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These easy 3 ingredient sugar cookies are a great recipe when you want delicious cookies, but don’t have a lot of time to make them. They are so soft and buttery, and with just three ingredients, they can be done in about 10 minutes with almost not prep!
Easy 3-Ingredient Sugar Cookie Recipe
This sugar cookie recipe can be used for any occasion. I love making them with my grandkids, or using them for last minute gatherings. I love that I can even frost them or add holiday sprinkles, and make them more of a dessert.
Ingredients You Will Need to Make this Recipe
unsalted butter, softened- butter is going to give these cookies a deliciously rich buttery flavor.
granulated sugar- these cookies are perfectly sweetened with just plain sugar, making them light and fluffy.
all-purpose flour- this will give your cookies structure and help build it’s flavor and texture.
Optional: 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or almond extract- adding vanilla extract will give these cookies just a little bit of richness to the flavor. You don’t need to add vanilla, but I highly recommend it!
How to Make 3 Ingredient Sugar Cookies
STEP 1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat.
STEP 2. Add the butter and sugar to a large mixing bowl. Then using a stand mixer or electric mixer, beat them together until it forms a sandy looking mixture.
STEP 3. Add the flour in intervals, mixing on medium speed after each addition. Once all of the flour is added, mix on medium speed until a soft cookie dough forms.
STEP 4. Use a portion scoop or large spoon to scoop out dough and then roll into balls. Gently flatten the tops of the dough balls. Leave plain or add sprinkles, then place them on the prepared cookie sheet. Leave about an inch in between dough to allow room for spread.
STEP 5. Place the cookies on the center rack in the preheated oven and bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the cookies begin to turn golden brown on the edges.
STEP 6. Remove the cookies from the oven, and let them cool for 3-5 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack to let them finish cooling.
Tips
- Soften the Butter: This easy recipe works best if the butter is softened. Let the butter sit on the counter for 15-30 minutes before using. If you need to make them right away, soften the butter by microwaving for 5-10 seconds.
- Decorate: Add sprinkles to these cookies, dip them in melted chocolate, or frost them before serving. They are fun to have at a party with decorating options for guest.
- Use Real Butter: Margarine has a higher water and lower fat content than butter. This can make the cookies spread more, leading them to be flat. Using real butter will keep your cookies light and fluffy.
- For accurate ingredient measurements, use a flat knife to level ingredients when using a measuring cup, teaspoon, or tablespoon.
Variations
- Top with Sprinkles: Press some sprinkles onto the cookies before baking for a festive look.
- Frosting: Decorate the cookies with a pre-made frosting for a fast decorated cookie.
- Shape Cookies: Use cookie cutters to shape the dough for holidays or parties.
- Mix-ins: Stir in chocolate chips or your favorite candies for a simple variation.
FAQ’S
Keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will be good for up to 5 or 6 days. You can also freeze the dough for up to 2 months.
Yes! These cookies are delicious! They taste a little like a shortbread cookie. Even though there are only a few ingredients, these cookies don’t lack flavor!
More Cookie Recipes
3 Ingredient Sugar Cookies
Equipment
- Large Bowl
- Mixer
- Cookie Scoop
- Baking Sheet
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all purpose flour
Optional: 1 teaspoon vanilla, sprinkles or frosting
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat.
- Add the butter and sugar to a large mixing bowl. Then using a stand mixer or electric mixer, beat them together until it forms a sandy looking mixture.
- Add the flour in intervals, mixing on medium speed after each addition. Once all of the flour is added, mix on medium speed until a soft cookie dough forms.
- Use a portion scoop or large spoon to scoop out dough and then roll into balls. Gently flatten the tops of the dough balls. Leave plain or add sprinkles, then place them on the prepared cookie sheet. Leave about an inch in between dough to allow room for spread.
- Place the cookies on the center rack in the preheated oven and bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the cookies begin to turn golden brown on the edges.
- Remove the cookies from the oven, and let them cool for 3-5 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack to let them finish cooling.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
easy recipe
Great tasting cookies, easy recipe to follow. Thanks for sharing.