{3-Ingredient} Easy Sugar Cookies

These 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies are the perfect solution when you need a quick, homemade dessert with minimal ingredients. Made with butter, sugar, and flour, these cookies have a delicate balance of crisp edges and a soft, buttery center. Best of all, they don’t require eggs, making them ideal for those with egg allergies or when you’re out of eggs.

Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a last-minute gathering, or just craving something sweet, this simple sugar cookie recipe is a must-try. The dough comes together quickly, and the cookies bake in just 15 minutes, making them one of the easiest cookie recipes to have on hand.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Only 3 ingredients – No need for fancy pantry staples.
• Egg-free – A great option for those with allergies.
• Quick and easy – Ready in about 40 minutes.
• Customizable – Add sprinkles, vanilla extract, or dip them in chocolate.
• Perfect for any occasion – Great for holidays, birthdays, or everyday treats.

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Essential Tools and Equipment

To ensure success, gather the right tools before you begin:

• Handheld electric mixer – Helps cream the butter and sugar efficiently.
• Mixing bowl – A medium-sized bowl for combining ingredients.
• Measuring cups and spoons – For precise ingredient measurements.
• Baking sheets – Lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Cookie scoop or tablespoon – Ensures uniform cookie sizes.
• Flat-bottomed glass or measuring cup – Used to flatten the cookies.
• Cooling rack – Allows cookies to cool properly after baking.

Using the right tools ensures your cookies have the perfect texture and bake evenly.

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Preparation Tips for the Best Sugar Cookies

• Use room temperature butter – This helps create a smooth dough. Cold butter will make the dough too stiff, while melted butter can cause spreading.
• Measure flour correctly – Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife. Packing it in can lead to dry cookies.
• Don’t overmix the dough – Mix until just combined to avoid tough cookies.
• Space cookies properly – Leave at least 2 inches between cookies, as they spread slightly while baking.

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Ingredients (Makes 34 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)

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Step-by-Step Directions

1. Preheat Oven & Prepare Baking Sheets

• Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
• Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

2. Make the Dough

• In a medium mixing bowl, use a handheld electric mixer to beat together the butter and ⅔ cup of sugar until fully combined. The mixture will have a slightly gritty texture, which is normal.
• Add the flour and mix until the dough forms. If using vanilla extract, blend it in at this stage.

3. Shape the Cookies

• Roll the dough into 1-inch balls using a cookie scoop or your hands.
• Roll each ball in the remaining 3 tablespoons of sugar for a light coating.
• Place the balls on the prepared baking sheets, ensuring they are 2 inches apart.
• Flatten each cookie slightly using the bottom of a measuring cup or glass until about 3/16-inch thick.
• If adding sprinkles, press them gently onto the cookies before baking.

4. Bake the Cookies

• Bake for 14-16 minutes, or until the edges and bottoms are just slightly golden.
• Do not overbake—these cookies should remain light in color with only a hint of browning at the edges.

5. Cool & Enjoy

• Remove from the oven and let the cookies rest on the baking sheets for 10-15 minutes.
• Transfer to a cooling rack and allow them to cool completely before serving.

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Tips for Perfect Sugar Cookies

• If cookies turn out dry, check if you:
  • Used too much flour – Always use the spoon-and-level method.
  • Made dough balls too small – Smaller cookies can overbake quickly.
  • Flattened the cookies too much – They should still have a little thickness.
  • Baked at 350°F instead of 325°F – A lower temperature helps keep them soft.
  • Overbaked them – These cookies firm up as they cool, so remove them when just golden at the edges.

These cookies have a delicate, crisp texture on the outside while staying buttery inside. They’re not overly sweet, making them a great base for dipping in chocolate or pairing with tea or coffee.

With only three ingredients and minimal prep time, this sugar cookie recipe is perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike. Enjoy them as is, or add your favorite toppings for a personal touch.

Serving Suggestions

While these cookies are delicious on their own, here are some creative ways to enhance them:

1. Dipped in Chocolate

• Melt semi-sweet, dark, or white chocolate and dip half of each cookie for a more indulgent treat.
• Allow the chocolate to set on parchment paper before serving.

