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3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies Recipe

4.8 from 77 reviews

These 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies are a simple and quick treat perfect for any occasion. With just butter, sugar, and flour, you can create soft, buttery, and sweet cookies that only require a few pantry staples. Optional vanilla extract and colorful sprinkles add a festive touch without complicating the recipe.

Ingredients

Scale

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)
  • Rainbow sprinkles or nonpareils (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and prepare two large baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream together the room temperature unsalted butter and ⅔ cup of granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy, which helps create a tender cookie texture.
  3. Add Flour and Vanilla: Gradually add the 2 cups plus 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour to the butter mixture, mixing until fully combined. If using, incorporate 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract at this stage for enhanced flavor.
  4. Form Cookie Balls: Roll the dough into 1-inch diameter balls. Coat each ball in the remaining 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar, which will add a crunchy sweet exterior after baking.
  5. Shape and Decorate: Place the sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them evenly. Slightly press down each ball to flatten it. If desired, sprinkle the tops with rainbow sprinkles or nonpareils for a decorative finish.
  6. Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 14 to 16 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown, indicating they are cooked through but still soft inside.
  7. Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 10 to 15 minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack or serving plate.

Notes

  • Butter should be softened to room temperature for easier mixing and better texture.
  • If vanilla extract is not available, the cookies will still be delicious without it.
  • Rolling dough balls in sugar before baking adds a pleasant crunch and sparkle to the cookies.
  • Make sure not to overbake; cookies should have golden edges and soft centers.
  • For allergy alternatives, use dairy-free butter substitutes to make this recipe vegan-friendly.

Keywords: sugar cookies, easy cookies, 3-ingredient cookies, simple sugar cookies, homemade cookies, baking