Introduction

These 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies are simple, buttery, and perfect for any occasion. With just a few pantry staples, you can whip up a batch of soft, sweet cookies that everyone will love. Customize them with sprinkles for a fun touch!

A close-up of a stack of soft, round sugar cookies with a light creamy color, each topped with small, brightly colored round sprinkles in blue, pink, red, white, yellow, orange, and green scattered evenly on the surface. The cookies have a slightly cracked texture and are placed directly on a white marbled surface, with a few sprinkles scattered around them. The layers are not separated but the cookies slightly overlap each other, showing their round shape and soft texture. 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. If using, stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 4: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and coat each in the remaining 3 tablespoons of sugar before placing them on the prepared 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 the edges are golden. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 10-15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Tips & Variations

For a flavor boost, add a pinch of cinnamon or lemon zest to the dough.
Use colored sugars or crushed nuts instead of sprinkles for different textures and looks.
If the dough feels too soft, chill it for 30 minutes before rolling to make shaping easier.
Substitute part of the all-purpose flour with almond flour for a nutty twist.

Storage

Store the cooled sugar cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To keep them soft, place a slice of bread in the container. Reheat gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds if you prefer them warm.

How to Serve

A close-up view of six soft sugar cookies stacked unevenly, each cookie is light beige with a slightly cracked texture and topped with colorful small round sprinkles in red, blue, green, orange, white, pink, and purple scattered all over their flat surface, with some sprinkles fallen around the cookies on a white marbled textured background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, you can use salted butter, but reduce or omit any additional salt in the recipe to avoid an overly salty taste.

Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Absolutely. Shape the dough into balls, freeze on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 72 reviews

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.

Author: Marco
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