2. Sprinkled with Cinnamon Sugar

• After rolling the dough in granulated sugar, add a pinch of cinnamon for a subtle warmth.

3. Topped with Powdered Sugar

• Lightly dust cooled cookies with powdered sugar for an elegant touch.

4. Sandwiched with Filling

• Spread a thin layer of Nutella, peanut butter, or jam between two cookies to create a sandwich cookie.

5. Served with Coffee or Tea

• The buttery, slightly crisp texture pairs perfectly with a hot cup of coffee or tea.

6. Decorated with Royal Icing

• If making these cookies for a holiday or special occasion, decorate them with royal icing and sprinkles.

7. Paired with Ice Cream

• Crumble cookies over a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for added crunch.

8. Served with Fresh Berries

• The mild sweetness of the cookies complements the tartness of fresh strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid & How to Perfect the Recipe

Even with only three ingredients, there are a few key mistakes that can affect the texture and flavor of these cookies. Here’s what to watch out for:

1. Measuring Flour Incorrectly

• The mistake: Scooping flour directly from the bag can lead to excess flour, resulting in dry cookies.
• The fix: Always use the spoon-and-level method—lightly spoon flour into a measuring cup, then level it off with a knife.

2. Using Melted or Cold Butter

• The mistake: Melted butter will make the dough too soft, causing cookies to spread too much, while cold butter won’t blend well.
• The fix: Use room temperature butter so it creams properly with the sugar.

3. Overmixing the Dough

• The mistake: Overmixing develops gluten, leading to tough cookies.
• The fix: Mix only until the ingredients are combined.

4. Flattening the Cookies Too Much

• The mistake: Pressing the cookies too thin makes them more brittle and prone to overbaking.
• The fix: Flatten them gently, leaving them about 3/16-inch thick.

5. Baking at the Wrong Temperature

• The mistake: A hotter oven (like 350°F) can cause cookies to brown too quickly, while a cooler oven won’t allow them to set properly.
• The fix: Bake at 325°F for a softer texture with crisp edges.

6. Overbaking

• The mistake: Since these cookies are light in color, it can be hard to tell when they’re done. Overbaking makes them dry and crumbly.
• The fix: Remove them from the oven when the edges are just slightly golden. They will continue to firm up as they cool.

7. Skipping the Cooling Time

• The mistake: Moving the cookies too soon can cause them to break.
• The fix: Let them cool on the baking sheet for 10-15 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.

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Side Dish Recommendations

Although these cookies are usually enjoyed as a standalone treat, they also pair well with various complementary side dishes.

1. Hot Chocolate

The buttery flavor of the cookies balances perfectly with a rich cup of hot chocolate. For an extra treat, add whipped cream or a sprinkle of cocoa powder.

2. Vanilla or Chocolate Pudding

Soft and creamy pudding contrasts nicely with the crisp texture of the cookies. Try dipping them into the pudding for added flavor.

3. Fruit Salad

A light and refreshing fruit salad with citrus, berries, or melons makes a great contrast to the sweetness of the cookies.

4. Whipped Cream and Berries

Serve cookies alongside fresh strawberries and a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream for an easy dessert plate.

5. Espresso or Coffee

A strong espresso or a mild latte brings out the richness of the butter in the cookies while balancing the sweetness.

6. Ice Cream Sundae

Crumble cookies over an ice cream sundae or use them as a crunchy topping for a milkshake.

7. Yogurt with Honey and Nuts

Pairing cookies with creamy yogurt, drizzled honey, and crunchy nuts adds texture and variety to the dessert.

8. Cheese Platter

For a unique twist, try pairing these cookies with mild cheeses like mascarpone or brie for a sweet and savory combination.

Serving Suggestions

While these cookies are delicious on their own, here are some creative ways to enhance them:

1. Dipped in Chocolate

• Melt semi-sweet, dark, or white chocolate and dip half of each cookie for a more indulgent treat.
• Allow the chocolate to set on parchment paper before serving.

