric mixer to beat together the room temperature butter and 2/3 cup of sugar until well combined. Expect the mixture to be slightly gritty; this texture is normal.

Step 3: Combine Flour

Add in the all-purpose flour into the butter-sugar mixture. Mix until everything is well combined. If you choose to include vanilla extract, blend it in at this stage.

Step 4: Shape the Dough

Roll the dough into 1-inch balls using either a cookie scoop or your hands. Once formed, roll each ball in the remaining 3 tablespoons of sugar to lightly coat them before placing them on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart.

Step 5: Flatten and Add Sprinkles

Gently flatten each dough ball with the bottom of a measuring cup or glass. If you’re using sprinkles, place them on top of each cookie and press down lightly so they adhere. The flattened dough should be about 3/16-inch thick.

Step 6: Bake

Place the baking sheets in your preheated oven and bake for 14-16 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you want the edges and bottoms to turn just slightly golden.

Step 7: Cool

Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven. Allow them to rest on the baking sheets for at least 10-15 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to finish cooling completely.

Enjoy your delicious homemade 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies!

How to Serve {3-Ingredient} Easy Sugar Cookies

These delightful cookies can be enjoyed in various ways, making them perfect for any occasion. Whether you are hosting a party or just indulging yourself, here are some serving suggestions to enhance your experience.

With a Glass of Milk

• Pair these cookies with cold milk for a classic treat. The sweetness of the cookies balances perfectly with the creaminess of the milk.

As Ice Cream Sandwiches

• Split two cookies and sandwich your favorite ice cream flavor between them. This makes for a fun and delicious dessert that everyone will love.

Decorated for Holidays

• Use festive sprinkles or icing to decorate your cookies for different holidays. This adds a personal touch and makes them great for celebrations.

On a Dessert Platter

• Serve these sugar cookies alongside other desserts like brownies or fruit tarts on a platter. It creates an inviting dessert spread for gatherings.

With Coffee or Tea

• Enjoy your cookies with a warm cup of coffee or tea. The combination brings out the buttery flavor of the sugar cookies.

As Party Favors

• Package individual cookies in cute bags as party favors. It’s a sweet way to thank guests for attending special occasions.

How to Perfect {3-Ingredient} Easy Sugar Cookies

Perfecting your sugar cookie recipe is easy with just a few tips. Follow these suggestions to ensure that your cookies turn out delicious every time!

• Measure Flour Accurately: Too much flour can lead to dry cookies. Use the spoon-and-level method instead of scooping directly from the bag.
• Chill Dough if Needed: If your dough feels too soft, chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes before rolling into balls. This helps maintain shape while baking.
• Watch Baking Time: Keep an eye on the oven towards the end of baking. Remove them when just slightly golden around the edges for perfect texture.
• Use Quality Butter: High-quality butter enhances flavor significantly. Opt for unsalted butter for better control over sweetness and saltiness.
• Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add other extracts like almond or lemon zest along with vanilla for unique flavor profiles.
• Store Properly: To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last up to a week.

Best Side Dishes for {3-Ingredient} Easy Sugar Cookies

Pairing side dishes with your sugar cookies can elevate your dessert experience even further. Here are some great options that complement their sweetness nicely:

1. Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits can balance the richness of the cookies and add a healthy touch.
2. Chocolate Fondue: Melted chocolate served alongside fresh strawberries or bananas is an indulgent addition that pairs wonderfully with sugar cookies.
3. Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses can create an interesting contrast to the sweet flavors of the cookies.
4. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a light dish that complements the sugary taste.
5. Nut Mix: A simple bowl of mixed nuts adds crunch and savory notes that work well against sweet treats.
6. Coffee Cake: A slice of moist coffee cake offers another layer of deliciousness when served alongside sugar cookies.
7. Popsicles: Refreshing fruit popsicles make a fun summer treat that pairs well after enjoying some warm cookies.
8. Scones: Lightly sweet scones, perhaps with fruit or chocolate chips, can provide a delightful variety on your dessert table.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies can be simple, but there are common pitfalls to watch for.

• Using too much flour: If you don’t spoon and level the flour, you risk adding excess flour, making cookies dry. Always measure carefully.
• Not softening the butter properly: Cold butter won’t mix well, leading to uneven cookies. Use room temperature butter for a smooth batter.
• Skipping the chilling step: Don’t overlook chilling your dough if needed. This helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
• Overbaking the cookies: Baking them for too long can create hard cookies. Check them at the minimum baking time for a soft texture.
• Ignoring the cooling time: Letting cookies cool on the baking sheet prevents them from breaking apart. Be patient and allow proper resting time.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Line layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Freezing {3-Ingredient} Easy Sugar Cookies

• Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating {3-Ingredient} Easy Sugar Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 300°F (150°C). Bake for 5-10 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time in 10-second intervals until warm.
• Stovetop: Place on a skillet over low heat for about 1 minute, flipping halfway through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use salted butter in {3-Ingredient} Easy Sugar Cookies?

Yes, you can use salted butter, but reduce the amount of added salt or omit it entirely.

How do I make these cookies gluten-free?

Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures 1:1.

What can I add to enhance the flavor of my sugar cookies?

You can mix in chocolate chips, nuts, or citrus zest for extra flavor.

How do I store leftover cookies?

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate for longer freshness.

Final Thoughts

These 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies are not only simple to make but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize them with sprinkles or different extracts. Whether it’s a holiday or just a regular day, these cookies are sure to delight everyone. Give them a try and enjoy their sweet simplicity!