3 Ingredient Soft Sugar Cookies Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a delightfully simple treat that delivers maximum flavor with minimum fuss, you’re going to adore this 3 Ingredient Soft Sugar Cookies Recipe. These cookies come together in a flash, requiring just butter, sugar, and self-rising flour, yet the result is irresistibly soft, tender cookies with a delicate crumb and a hint of sweetness that feels like a warm hug. Perfect for those moments when you want something homemade without the marathon baking session, these cookies prove that sometimes less truly is more in the kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Sometimes the best recipes are the simplest, and these three ingredients are essentials that work harmoniously to create the perfect soft sugar cookie texture and taste. Each component plays a crucial role, from the richness of butter to the subtle lift from self-rising flour.

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter: Softened to room temperature, it adds richness and helps create that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• 1/2 cup granulated white sugar: Sweetens the dough while contributing to the slight crispness around the edges.
• 1 cup self-rising flour: This flour combines flour, baking powder, and salt, giving the cookies a gentle rise without extra ingredients.
• 1 tbsp sprinkles (optional): Fun for a pop of color and festivity, especially when serving these cookies to kids or at celebrations.

How to Make 3 Ingredient Soft Sugar Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan

Start by setting your oven to 325°F (163°C) and lining a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This setup ensures your cookies don’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze, so you can focus more on enjoying the process.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a roomy mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and granulated sugar. Use a mixer with a flat paddle attachment and beat on medium speed, gradually increasing to high. Your goal is a light and fluffy mixture that looks like a soft cloud—this step is key for those tender cookies. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides of the bowl once or twice to mix evenly.

Step 3: Add the Flour

Next, sprinkle in the self-rising flour. Start mixing slowly so it incorporates smoothly without making a mess. The dough may initially look crumbly—that’s totally normal. Keep mixing, and soon you’ll have a soft yet slightly dry dough that’s ready to be shaped.

Step 4: Shape the Cookies

Using a 1.5 tablespoon cookie scoop makes portioning easy and consistent. Drop the dough balls evenly spaced about 1.5 to 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheet to give them room to spread beautifully as they bake.

Step 5: Optional Sprinkle Garnish

If you’re feeling festive, pour a tablespoon of sprinkles into a small bowl. Gently press the tops of each dough ball into the sprinkles so they generously coat the surface. Flatten each one slightly to around 9/16 inch thick, which helps them bake evenly with a charming, colorful flourish.

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

Pop the cookie sheet into the oven and bake for 15 to 16 minutes. Watch as the cookies puff up initially and then spread out, with edges turning a delicate light golden hue. This transformation is the magic of the 3 Ingredient Soft Sugar Cookies Recipe in action.

Step 7: Cool

After baking, let the cookies cool right on the baking sheet. They’ll gently deflate and develop a wonderfully crinkled surface. Once fully cooled, transfer them to an airtight container to keep their softness locked in and flavors fresh.

How to Serve 3 Ingredient Soft Sugar Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

While these cookies shine beautifully on their own, adding a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate can elevate their charm. For special occasions, a sprinkle of coarse sugar or edible glitter can bring a festive sparkle that makes them downright irresistible.

Side Dishes

These soft sugar cookies pair beautifully with a classic glass of cold milk—but why stop there? A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a warm cup of tea or coffee rounds out the experience, making snack time feel like a mini celebration.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking these cookies with a dollop of whipped cream or jam in the middle for a delightful sandwich treat. Alternatively, arrange them on a colorful plate with fresh berries or edible flowers to add a touch of elegance to your dessert table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

These soft sugar cookies keep their tender texture best when stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Place a slice of bread inside the container to maintain softness even longer—it’s a classic trick that works wonders.

Freezing

If you want to prepare ahead, freeze the dough balls before baking. Just scoop them onto a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When ready, bake them straight from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time. Baked cookies can also be frozen in airtight containers for up to 3 months.

Reheating

To enjoy leftovers at their freshest, warm the cookies for 10 to 15 seconds in the microwave or for a few minutes in a low oven. This revives their soft texture and brings back that delightful homemade aroma.

FAQs

Can I substitute self-rising flour with all-purpose flour?

Yes, but you’ll need to add 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder and 1/4 teaspoon salt per cup of all-purpose flour to mimic self-rising flour’s effect. This substitution ensures your cookies still rise and get that lovely texture.

Why are my cookies too flat?

Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, and avoid over-mixing the dough. Also, spacing dough balls with enough room on the baking sheet helps prevent excessive spreading.

Can I add flavorings like vanilla or almond extract?

Absolutely! Adding 1 teaspoon of vanilla or almond extract enhances the flavor beautifully without complicating this simple recipe.

Why do the cookies have a dry texture?

The dough is naturally a bit dry due to the simplicity of ingredients, but if your cookies are too dry after baking, double-check baking times and oven temperature. Slightly underbaking them ensures softness.

Are sprinkles necessary?

Not at all. The sprinkles are just a fun optional touch to brighten up the cookies. They taste amazing plain, too, making this recipe flexible for any occasion.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite as satisfying as biting into a soft, buttery sugar cookie made with just three ingredients and a whole lot of love. This 3 Ingredient Soft Sugar Cookies Recipe is a must-try for anyone craving a hassle-free, delicious treat that can brighten any day. Whip up a batch, share them with friends and family, and watch how quickly they vanish—you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again.

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