2. Sprinkled with Cinnamon Sugar

• After rolling the dough in granulated sugar, add a pinch of cinnamon for a subtle warmth.

3. Topped with Powdered Sugar

• Lightly dust cooled cookies with powdered sugar for an elegant touch.

4. Sandwiched with Filling

• Spread a thin layer of Nutella, peanut butter, or jam between two cookies to create a sandwich cookie.

5. Served with Coffee or Tea

• The buttery, slightly crisp texture pairs perfectly with a hot cup of coffee or tea.

6. Decorated with Royal Icing

• If making these cookies for a holiday or special occasion, decorate them with royal icing and sprinkles.

7. Paired with Ice Cream

• Crumble cookies over a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for added crunch.

8. Served with Fresh Berries

• The mild sweetness of the cookies complements the tartness of fresh strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid & How to Perfect the Recipe

Even with only three ingredients, there are a few key mistakes that can affect the texture and flavor of these cookies. Here’s what to watch out for:

1. Measuring Flour Incorrectly

• The mistake: Scooping flour directly from the bag can lead to excess flour, resulting in dry cookies.
• The fix: Always use the spoon-and-level method—lightly spoon flour into a measuring cup, then level it off with a knife.

2. Using Melted or Cold Butter

• The mistake: Melted butter will make the dough too soft, causing cookies to spread too much, while cold butter won’t blend well.
• The fix: Use room temperature butter so it creams properly with the sugar.

3. Overmixing the Dough

• The mistake: Overmixing develops gluten, leading to tough cookies.
• The fix: Mix only until the ingredients are combined.

4. Flattening the Cookies Too Much

• The mistake: Pressing the cookies too thin makes them more brittle and prone to overbaking.
• The fix: Flatten them gently, leaving them about 3/16-inch thick.

5. Baking at the Wrong Temperature

• The mistake: A hotter oven (like 350°F) can cause cookies to brown too quickly, while a cooler oven won’t allow them to set properly.
• The fix: Bake at 325°F for a softer texture with crisp edges.

6. Overbaking

• The mistake: Since these cookies are light in color, it can be hard to tell when they’re done. Overbaking makes them dry and crumbly.
• The fix: Remove them from the oven when the edges are just slightly golden. They will continue to firm up as they cool.

7. Skipping the Cooling Time

• The mistake: Moving the cookies too soon can cause them to break.
• The fix: Let them cool on the baking sheet for 10-15 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.

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Side Dish Recommendations

Although these cookies are usually enjoyed as a standalone treat, they also pair well with various complementary side dishes.

1. Hot Chocolate

The buttery flavor of the cookies balances perfectly with a rich cup of hot chocolate. For an extra treat, add whipped cream or a sprinkle of cocoa powder.

2. Vanilla or Chocolate Pudding

Soft and creamy pudding contrasts nicely with the crisp texture of the cookies. Try dipping them into the pudding for added flavor.

3. Fruit Salad

A light and refreshing fruit salad with citrus, berries, or melons makes a great contrast to the sweetness of the cookies.

4. Whipped Cream and Berries

Serve cookies alongside fresh strawberries and a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream for an easy dessert plate.

5. Espresso or Coffee

A strong espresso or a mild latte brings out the richness of the butter in the cookies while balancing the sweetness.

6. Ice Cream Sundae

Crumble cookies over an ice cream sundae or use them as a crunchy topping for a milkshake.

7. Yogurt with Honey and Nuts

Pairing cookies with creamy yogurt, drizzled honey, and crunchy nuts adds texture and variety to the dessert.

8. Cheese Platter

For a unique twist, try pairing these cookies with mild cheeses like mascarpone or brie for a sweet and savory combination.

Recipe Tips for the Best Sugar Cookies

1. Use High-Quality Butter

Since butter is one of the main ingredients, its quality directly affects the flavor and texture. Use real unsalted butter rather than margarine or butter substitutes.

2. Adjust the Sweetness

If you prefer a slightly sweeter cookie, increase the sugar by 1-2 tablespoons. Be careful not to add too much, as it can affect the structure.

