Quick and easy sugar cookies made with just three pantry ingredients—no eggs required! These 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies are a delightful treat that can brighten any occasion, from casual gatherings to festive celebrations. Their simple yet delicious flavor makes them a favorite among both kids and adults. Plus, they can be customized with sprinkles for an extra touch of fun!
Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tools and Preparation
- Essential Tools and Equipment
- Importance of Each Tool
- Ingredients
- Main Ingredients
- How to Make 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies
- Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
- Step 3: Incorporate the Flour
- Step 4: Shape the Cookies
- Step 5: Coat with Sugar
- Step 6: Flatten & Decorate
- Step 7: Bake
- Step 8: Cool
- How to Serve 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies
- With a Glass of Milk
- On a Dessert Platter
- As Party Favors
- Topped with Ice Cream
- With Hot Chocolate
- For Holiday Gatherings
- 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
- Can I substitute margarine for butter?
- How do I make these cookies without vanilla extract?
- Can I add chocolate chips to these cookies?
- How long do these cookies stay fresh?
- What should I do if my cookies are too dry?
- Final Thoughts
- 📖 Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simplicity: With only three main ingredients, these cookies are incredibly easy to make.
- No Eggs Needed: Perfect for those who may have egg allergies or want to avoid eggs in their baking.
- Delicious Flavor: Buttery and sweet, these cookies are sure to please everyone’s taste buds.
- Versatile: Ideal for any occasion, from birthday parties to holiday gatherings, or just a cozy night in.
- Customizable: Add vanilla extract or sprinkles for added flavor and visual appeal.
Tools and Preparation
To make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable, having the right tools on hand is essential.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Electric mixer
- Mixing bowl
- Cookie scoop
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
Importance of Each Tool
- Electric mixer: Makes creaming butter and sugar effortless, ensuring a well-blended dough.
- Cookie scoop: Helps you form uniform cookie balls for even baking.
- Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes clean-up easier after baking.
Ingredients
For these delicious cookies, gather the following ingredients:
Main 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 but recommended
- Rainbow sprinkles or nonpareils, optional but recommended
How to Make 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 325°F (163°C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. This prepares your space for optimal cookie baking.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a medium bowl, use a handheld electric mixer to beat together the unsalted butter and ⅔ cup granulated sugar. Mix until combined, aiming for a slightly gritty texture—this is normal!
Step 3: Incorporate the Flour
Add the all-purpose flour to your mixture. Blend until well combined. If you choose to add vanilla extract, now is the time to mix it in for an extra depth of flavor.
Step 4: Shape the Cookies
Using a cookie scoop or your hands, roll the dough into 1-inch balls. This will give you perfectly sized cookies.
Step 5: Coat with Sugar
Roll each dough ball in the remaining 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar. Place them on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart.
Step 6: Flatten & Decorate
Gently press each dough ball down using the bottom of a measuring cup or glass until they reach about 3/16-inch thickness. If using sprinkles, add them on top now and press lightly so they stick.
Step 7: Bake
Place your baking sheets in the preheated oven. Bake for 14-16 minutes or until the edges and bottoms turn slightly golden.
Step 8: Cool
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven. Let them rest on the baking sheets for at least 10-15 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. Enjoy your freshly baked cookies!
How to Serve 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies
These delightful 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies are perfect for any occasion. Here are some creative ways to serve them that will impress your friends and family.
With a Glass of Milk
- Pair the cookies with a cold glass of milk for a classic combination that enhances their sweetness.
On a Dessert Platter
- Arrange cookies on a colorful dessert platter with other treats like brownies and bars for a visually appealing spread.
As Party Favors
- Package individual cookies in clear bags tied with ribbon to give as sweet party favors at birthdays or celebrations.
Topped with Ice Cream
- Serve warm cookies topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert that everyone will love.
With Hot Chocolate
- Enjoy these cookies alongside a warm mug of hot chocolate, especially during colder months, for a cozy treat.
For Holiday Gatherings
- Decorate cookies with festive sprinkles or icing to match the theme of your holiday gatherings, making them even more inviting.
