Sugar cookies are a timeless classic, loved for their simplicity and buttery sweetness. This 3-ingredient sugar cookie recipe is incredibly easy to make, requiring just butter, sugar, and flour—no eggs needed. The result is a crisp yet tender cookie that melts in your mouth.
These cookies are perfect for any occasion, from holiday baking to an everyday treat. They are also versatile—add vanilla for extra flavor, roll them in sugar for extra crunch, or top them with sprinkles for a festive touch.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Only 3 ingredients – No eggs, no baking powder, no fancy extras.
- Quick & easy – Ready in about 40 minutes from start to finish.
- Perfect texture – Crisp edges with a tender, buttery center.
- Great for all occasions – Ideal for holiday platters, tea-time snacks, or last-minute desserts.
- Customizable – Add vanilla, sprinkles, or even dip them in chocolate.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Essential Tools and Equipment
To ensure the best results, gather the following tools before starting:
- Mixing bowl – A medium-sized bowl to cream the butter and sugar.
- Handheld electric mixer – Helps incorporate ingredients evenly and quickly.
- Measuring cups & spoons – Ensures accurate ingredient measurements.
- Cookie scoop or spoon – For evenly portioned dough balls.
- Baking sheets – Use two large sheets to space out the cookies properly.
- Parchment paper – Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Flat-bottomed glass or measuring cup – To gently flatten the cookie dough balls.
- Cooling rack – Allows cookies to cool evenly after baking.
Preparation Tips
- Use room temperature butter – This helps achieve a smooth dough without overmixing.
- Measure the flour correctly – Spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off to avoid using too much.
- Chill the dough if needed – If your kitchen is warm and the dough is sticky, refrigerate it for 10-15 minutes before rolling.
Ingredients
This recipe keeps it simple with pantry staples:
- 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, for decoration)
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven & Prepare Baking Sheets
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
- 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 butter and 2/3 cup of sugar until combined.
- The mixture may look slightly gritty—this is normal.
Step 3: Incorporate the Flour
- Gradually add the flour, mixing until fully combined.
- If using vanilla extract, mix it in at this stage.
Step 4: Form the Cookie Dough Balls
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls using a cookie scoop or your hands.
- Roll each ball in the remaining 3 tablespoons of sugar to lightly coat.
Step 5: Arrange and Flatten the Cookies
- Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, about 2 inches apart.
- Use the bottom of a measuring cup or glass to gently flatten each ball. The dough should be about 3/16-inch thick.
- If using sprinkles, press them onto the cookies before baking.
Step 6: Bake the Cookies
- Bake for 14-16 minutes, or until the edges and bottoms are lightly golden.
- Avoid overbaking to keep them from becoming too dry.
Step 7: Cool the Cookies
- Remove from the oven and let them rest on the baking sheets for 10-15 minutes.
- Transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely before serving.
Serving Suggestions
These 3-ingredient sugar cookies are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether served plain, decorated, or paired with other treats, they make a perfect addition to any dessert spread.
Best Ways to Serve These Cookies
- Classic Style – Enjoy them as is, with their crisp edges and buttery flavor.
- With Coffee or Tea – Pair with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate for a comforting treat.
- Dipped in Chocolate – Coat half of each cookie in melted chocolate and let it set for a gourmet touch.
- Topped with Frosting – Spread a thin layer of vanilla or cream cheese frosting for extra sweetness.
- Ice Cream Sandwiches – Place a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream between two cookies.
- Crushed as a Topping – Crush cookies and sprinkle them over yogurt, ice cream, or pudding.
- Holiday-Themed – Add colored sprinkles for festive occasions like Christmas, Halloween, or Valentine’s Day.
Common Mistakes to Avoid & How to Perfect the Recipe
Even with only three ingredients, a few missteps can affect the texture and flavor of these cookies. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.
1. Using Too Much Flour
- Issue: Cookies turn out too dry and crumbly.
- Fix: Measure the flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off rather than scooping directly from the bag.
2. Overbaking the Cookies
- Issue: Cookies become hard or overly crispy.
- Fix: Remove them from the oven when the edges are just lightly golden. They will continue to set as they cool.
3. Not Using Room Temperature Butter
- Issue: Dough becomes too dry or difficult to mix.
- Fix: Allow butter to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before using. It should be soft but not melted.
4. Flattening the Cookies Too Much
- Issue: Cookies spread too thin and lose their texture.
- Fix: Gently press the dough balls to about 3/16-inch thick—not too flat.
5. Baking at the Wrong Temperature
- Issue: Baking at too high a temperature can make the cookies hard or unevenly baked.
- Fix: Always bake at 325°F (163°C) as higher temperatures may cause excessive browning.