3. Add Extracts for Extra Flavor

While vanilla extract is optional, it adds depth to the cookies. Other great options include almond extract, lemon extract, or coconut extract for a unique twist.

4. Experiment with Different Coatings

Rolling the dough in granulated sugar adds a subtle crunch. Try using:

• Cinnamon sugar for a warm, spiced flavor
• Powdered sugar for a delicate finish
• Crushed nuts for added texture

5. Make the Dough in Advance

This dough can be made ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 2 days. Chilling the dough helps enhance the flavor and can make shaping easier.

6. Keep an Eye on Baking Time

Since these cookies don’t change color much, it’s easy to overbake them. Remove them from the oven as soon as the edges are lightly golden to keep them soft inside.

7. Make Smaller or Larger Cookies

For bite-sized cookies, roll smaller dough balls and reduce the baking time by 2-3 minutes. For larger cookies, increase the baking time by 2-3 minutes while keeping an eye on them.

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Storage Instructions

Room Temperature Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.
• They stay fresh for up to 5 days when properly sealed.
• To maintain crispness, store them with a small piece of bread inside the container to absorb excess moisture.

Refrigeration

• While not necessary, refrigeration can extend freshness for up to 7 days.
• Let cookies come to room temperature before serving to restore texture.

Freezing Instructions

Freezing Baked Cookies

• Place completely cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag.
• Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.

Freezing Cookie Dough

• Roll the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet until solid.
• Transfer frozen dough balls to a zip-top bag and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Bake directly from frozen, adding 1-2 extra minutes to the baking time.

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Reheating Instructions

To Restore Freshness

If the cookies have become too firm or dry, try one of these methods:

1. Microwave Method
   • Place a cookie on a microwave-safe plate.
   • Cover with a damp paper towel.
   • Microwave for 5-8 seconds to soften.
2. Oven Method
   • Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
   • Place cookies on a baking sheet and heat for 3-5 minutes.
   • Let them cool slightly before serving.
3. Toaster Oven Method
   • Warm cookies for 2-3 minutes at a low temperature for a fresh-baked texture.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

Yes, but reduce the sugar slightly to balance the flavor. Unsalted butter allows for better control over the cookie’s sweetness.

2. What can I use instead of granulated sugar?

You can substitute light brown sugar for a slightly chewier texture. Powdered sugar is not recommended, as it alters the structure.

3. Why did my cookies turn out dry?

Dry cookies may be caused by:

• Too much flour – Use the spoon-and-level method instead of scooping directly.
• Overbaking – Remove cookies when edges are lightly golden.
• Dough balls too small – Smaller cookies bake faster and can dry out.

4. Can I add chocolate chips or nuts?

Yes, but keep additions minimal since there’s no egg to bind the dough. A handful of mini chocolate chips or finely chopped nuts works best.

5. Can I use self-rising flour instead of all-purpose flour?

It’s not recommended because self-rising flour contains baking powder and salt, which could alter the cookie’s texture and taste.

6. Do I need to chill the dough before baking?

Chilling is optional, but if the dough feels too soft, refrigerate it for 20-30 minutes to prevent excessive spreading.

7. Can I double or halve the recipe?

Yes, this recipe scales easily. When doubling, mix the dough in a large bowl to ensure even blending.

8. What is the best way to shape the cookies evenly?

Using a cookie scoop ensures uniform cookie sizes, which helps with even baking.

9. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for similar results.

10. What can I do if I want a softer cookie?

To make them softer, try:

• Reducing the baking time by 1-2 minutes
• Adding 1-2 teaspoons of milk to the dough for extra moisture

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Conclusion

These 3-Ingredient Sugar Cookies are incredibly easy to make, requiring only basic pantry ingredients. Their light, buttery texture makes them perfect for any occasion, whether served plain, decorated, or paired with coffee or ice cream.

With proper storage and reheating, you can keep them fresh for days or freeze them for later. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker, this simple recipe is one you’ll want to keep on hand.