3 Ingredient Sugar Cookies Recipe

Soft, Tender, and So Easy to Make

If you’re searching for an incredibly simple baking recipe that still delivers full sugar-cookie comfort, this 3 Ingredient Sugar Cookies Recipe is a must-try. These cookies are soft and tender in the center, lightly crisp on the edges, and coated in a sparkling sugar crust that gives them the classic crunch we love. There are no eggs required, no chilling necessary, and no complicated steps. Just butter, sugar, and flour come together to make a delicious homemade treat that feels nostalgic and special.

Whether you’re a beginner baker, need a fast cookie recipe for a holiday gathering, or want something sweet without a long ingredient list, these 3 ingredient sugar cookies are the perfect solution. Dress them up with sprinkles or icing for a festive touch, or enjoy them plain like the classic sugar cookie you grew up with.

This post will walk you through everything you need to know: how to prepare them, helpful troubleshooting tips, optional upgrades, flavor variations, storage instructions, serving ideas, and answers to the most common questions. By the end, you’ll be a total pro at making this 3 Ingredient Sugar Cookies Recipe anytime the craving strikes.

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Why You’ll Love This 3 Ingredient Sugar Cookies Recipe

This recipe isn’t just easy. It’s reliable, delicious, and surprisingly versatile.

Here are the standout perks:

• Made with only 3 pantry staples

• Soft and chewy with a crisp edge

• No eggs required

• No chilling time needed

• Kid-friendly baking project

• Ready in under an hour from start to finish

• Easily customizable with mix-ins and decorations

• Perfect for last-minute cookie trays and holidays

Life is busy, but delicious home-baked cookies shouldn’t have to be complicated. With just a few minutes of mixing and a quick bake, these cookies come out picture-perfect every time.

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Ingredients for 3 Ingredient Sugar Cookies Recipe

To make this 3 Ingredient Sugar Cookies Recipe, you’ll only need:

Optional additions (choose one or mix and match)

• Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon for classic sugar cookie flavor

• Almond extract: ½ teaspoon for bakery-style sweetness

• Colored sprinkles: ¼ cup to fold into the dough

• Festive sanding sugar for coating

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Equipment Needed

• Two large baking sheets

• Parchment paper or silicone baking liners

• Stand mixer with paddle attachment (or electric hand mixer)

• Small cookie scoop (1 tablespoon)

• Small bowl for sugar rolling

• Cooling rack

Simple tools, no fancy gadgets. This recipe truly is as easy as baking gets.

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How to Make 3 Ingredient Sugar Cookies Recipe

Follow these step-by-step instructions to get soft, delicious sugar cookies every time.

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C).
Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even baking.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a bowl fitted with a paddle attachment, beat together 1 cup softened butter and ¾ cup granulated sugar on low to combine.

Increase speed to medium and continue mixing for 3–4 minutes until the mixture becomes pale, whipped, and fluffy.
This process adds air, giving your cookies a soft texture instead of a dense one.

Step 3: Add the Flour

Lower the mixer speed and gradually add 2 cups of all-purpose flour. Mix just until the dough comes together.
Do not over-mix or the cookies will become tough.

Check dough texture:

• If too sticky, add 1 tablespoon of flour at a time, up to ¼ cup total.

• Dough should feel tacky but rollable.

If using sprinkles, fold them in now.

Step 4: Shape and Coat

Add the remaining ¼ cup sugar to a small bowl.

Scoop cookie dough into 1-tablespoon balls and roll each in sugar until fully coated.
Place on prepared baking sheet, leaving space between cookies to allow spreading.

Top with a few sprinkles if you want a festive look.

Step 5: Bake

Bake 12–14 minutes or until edges are lightly golden and set.
Do not overbake — they will finish firming up as they cool.

Step 6: Cool

Cool on the baking sheet for 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to finish cooling completely.

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Baking Tips for Best Cookie Results

Even with only three ingredients, a few small technique details make a big difference.

Use these pro-level secrets:

• Measure flour correctly using the spoon-and-level method to avoid dryness

• Butter should be soft but not melted, around 65°F–67°F

• Creaming butter long enough is crucial for texture

• Sugar coating creates a crackly top and crisp edge

• Space cookies at least 2 inches apart to prevent sticking

If the dough looks crumbly, keep mixing — butter softens as it blends and will eventually form a smooth dough.

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Customization Ideas

From kid-friendly fun to seasonal elegance, these cookies take well to all types of additions.

Flavor Add-Ins

• Vanilla extract for classic flavor

• Lemon zest for a bright twist

• Almond extract for bakery-style depth

• Cinnamon sugar coating for warm spice

Texture Boosters

Fold in:

• Mini chocolate chips

• Funfetti sprinkles

• Crushed peppermint candy

• Toffee bits

Decoration Upgrades

Try:

• Royal icing designs for holidays

• Drizzle with melted white or dark chocolate

• Press a Hershey’s kiss in the center after baking

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Serving Suggestions

Serve alongside:

• Hot cocoa or holiday drinks

• Tea, iced coffee, or warm lattes

• Ice cream sandwiches using two cookies and your favorite scoop

• Cookie platters for parties or gift boxes

Sugar cookies never go out of style, especially when they’re this simple.

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Storage and Make Ahead Instructions

A major benefit of this 3 Ingredient Sugar Cookies Recipe is how well they store.

Store

• Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature

• They stay soft and fresh for 5–7 days

Freeze Baked Cookies

• Freeze up to 3 months

• Thaw at room temp before serving

Freeze Cookie Dough

• Roll into balls and freeze on a sheet

• Once solid, store in freezer bag up to 3 months

• Bake from frozen: add 1–2 minutes

This makes it easy to bake just a few cookies at a time when cravings hit.

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Troubleshooting Guide

Don’t worry — once you bake a batch or two, this 3 Ingredient Sugar Cookies Recipe becomes second nature.

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Sugar Cookie FAQs

Can I use salted butter?

Yes, but reduce added sugar slightly and omit any additional salt.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely — store in fridge up to 3 days, wrapped tightly.

Do I need eggs?

No. That’s what makes this recipe so simple.

Can I add food coloring?

Yes. Gel food dyes are recommended to avoid thinning the dough.

Do these cookies spread?

They spread slightly while baking, creating soft thickness with crisp edges.

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More Easy Cookie Recipes to Try

If you love this 3 Ingredient Sugar Cookies Recipe, here are more quick favorites to add to your list:

• Soft Classic Sugar Cookies

• Chocolate Sugar Cookies

• No-Bake Cookie Dough Bites

• 2 Ingredient Donuts (for another ultra-easy bake)

• Hot Chocolate Cookies (perfect for cold months)

You can build a full cookie platter with simple pantry-friendly ingredients.

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Final Thoughts

This 3 Ingredient Sugar Cookies Recipe proves that homemade baking doesn’t need to be complicated to be delicious. With only butter, sugar, and flour, you can create soft, tender sugar cookies that feel nostalgic and comforting in every bite. They are budget-friendly, beginner-friendly, and endlessly customizable, making them perfect for holidays, school parties, last-minute dessert cravings, or just because.

Once you make these simple sugar cookies, you’ll want to add them permanently to your baking rotation. They are a go-to recipe for those moments when you want a homemade treat without a long list of ingredients or extra time in the kitchen.