3 ingredient sugar cookie recipe​

Introduction: Simple, Delicious, and Perfect for Any Occasion

Who doesn’t love a batch of warm, buttery 3-ingredient sugar cookie fresh from the oven? Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner looking for an easy treat, this 3-ingredient sugar cookie recipe is a game-changer. With just three pantry staples and no complicated steps, these cookies are the ultimate quick and delightful dessert. For more quick dessert ideas, check out our Chocolate Cherry Cake recipe for a decadent treat.

Why You’ll Love This 3-ingredient sugar cookie recipe

• Simplicity at its Best: With just three ingredients, you can create classic sugar cookies without the hassle of extra steps or fancy tools.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: From holiday parties to everyday cravings, these cookies are versatile enough for any event.
• Customizable Fun: Want to add a personal touch? These cookies are a blank canvas for creative decorations, flavor additions, or festive themes. Try pairing them with Pillsbury Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls for a seasonal dessert platter.
• Time-Saving and Budget-Friendly: Made with inexpensive pantry staples, this recipe is ideal for busy days when you need a treat in a pinch.

Key Ingredients

Here’s a quick breakdown of the three simple ingredients you’ll needto make this 3-ingredient sugar cookie, plus tips for substitutions and enhancements:

1. Butter (1 cup, softened):
   Provides the rich, creamy base for these cookies and ensures they’re soft yet crumbly. Use unsalted butter to control the saltiness, but if you only have salted butter, just skip any added salt.
   Substitution Tip: For a dairy-free version, use plant-based butter or margarine.
2. Granulated Sugar (1 cup):
   Adds sweetness and helps achieve that signature sugar cookie texture. Fine granulated sugar works best for even mixing.
   Substitution Tip: For a slightly caramelized flavor, swap with light brown sugar.
3. All-Purpose Flour (2 cups):
   The structure-builder of the cookies, flour ensures they hold their shape during baking. Sift the flour for a smoother dough.
   Substitution Tip: Use gluten-free all-purpose flour if needed.

Ingredients List

Use this easy-to-read checklist for reference:

• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour

Optional for decorating:

• Sprinkles, colored sugar, or icing

Step-by-Step Instructions for 3-ingredient sugar cookie

Follow these simple steps to whip up your sugar cookies in no time:

Prep Your Ingredients and Tools

Before starting, gather all the tools and ingredients you’ll need. Having everything ready makes the process smoother and more enjoyable. Here’s what to do:

• Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready when the cookies are shaped.
• Line baking sheets: Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
• Soften the butter: Softened butter is key to achieving a smooth dough. If your butter is straight from the fridge, slice it into small cubes and let it sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes. Alternatively, microwave it in 5-second increments, but avoid melting it completely.
• Sift the flour: Sifting ensures there are no lumps, making your dough uniform and easy to work with.

Cream the Butter and Sugar

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and granulated sugar. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed for 2–3 minutes until the mixture becomes pale, light, and fluffy. This step incorporates air into the mixture, which helps create soft, tender cookies.
• Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula to ensure everything mixes evenly.

Incorporate the Flour

• Gradually add the sifted flour, about ½ cup at a time, mixing on low speed to prevent a flour cloud in your kitchen.
• Continue mixing until the dough forms a cohesive ball. It should be soft, smooth, and not sticky.
• If the dough is crumbly and dry, add 1–2 teaspoons of milk or water to help it come together. Avoid overmixing, as this can result in tough cookies.

Shape the Dough

• Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough for each cookie. For uniform cookies, use a cookie scoop or weigh each piece on a kitchen scale.
• Roll the dough into smooth balls between your palms.
• Arrange the dough balls on the lined baking sheets, leaving 2 inches of space between each one to allow for spreading during baking.

Add a Classic Touch

• Flatten the dough balls slightly using the back of a fork, a glass, or your fingers. For a decorative touch, press lightly with a fork in a crisscross pattern.
• If desired, sprinkle the tops with sugar or colored sprinkles for extra flair.

Bake

• Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10–12 minutes. The cookies are ready when the edges turn a light golden brown. The centers may look slightly underbaked, but they will firm up as they cool.
• Avoid overbaking, as this can make the cookies hard. Check them at the 10-minute mark to prevent overcooking.

Cool

• Remove the cookies from the oven and let them sit on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. This allows them to set and prevents them from breaking when transferred.
• Using a spatula, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling on a rack ensures they don’t become soggy on the bottom.

