The Easiest 3 Ingredient Sugar Cookies You’ll Ever Make

Have you ever had a sudden craving for homemade cookies but felt too intimidated by long ingredient lists and complicated techniques? I’ve been there too! That’s why I’m thrilled to share this incredibly simple 3 ingredient sugar cookies recipe that will revolutionize your baking game. Whether you’re a busy parent looking for a quick activity with the kids, a beginner baker taking your first steps in the kitchen, or simply someone who wants a delicious treat without the hassle, this recipe is for you.

When I first discovered this recipe, I was skeptical. Can cookies with just 3 ingredients actually taste good? The answer is a resounding yes! These cookies aren’t just easy—they’re genuinely delicious, with that classic sugar cookie taste and texture you crave.

What Makes This Recipe Special

What makes these 3 ingredient sugar cookies truly special is their perfect balance of simplicity and flavor. In just minutes of prep time and with pantry staples you likely already have on hand, you can enjoy warm, freshly-baked cookies that taste like you spent hours in the kitchen.

Unlike other sugar cookie recipes that require chilling, rolling, and cutting, these cookies are much more forgiving. The dough comes together in seconds, and you can have cookies ready to enjoy in under 15 minutes total. Yet despite their simplicity, they still deliver that rich, buttery flavor and satisfying texture that makes sugar cookies so beloved.

Some might worry that a simplified recipe means sacrificing taste or texture, but these cookies prove that assumption wrong. They’re the perfect blank canvas for whatever flavors or add-ins you might want to experiment with, though they’re absolutely delicious in their most basic form.

Ingredients

For these incredibly easy cookies, you’ll need just three simple ingredients:

Important Ingredient Notes

• Flour: Regular all-purpose flour works perfectly in this sugar cookie recipe. For the most accurate results, I recommend measuring by weight if possible, or using the spoon-and-level method to avoid packing too much flour into your measuring cup.
• Butter: Use real butter for the best flavor. Margarine can work in a pinch but will change the texture and flavor slightly. Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature, but not melted.
• Sugar: Regular granulated sugar creates the classic sugar cookie taste and gives these cookies their signature light crispness around the edges.

Substitutions for Dietary Needs

• Gluten-Free: You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
• Dairy-Free: Vegan butter sticks (not margarine) can replace regular butter with good results.
• Lower Sugar: While sugar is essential for the structure, you can reduce it to 1/4 cup if desired.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Ensure your butter is softened to room temperature. It should yield to light pressure but still hold its shape.

Making the Dough

1. Optional: Add decorations
   • If desired, sprinkle a little extra sugar on top of each cookie before baking.
   • You can also press a fork into the tops of the cookies to create a crisscross pattern.

Baking

1. Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, until the edges are just barely turning golden.
2. Allow to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
3. Cool completely before decorating, if desired.

Tips & Tricks for Perfect 3 Ingredient Sugar Cookies

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Don’t overmix the dough – This can make your cookies tough instead of tender.
• Don’t overbake – These cookies should be very light in color with just a hint of golden around the edges.
• Don’t use cold butter – Properly softened butter is essential for the right texture.

How to Store Your Cookies

• Counter storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Refrigerator storage: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Freezer storage: Baked cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container.

Make-Ahead Options

• Freeze the dough: Roll into balls, place on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag and store for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time.
• Refrigerate the dough: The dough can be wrapped tightly and refrigerated for up to 3 days before baking.

Delicious Variations & Add-ins

The beauty of this easy sugar cookie recipe is its versatility! Here are some simple ways to customize your cookies:

Flavor Variations

• Vanilla: Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for classic vanilla sugar cookies.
• Almond: Add 1/4 teaspoon of almond extract for a sophisticated flavor.
• Citrus: Add 1 teaspoon of lemon, orange, or lime zest for a refreshing twist.
• Spiced: Add 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg for warm, cozy cookies.

Mix-In Ideas

• Chocolate Chip 3 Ingredient Sugar Cookies: Fold in 1/3 cup of mini chocolate chips.
• Sprinkle Sugar Cookies: Mix 2 tablespoons of rainbow sprinkles into the dough.
• Lemon 3 Ingredient Sugar Cookies: Add lemon zest and a squeeze of lemon juice.
• Festive Holiday Cookies: Use colored sugar or themed sprinkles on top before baking.