How to Perfect 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies
To achieve the best results with your 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies, follow these tips for perfecting your baking skills.
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Use room temperature butter: This helps the butter blend smoothly with sugar, creating the right texture.
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Measure flour correctly: Spoon and level the flour to avoid using too much, which can lead to dry cookies.
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Chill the dough: If time permits, chill the cookie dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps them maintain shape.
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Watch baking time: Keep an eye on your cookies; they should be just slightly golden at the edges but not overcooked.
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Store properly: Keep cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness for up to a week.
Best Side Dishes for 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies
When serving these 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies, consider pairing them with some delicious side dishes. Here are some great options:
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Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds a healthy touch that balances the sweetness of the cookies.
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Cheese Platter: Include a variety of cheeses like cheddar and brie alongside crackers for a savory contrast.
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Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a light dessert option that complements cookie flavors.
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Chocolate Fondue: Dip cookie pieces into melted chocolate for an interactive and fun dessert experience.
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Nut Mix: A selection of roasted nuts provides crunch and richness that pairs well with sweet treats.
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Coffee or Tea: A cup of freshly brewed coffee or herbal tea enhances the overall experience while offering warmth and comfort.
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Mini Cupcakes: Add another layer of sweetness with mini cupcakes in complementary flavors like vanilla or chocolate.
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Pudding Cups: Serve small cups of chocolate or vanilla pudding as an easy-to-make side dish that kids love.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies can be a breeze, but common mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
- Using too much flour: This can result in dry cookies. Always spoon and level your flour for accurate measurement.
- Not softening the butter: Cold butter won’t cream properly with sugar, affecting texture. Ensure your butter is at room temperature.
- Overbaking the cookies: If baked too long, cookies can become hard. Watch for slight golden edges and remove them promptly.
- Skipping the chilling step: Chilling the dough helps maintain cookie shape while baking. If time allows, refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes.
- Not using enough sugar for coating: A light sugar coating enhances sweetness and texture. Make sure to roll each dough ball well.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.
Freezing 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies
- Freeze baked cookies in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
- Alternatively, freeze unbaked dough balls on a baking sheet before transferring them to a bag.
Reheating 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm cookies for about 5 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat each cookie for 10-15 seconds on medium power for a soft treat.
- Stovetop: Place cookies in a covered skillet over low heat for just a couple of minutes until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common queries regarding 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies:
Can I substitute margarine for butter?
You can use margarine, but it may alter the texture slightly. Stick with unsalted butter for best results.
How do I make these cookies without vanilla extract?
While vanilla adds flavor, you can omit it if you prefer. The cookies will still taste delicious!
Can I add chocolate chips to these cookies?
Yes! Feel free to mix in chocolate chips or nuts for added flavor and texture.
How long do these cookies stay fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container, they will remain fresh for about one week.
What should I do if my cookies are too dry?
Check your measurements and ensure you’re not overbaking them. Adjusting flour amounts may also help achieve the perfect consistency.
Final Thoughts
These 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies are not only quick and simple but also incredibly versatile. You can customize them with various toppings like sprinkles or chocolate chips. Perfectly sweet and buttery, they make an excellent treat for any occasion. Give this recipe a try and enjoy delightful homemade cookies!
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3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies
- Total Time: 31 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful simplicity of our 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies, perfect for every occasion! This quick and straightforward recipe requires no eggs and uses just three pantry staples, making it an ideal choice for both novice bakers and seasoned pros. The buttery flavor combined with a light sprinkle of sugar creates cookies that are irresistibly soft and sweet. Customize them with colorful sprinkles or a hint of vanilla extract for added fun and flair. Whether you’re hosting a birthday party, celebrating holidays, or enjoying a cozy night in, these cookies will surely impress family and friends.
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
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and ⅔ cup of sugar until slightly gritty.
- Gradually add in the flour until fully combined; mix in vanilla if using.
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls, then coat each ball with the remaining sugar.
- Flatten slightly using the bottom of a glass and add sprinkles if desired.
- Bake for 14-16 minutes until edges are golden; let cool before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (25g)
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: <1g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