Side Dish Recommendations
While these sugar cookies are best enjoyed on their own, they can also be paired with complementary desserts and drinks.
8 Side Dish Ideas for a Complete Dessert Spread
- Vanilla Ice Cream – A simple scoop of ice cream enhances the buttery flavor of the cookies.
- Warm Apple Pie – Serve alongside a slice of homemade apple pie for a comforting treat.
- Hot Chocolate – A rich and creamy hot chocolate pairs perfectly with these crisp cookies.
- Fresh Berries – Strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries add a refreshing contrast.
- Milkshakes – Pair with a vanilla or chocolate milkshake for a classic dessert combination.
- Lemon Curd – A tangy lemon curd spread on top of the cookies balances the sweetness.
- Whipped Cream & Caramel Drizzle – Dip the cookies in a light whipped topping with a drizzle of caramel.
- Cheesecake – Serve with a small slice of cheesecake for a decadent dessert pairing.
Recipe Tips for the Best Sugar Cookies
To ensure perfect 3-ingredient sugar cookies, follow these additional tips:
- Use high-quality butter – Since butter is the main ingredient, using a premium brand will enhance the flavor.
- Do not overmix the dough – Mix just until the ingredients come together to avoid tough cookies.
- Space cookies properly – Leave at least 2 inches between each cookie to prevent spreading.
- For extra crunch – Bake on the longer end of the time range (16 minutes) for crispier edges.
- For a softer texture – Slightly underbake the cookies and let them cool on the baking sheet.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
How to Store Sugar Cookies
- At room temperature – Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Keep them in a cool, dry place.
- In the refrigerator – If you prefer to keep them longer, store them in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
- Freezing baked cookies – Place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. They will last up to 3 months.
- Freezing cookie dough – Shape the dough into balls, freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1-2 extra minutes to the baking time.
How to Reheat or Refresh Cookies
- To restore crispness – Warm cookies in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5 minutes.
- For a softer texture – Microwave for 5-7 seconds to make them warm and slightly chewy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
Yes, but omit 1/4 teaspoon of salt from the recipe if using salted butter to maintain balance.
2. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Ensure the flour contains xanthan gum for structure.
3. Why did my cookies turn out too dry?
Dry cookies usually result from too much flour, overbaking, or flattening them too much before baking.
4. Can I add other ingredients to customize the cookies?
Yes. Try these variations:
- Cinnamon Sugar – Roll the dough balls in a cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Chocolate Chip – Fold in mini chocolate chips before baking.
- Lemon Zest – Add a teaspoon of lemon zest for a citrusy twist.
- Almond Flavor – Swap vanilla extract for almond extract.
5. Can I double the recipe?
Yes. Simply double all ingredients and bake in batches to prevent overcrowding in the oven.
6. What if I don’t have a hand mixer?
You can mix by hand using a wooden spoon, but it will take longer to fully incorporate the butter and sugar.
7. How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?
Chilling the dough for 10-15 minutes before baking can help maintain their shape.
8. Can I use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar?
Using brown sugar will result in a softer, more chewy cookie due to the added moisture.
Conclusion
These 3-ingredient sugar cookies are the perfect combination of simplicity, flavor, and texture. With just butter, sugar, and flour, you can create a delicious treat that’s easy to customize for any occasion. Whether enjoyed plain, decorated, or paired with other desserts, they are sure to be a hit.
Try this recipe and experiment with variations to find your favorite version. For more baking tips and troubleshooting, check out other cookie recipes and guides.
Would you like a printable version of this recipe or suggestions for similar easy cookie recipes?
{3-Ingredient} Easy Sugar Cookies
Ingredients
- 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
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
-
In a medium bowl, use a handheld electric mixer to beat the butter and 2/3 cup sugar until combined. The mixture will be slightly gritty—this is normal.
-
Add the flour and mix until well combined. If using vanilla, blend it in.
-
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls using a cookie scoop or your hands.
-
Roll each ball in the remaining 3 tablespoons of sugar to lightly coat, then place them on the baking sheets about 2 inches apart.
-
Flatten each dough ball slightly with the bottom of a measuring cup or glass. If using sprinkles, add them on top and press lightly so they stick. The dough should be about 3/16-inch thick.
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Bake for 14-16 minutes, or until the edges and bottoms are just slightly golden.
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Remove from the oven and let the cookies rest on the baking sheets for at least 10-15 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
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Enjoy!
Notes
If the cookies turn out too dry, check that you didn’t:
Use too much flour
Make the dough balls too small
Flatten them too much
Bake them at 350°F instead of 325°F
Bake them for too long
For more tips, troubleshooting, and storage instructions, refer to the full article or watch the recipe video.
