Quick and easy sugar cookies made with just three pantry ingredients—no eggs required! These 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies are not only simple to prepare but also delightful for any occasion. Their sweet, buttery flavor makes them a favorite for birthdays, holidays, or just an afternoon treat.
Why You’ll Love This 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies
This recipe is all about simplicity and taste.
- Effortless Recipe: With only three ingredients, this cookie recipe requires minimal effort and time.
- No Eggs Needed: Perfect for those who may not have eggs on hand or prefer egg-free baking.
- Customizable Options: Add vanilla, sprinkles, or nonpareils for a personal touch to suit your taste.
- Perfectly Buttery Flavor: The combination of butter and sugar creates a rich taste that everyone loves.
- Great for Any Occasion: These cookies are ideal for celebrations, snacks, or just a sweet treat at home.
Tools and Preparation
To bake these delicious cookies, you’ll need some essential tools.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Handheld electric mixer
- Cookie scoop (or hands)
- Measuring cups
- Parchment paper
- Baking sheets
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A sturdy bowl helps combine the ingredients evenly without spills.
- Handheld electric mixer: This tool makes it easy to cream the butter and sugar together smoothly.
- Cookie scoop: Using a scoop ensures uniform cookie sizes for even baking.
Ingredients
For the 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, 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.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a medium bowl:
1. Use a handheld electric mixer to beat the unsalted butter and ⅔ cup of granulated sugar until well combined.
2. The mixture will be slightly gritty; this is perfectly normal.
Step 3: Incorporate the Flour
Add the all-purpose flour. Mix until everything is well combined. If you choose to use it, blend in the vanilla extract.
Step 4: Shape the Cookies
Use a cookie scoop or your hands to roll the dough into balls about 1 inch in size.
Step 5: Coat with Sugar
Roll each ball in the remaining 3 tablespoons of sugar. Place them on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart.
Step 6: Flatten & Decorate
Press each dough ball slightly using the bottom of a measuring cup or glass until they reach about 3/16-inch thickness. If desired, sprinkle some rainbow sprinkles or nonpareils on top and press lightly so they adhere.
Step 7: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 14-16 minutes. Look for slightly golden edges and bottoms.
Step 8: Cool
Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to rest on the baking sheets for at least 10-15 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. Enjoy your freshly baked 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies!
How to Serve 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies
These delightful 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies are versatile and can be served in various creative ways. Whether you want to impress guests at a gathering or enjoy them as a simple snack, here are some serving suggestions.
With a Glass of Milk
- A classic pairing that enhances the sweetness of the cookies.
Cookie Sandwiches
- Spread your favorite frosting between two cookies for an indulgent treat.
Topped with Ice Cream
- Place a scoop of ice cream on top of one cookie and sandwich it with another for an easy dessert.
Dipped in Chocolate
- Melt dark or white chocolate and dip half of the cookie for an extra layer of flavor.
Decorated for Special Occasions
- Use colorful icing and sprinkles to decorate cookies for birthdays or holidays.
As Party Favors
- Package the cookies in cute bags tied with ribbons to give away at events.
How to Perfect 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies
To ensure your 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Measure flour accurately: Spoon and level your flour to avoid using too much, which can lead to dry cookies.
- Use room temperature butter: This helps achieve a creamy texture when creaming with sugar, resulting in better dough consistency.
- Chill the dough: If the dough is too soft, refrigerate it for about 30 minutes before shaping to maintain their form while baking.
- Watch baking time: Keep an eye on your cookies; they should be slightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center when done.
- Experiment with flavors: Add extracts like almond or lemon zest for a twist on the classic recipe.
Best Side Dishes for 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies
These sugar cookies pair well with many side dishes that can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some delicious options to consider.
- Fresh Fruit Salad
A light and refreshing mix of seasonal fruits complements the sweetness of the cookies. - Chocolate Fondue
Provide melted chocolate alongside strawberries or bananas to dip your cookies into for a fun dessert experience. - Homemade Whipped Cream
A dollop of freshly whipped cream can add richness and balance the sweetness of the cookies. - Coffee or Tea
A warm beverage like coffee or tea serves as a perfect accompaniment to enjoy with these delightful treats. - Cheese Platter
Include mild cheeses that contrast beautifully with the sweet flavor profile of your sugar cookies. - Yogurt Parfait
Layer yogurt with granola and fruit for a healthy balanced option alongside your cookies.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect the final result.
- Too much flour: Using too much flour will make the cookies dry. Always spoon and level the flour for accurate measurement.
- Not creaming properly: If you don’t mix the butter and sugar thoroughly, cookies may not have a smooth texture. Beat until well combined and slightly fluffy.
- Skipping the cooling time: Allowing cookies to cool on baking sheets is important. This helps them set properly before transferring to a rack.
- Incorrect oven temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can lead to uneven baking. Always preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) for best results.
- Overbaking: Watch your cookies closely to avoid overbaking them. They should be just slightly golden on the edges when done.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Place parchment paper between layers if stacking.
Freezing Instructions
- Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to an airtight container or freezer bag.
- They can be stored frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Instructions
- Oven: Preheat to 300°F (150°C) and warm cookies for about 5-7 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10 seconds for a soft, warm treat.
- Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat for about 1-2 minutes, covering with a lid to retain moisture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about making 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but it may alter the sweetness slightly. If using salted butter, reduce added salt in other recipes where applicable.
How do I make these cookies gluten-free?
You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it’s suitable for baking.
Can I add different flavors?
Definitely! You can incorporate almond extract or lemon zest for added flavor. Experiment with spices like cinnamon as well.
What are some toppings I can use?
In addition to rainbow sprinkles or nonpareils, you could use chopped nuts or chocolate chips for variation.
How long do these cookies last?
When stored properly, they last about a week in the refrigerator or up to three months in the freezer.
Final Thoughts
These 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies are quick, simple, and perfect for any occasion. Their buttery flavor makes them irresistible. Feel free to customize your cookies with various toppings or flavors. Try this recipe today and enjoy delightful homemade treats!
3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies
- Total Time: 26 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful simplicity of 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies! This quick and easy recipe transforms everyday pantry staples into mouthwatering cookies that are perfect for any occasion. With a rich, buttery flavor and a soft, chewy texture, these cookies are sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a holiday gathering, or simply craving a sweet treat, these sugar cookies can be customized with sprinkles or flavored extracts to suit your taste. Plus, they require no eggs, making them an excellent choice for egg-free baking enthusiasts. Try this effortless recipe today and enjoy the sweet comfort of homemade cookies!
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 the oven to 325°F (163°C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and ⅔ cup of sugar until smooth.
- Gradually add the all-purpose flour and mix until fully combined. Incorporate vanilla if using.
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls and coat each in the remaining sugar before placing them on baking sheets.
- Slightly press down each ball to flatten and sprinkle with optional toppings if desired.
- Bake for 14-16 minutes until edges are golden. Allow cooling on baking sheets for 10-15 minutes before transferring.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (approximately 20g)
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: <1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
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