{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 sweet, buttery, and incredibly simple to make. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies are sure to delight both kids and adults alike. Their versatility allows you to customize them with sprinkles or enjoy them plain.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Cookies
• How to Make {3-Ingredient} Easy Sugar Cookies
• Step 1: Preheat the Oven
• Step 2: Mix Butter and Sugar
• Step 3: Add Flour
• Step 4: Form Dough Balls
• Step 5: Coat in Sugar
• Step 6: Flatten Dough Balls
• Step 7: Bake Cookies
• Step 8: Cool Down
• How to Serve {3-Ingredient} Easy Sugar Cookies
• With a Glass of Milk
• As a Dessert Platter
• Cookie Sandwiches
• Decorated for Special Occasions
• With Coffee or Tea
• Packaged as Gifts
• How to Perfect {3-Ingredient} Easy Sugar Cookies
• Best Side Dishes for {3-Ingredient} Easy Sugar Cookies
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing {3-Ingredient} Easy Sugar Cookies
• Reheating {3-Ingredient} Easy Sugar Cookies
• Frequently Asked Questions
• How do I make {3-Ingredient} Easy Sugar Cookies gluten-free?
• What variations can I try with {3-Ingredient} Easy Sugar Cookies?
• Can I use margarine instead of butter?
• Why are my cookies spreading too much while baking?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simplicity: With only three main ingredients, this recipe is straightforward and quick to prepare.
• Versatile: Perfect for holidays, parties, or a cozy night in—these cookies fit any occasion.
• Kid-Friendly: An excellent baking project for children; they will love rolling the dough and adding decorations.
• No Eggs Required: A great option for those who may have egg allergies or want an egg-free treat.
• Delicious Flavor: The buttery taste combined with a hint of sweetness makes these cookies irresistible.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Handheld electric mixer
• Cookie scoop or spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Parchment paper
• Baking sheets

Importance of Each Tool

• Handheld electric mixer: Makes mixing the butter and sugar effortless, ensuring a smooth texture.
• Cookie scoop or spoon: Helps create uniform cookie sizes for even baking.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Ingredients

For the 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)

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How to Make {3-Ingredient} Easy Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

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

Step 2: Mix Butter and Sugar

In a medium bowl, use a handheld electric mixer to beat the unsalted butter and 2/3 cup of sugar. Mix until combined. The mixture should feel slightly gritty—this is normal.

Step 3: Add Flour

Gradually add in the all-purpose flour. Mix until well combined. If you choose to use vanilla extract, blend that in at this stage as well.

Step 4: Form Dough Balls

Roll the dough into 1-inch balls using either a cookie scoop or your hands. Each ball should be about the size of a golf ball.

Step 5: Coat in Sugar

Roll each ball in the remaining 3 tablespoons of sugar to lightly coat them. Place them on the lined baking sheets about 2 inches apart.

Step 6: Flatten Dough Balls

Gently flatten each dough ball using the bottom of a measuring cup or glass. If you are using sprinkles, add them on top now and press lightly so they stick. The flattened dough should be about 3/16-inch thick.

Step 7: Bake Cookies

Bake in the preheated oven for 14-16 minutes. Look for edges that are just slightly golden.

Step 8: Cool Down

Remove from the oven and let the cookies rest on the baking sheets for at least 10-15 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.

Enjoy your delicious homemade cookies!

How to Serve {3-Ingredient} Easy Sugar Cookies

These delightful sugar cookies are perfect for any gathering or celebration. Here are some creative ways to serve them and make your dessert table shine.

With a Glass of Milk

• A classic combination, serving these cookies with cold milk enhances their sweet, buttery flavor.

As a Dessert Platter

• Arrange the cookies on a colorful platter alongside fruits and nuts for a visually appealing dessert spread.

Cookie Sandwiches

• Spread a layer of frosting or your favorite jam between two cookies for a delicious cookie sandwich treat.

Decorated for Special Occasions

• Use royal icing or melted chocolate to decorate the cookies according to themes like birthdays or holidays.

With Coffee or Tea

• Enjoy these sugar cookies as a sweet accompaniment to your morning coffee or afternoon tea.

Packaged as Gifts

• Place cookies in decorative boxes or bags and gift them to friends and family for a thoughtful surprise.

How to Perfect {3-Ingredient} Easy Sugar Cookies

Making the perfect sugar cookie is easy with a few simple tips. Follow these suggestions to elevate your baking game.

• Use Room Temperature Butter: This ensures the butter mixes well, creating a smooth dough that bakes evenly.
• Measure Flour Accurately: Spoon and level your flour to prevent using too much, which can lead to dry cookies.
• Chill the Dough: For thicker cookies, chill the dough in the fridge for 30 minutes before baking.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies during baking. Remove them when they are just lightly golden at the edges.
• Experiment with Flavors: Add lemon zest or almond extract for unique flavor variations beyond vanilla.
• Store Properly: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their texture and freshness.

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

Pairing side dishes with these sugar cookies can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some great options:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad
   A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits provides a healthy contrast to the sweetness of the cookies.
2. Chocolate Fondue
   Melted chocolate offers an indulgent dipping option that pairs perfectly with these sweet treats.
3. Ice Cream Scoops
   Vanilla or chocolate ice cream complements the flavor of sugar cookies, making for a delightful dessert.
4. Whipped Cream
   A dollop of whipped cream adds lightness and creaminess that balances the texture of the cookies.
5. Cheese Platter
   Include mild cheeses like brie or mascarpone for a savory element that contrasts nicely with sweet flavors.
6. Coffee Cake
   The rich, buttery taste of coffee cake makes it an excellent pairing for sugar cookies during brunch gatherings.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

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

• Over-measuring flour: Using too much flour can lead to dry cookies. Make sure to spoon and level the flour for accuracy.
• Not softening the butter: Cold butter won’t blend well, resulting in uneven cookies. Always use room temperature butter for the best texture.
• Skipping the chilling step: If you find your dough too sticky, chilling it for about 30 minutes can help. This makes rolling easier and improves cookie shape.
• Ignoring oven temperature: Baking at a higher temperature can cause cookies to brown too quickly. Stick to 325°F (163°C) for perfect results.
• Not letting cookies cool properly: Removing cookies too soon can lead to breakage. Allow them to rest on the baking sheets before transferring them.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Keep layers of cookies separated with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Freezing {3-Ingredient} Easy Sugar Cookies

• Freeze baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
• You can also freeze the dough before baking. Shape into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring to a container.

Reheating {3-Ingredient} Easy Sugar Cookies

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 300°F (149°C) and bake for 5-7 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time on a microwave-safe plate for about 10-15 seconds.
• Stovetop: Place a cookie in a covered skillet over low heat for just a few minutes until warmed through.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make {3-Ingredient} Easy Sugar Cookies gluten-free?

You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure it has xanthan gum included or add some yourself.

What variations can I try with {3-Ingredient} Easy Sugar Cookies?

Consider adding lemon zest or almond extract for different flavors. You can also incorporate chocolate chips or nuts if desired.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

While margarine can work, using unsalted butter will give you the best flavor and texture.

Why are my cookies spreading too much while baking?

If your dough is too warm or you didn’t chill it, the cookies may spread excessively. Try refrigerating the dough before baking.

Final Thoughts

These 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies are not only quick to prepare but also incredibly versatile. You can customize them with various extracts or toppings like sprinkles and chocolate chips. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven or store them for later—either way, they make an irresistible treat!