Introduction

These 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies are perfect for a quick and satisfying homemade treat. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up deliciously soft and buttery cookies that everyone will love.

A close-up of a stack of soft, round sugar cookies placed on a white marbled surface. Each cookie is pale golden with a slightly cracked top, sprinkled with multicolored tiny round sprinkles in red, blue, yellow, green, and pink, spread evenly across the surface. The cookies overlap slightly, showing their thickness and soft texture. Around the cookies, a few sprinkles are scattered lightly on the white marbled background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

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)
Rainbow sprinkles or nonpareils (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a large bowl, cream the unsalted butter with ⅔ cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy. If using, add the vanilla extract and mix well.
Step 3: Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the butter mixture, stirring until the dough comes together and forms a smooth ball.
Step 4: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Roll each ball in the remaining 3 tablespoons of sugar to coat, then place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Step 5: If desired, gently press rainbow sprinkles or nonpareils onto the tops of the cookie dough balls for a festive touch.
Step 6: Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain soft.
Step 7: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips & Variations

For a richer flavor, substitute half of the unsalted butter with browned butter.
Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or lemon zest to the dough for a subtle twist.
If you prefer crispier cookies, bake a few minutes longer, watching carefully to avoid burning.
Use almond extract instead of vanilla for a nutty aroma.

Storage

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To keep them fresh longer, place a slice of bread in the container to maintain softness. Reheat gently in a microwave for a few seconds if you prefer warm cookies.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of several round sugar cookies piled on top of each other, each cookie having a light golden color with a slightly cracked surface. The top layer of each cookie is decorated with small, colorful round sprinkles in blue, yellow, pink, and green scattered evenly. The cookies have a soft, slightly crumbly texture and rest on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Yes, you can freeze the dough balls on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. Bake from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

What if I don’t have unsalted butter?

You can use salted butter, but reduce or skip adding extra salt in the recipe to avoid an overly salty cookie.

3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 62 reviews

These 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies are a simple and delightful treat perfect for any occasion. With just butter, sugar, and flour, you can create soft, buttery cookies that are quick to prepare and enjoyable for everyone. Optional vanilla extract and sprinkles add a fun and flavorful touch.

Author: Bella
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Basic Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
⅔ cup + 3 tablespoons granulated sugar (divided)
2 cups + 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)

Optional Ingredients

1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Rainbow sprinkles or nonpareils

Instructions

Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter with ⅔ cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy. If using vanilla extract, add it now and mix well to combine.
Add the Flour: Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the butter and sugar mixture, stirring until a smooth dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into small balls about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on an ungreased baking sheet spaced about 2 inches apart. Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass or your palm.
Add Toppings: Sprinkle the tops of the cookies with the remaining 3 tablespoons of sugar for added sweetness and a slight crunch. If desired, add rainbow sprinkles or nonpareils for a festive look.
Bake the Cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Avoid overbaking to maintain a soft texture.
Cool and Serve: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Room temperature butter is essential for creaming properly with sugar.
Do not overmix the dough to avoid tough cookies.
Optional vanilla extract adds depth of flavor but can be omitted.
Watch the cookies closely near the end of baking to prevent overbaking.
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
For a different flavor, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or lemon zest to the dough.

Keywords: 3-ingredient cookies, easy sugar cookies, simple cookie recipe, buttery sugar cookies, quick dessert