Introduction

These 3-ingredient easy sugar cookies are a simple and delicious treat perfect for any occasion. With just a few pantry staples, you can whip up soft, buttery cookies that are sure to please everyone.

A stack of seven round sugar cookies, each with a light beige color and a soft, slightly cracked texture on the surface. They are topped with small, round, colorful sprinkles in various bright shades like blue, pink, red, white, yellow, and green, scattered unevenly on the top of each cookie. Some sprinkles are also scattered around the cookies on a white marbled surface. The cookies overlap each other loosely with five mostly visible and two partially hidden underneath, showing their thickness and soft edges. 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 the oven to 325°F (163°C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and ⅔ cup of sugar until smooth.
Step 3: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and mix until fully combined. Incorporate vanilla extract if using.
Step 4: Roll dough into 1-inch balls and coat each ball in the remaining 3 tablespoons of sugar before placing them on the baking sheets.
Step 5: Slightly press down each ball to flatten and sprinkle with optional toppings if desired.
Step 6: Bake for 14-16 minutes until edges are golden. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheets for 10-15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon or almond extract to the dough.
Use colored sugar or add a small amount of lemon zest for a fresh twist.
Chill the dough for 30 minutes before rolling to help the cookies hold their shape better.
Swap sprinkles for mini chocolate chips for a different texture and flavor.

Storage

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To refresh slightly, warm them in a low oven for a few minutes. These cookies can also be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw at room temperature before serving.

How to Serve

A close-up view of several soft, round sugar cookies stacked and overlapping on a white marbled surface, each cookie is pale yellow with a slightly cracked texture and topped with small, colorful round sprinkles in red, blue, green, pink, orange, white, and purple scattered evenly across the top surfaces. The cookies have a soft and slightly thick appearance with a light, bouncy texture visible in the slight cracks and edges. Some sprinkles have fallen on the white marbled surface around the cookies, adding to the bright, cheerful look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these cookies without vanilla extract?

Yes, vanilla extract is optional. The cookies will still taste delicious thanks to the butter and sugar base.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

Make sure your butter is at room temperature but not too soft, and consider chilling the dough briefly before baking. Also, avoid pressing the dough balls too flat before baking.

3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies Recipe

Print 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.

Author: zara
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 14-16 minutes
Total Time: 25-30 minutes
Yield: About 24 cookies 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

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

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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