3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies Recipe
These 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies are a simple and quick recipe perfect for any occasion. Made with just butter, sugar, and flour, these cookies are buttery, sweet, and lightly crisp on the edges with a soft center. Optional vanilla extract and colorful sprinkles add extra flavor and fun. Ideal for beginner bakers and those looking for a fuss-free treat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 14-16 minutes
- Total Time: 24-26 minutes
- Yield: About 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Toppings
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar (for coating)
- Rainbow sprinkles or nonpareils (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare baking sheets: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened unsalted butter and ⅔ cup of granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy, which helps create a tender texture.
- Add flour and vanilla: Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour until the dough is fully combined and holds together; if using, incorporate the vanilla extract for enhanced flavor.
- Form dough balls and coat: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Coat each ball in the remaining 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar to add a sweet, slightly crunchy exterior.
- Shape and add toppings: Place the coated balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them evenly. Slightly press down each ball to flatten and, if desired, sprinkle with rainbow sprinkles or nonpareils for a festive look.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 14 to 16 minutes until the edges turn golden brown, signaling they are perfectly baked.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 10 to 15 minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack or serving plate.
Notes
- For best results, use room temperature butter to ensure easy creaming with sugar.
- Do not overbake; cookies will firm up as they cool.
- Vanilla extract is optional but adds depth of flavor.
- Sugar coating creates a delightful crunchy exterior contrasting the soft cookie center.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
- You can customize by adding chocolate chips or nuts if desired, but this will alter the simple ingredient count.
Keywords: sugar cookies, easy cookie recipe, 3 ingredient cookies, butter cookies, simple dessert