Easy Icing & Decoration Ideas

Simple Powdered Sugar Glaze

Ingredients:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1-2 tablespoons milk
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
• Food coloring (optional)

Instructions:

1. Mix powdered sugar with 1 tablespoon of milk and vanilla if using.
2. Add more milk, a few drops at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
3. Divide and add food coloring if desired.
4. Drizzle or spread over cooled cookies.

Quick Decorating Techniques

• Dip method: Dip the tops of cookies into thin glaze and let excess drip off.
• Drizzle technique: Place glaze in a small zip-top bag, snip a tiny corner, and drizzle over cookies.
• Sprinkle additions: Add sprinkles immediately after glazing while the icing is still wet.

Troubleshooting Your Sugar Cookie Recipe

Dough Too Dry?

If your dough seems crumbly and won’t hold together:

• Add 1 teaspoon of milk or water at a time until the dough comes together.
• Make sure your butter was properly softened.
• Check your flour measurement—too much flour is the most common cause of dry dough.

Dough Too Sticky?

If your dough is too sticky to handle:

• Chill the dough for 15-30 minutes in the refrigerator.
• Add 1 tablespoon of flour at a time, mixing gently until the dough is workable.
• Make sure your butter wasn’t too warm or melted.

Cookies Spreading Too Much?

If your cookies are spreading too much during baking:

• Chill the dough balls for 15 minutes before baking.
• Check your oven temperature with an oven thermometer.
• Make sure your baking sheet is cool before placing dough on it.

Cookies Burning?

If your cookies are browning too quickly:

• Your oven may be running hot—reduce temperature by 25°F.
• Move your rack to the middle position in the oven.
• Use a light-colored baking sheet instead of a dark one.

Serving Suggestions

These versatile 3 ingredient sugar cookies pair beautifully with a variety of beverages and can be served in numerous ways:

Perfect Pairings

• Coffee or Tea: The subtle sweetness of these cookies complements a bold coffee or fragrant tea.
• Milk: A classic pairing that’s perfect for kids and adults alike.
• Hot Chocolate: For an extra special treat during colder months.

Gifting Ideas

• Stack cookies in a clear cellophane bag tied with a pretty ribbon.
• Layer in a decorative tin with parchment paper between layers.
• Include a handwritten copy of this easy recipe for the recipient to make their own.

Nutritional Information

Per cookie (based on a batch of 12 cookies):

Printable Recipe Card

THE EASIEST 3 INGREDIENT SUGAR COOKIES
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 8-10 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 12 cookies

INGREDIENTS:
- 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (113g) butter, softened
- 1/3 cup (67g) granulated sugar

INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add flour and mix until just combined.
4. Form tablespoon-sized balls, place on baking sheet, and flatten slightly.
5. Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are barely golden.
6. Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to cooling rack.

Ready to Try These Amazing 3 Ingredient Sugar Cookies?

I hope this super easy sugar cookie recipe becomes a staple in your baking repertoire! With just 3 simple ingredients, you can create delicious, homemade cookies any day of the week.

If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment below with your experience and any variations you tried. Don’t forget to rate the recipe and share a photo of your cookies on social media with the hashtag #3IngredientCookies.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of flour?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour (though the cookies will be denser) or a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Almond flour will not work as a direct substitute as it has different properties.

Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Absolutely! You can freeze the dough balls for up to 3 months. Place them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time.

Can I make these cookies vegan?

Yes, you can make a vegan version by substituting the butter with a plant-based butter stick (not margarine). Make sure the vegan butter is at room temperature before using.

Can I use a different oil instead of butter?

Butter is really essential for the proper texture and flavor of these cookies. While you could technically use coconut oil (solid, not melted), the texture and flavor will be noticeably different. I don’t recommend using liquid oils like vegetable or olive oil.

How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

These cookies are done when they’re just set and barely beginning to turn golden at the edges. They will still be quite pale overall. If you wait until they’re golden all over, they’ll be overbaked and crispy rather than soft.

Share Your Creation!

I’d love to see how your The Easiest 3 Ingredient Sugar Cookies turns out! If you make this recipe, please leave a comment and rating below. You can also share your creation by tagging me on pinterest @bake_iteasy with the hashtag #The Easiest 3 Ingredient Sugar Cookies.