Variations

Get creative with these fun twists:

• Vanilla Flavor: Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the dough for extra depth.
• Citrus Zest: Mix in 1 teaspoon of lemon or orange zest for a zesty upgrade.
• Holiday Fun: Top with sprinkles, colored sugar, or festive icing to match any celebration.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Once cooled, drizzle melted chocolate over the cookies for a decadent touch. Consider serving alongside our Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe Without Brown Sugar for a fun cookie variety.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with Drinks: Enjoy these cookies with a glass of milk, a cup of hot cocoa, or tea.
• Gift-Worthy: Wrap them in decorative bags or boxes for a thoughtful homemade gift.
• Ice Cream Sandwiches: Use them as a base for ice cream sandwiches by layering your favorite ice cream between two cookies.

Tips for the Best 3-Ingredient Sugar Cookies

Here are some expert tips to help you make the best 3-ingredient sugar cookie possible:

1. Measure Ingredients Accurately

• Butter: Use a measuring cup or kitchen scale to ensure you have exactly 1 cup of butter. Too much butter can make the dough greasy and difficult to shape.
• Sugar: Scoop sugar into a measuring cup, then level it off with the back of a knife for precision.
• Flour: For the most accurate measurement, spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level it off. Avoid packing it down, as this can lead to dry cookies.

2. Soften the Butter Correctly

• Softened butter should hold its shape but yield to light pressure. If the butter is too warm or melted, the dough will be sticky, and the cookies will spread too much during baking.
• In colder environments, leave the butter near a warm oven or microwave to soften more quickly.

3. Chill the Dough (Optional but Recommended)

• If your kitchen is warm or your dough feels overly soft, chill it in the refrigerator for 15–30 minutes before shaping. This prevents the cookies from spreading too much in the oven.
• You can also freeze pre-rolled cookie dough balls for up to 30 minutes for similar results.

4. Perfect Your Baking Time

• All ovens are different, so use the first batch as a test. Check the cookies at the 10-minute mark to gauge how quickly they’re browning.
• Remember that sugar cookies will continue to bake slightly after being removed from the oven. Pull them out as soon as the edges are golden.

5. Use High-Quality Ingredients

• Since this recipe has only three ingredients, the quality of each one matters. Use real butter (not margarine) for the best flavor and texture.

6. Add Your Own Touch

• For a subtle flavor boost, add ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract, almond extract, or a pinch of salt.
• Enhance the appearance by dusting the cookies with sugar before baking or adding festive decorations.

7. Proper Storage for Freshness

• Once completely cooled, store the cookies in an airtight container to maintain their softness. Place a slice of bread in the container to help retain moisture.
• For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.

8. Avoid Overworking the Dough

• Overmixing or handling the dough too much can develop the gluten in the flour, leading to tough cookies. Mix until just combined and handle the dough gently.

9. Test for the Right Consistency

• The dough should feel soft and pliable, not sticky or crumbly. If it’s sticky, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until it feels right. If it’s too dry, add a teaspoon of milk or water until it comes together.

Benefits of This 3-Ingredient Sugar Cookie Recipe

• Effortless and Foolproof: With just three ingredients, it’s nearly impossible to go wrong with this recipe.
• Kid-Friendly: Let kids join in by rolling dough balls or decorating the cookies.
• Versatile Base Recipe: Whether you leave them plain or dress them up, these cookies work for any occasion.

What 3 Ingredients Are Creamed Together When Making Most Cookies?

1. Butter:
   Butter is the foundation of most cookie recipes. It contributes to the texture, flavor, and structure of the cookies. Creaming butter properly with sugar introduces air into the dough, which helps give the cookies a light and tender texture. For best results, use softened butter, as it blends easily and creates a smooth mixture.
2. Sugar:
   Sugar does more than just sweeten cookies—it plays a crucial role in texture. Granulated sugar provides crispness, while brown sugar (which contains molasses) adds moisture and chewiness. Combining the two in different ratios allows bakers to create a balance between crispy edges and soft centers.
3. Eggs:
   Eggs act as a binder in cookie dough, helping hold all the ingredients together. They also add moisture, contributing to a chewy texture. Additionally, the protein in eggs helps with structure, while the fat in the yolks adds richness.

These three ingredients are creamed together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which ensures the cookies have an even texture and optimal flavor.

What Is the Secret Ingredient to Keep Cookies Soft?

Keeping cookies soft depends on incorporating ingredients that retain moisture or alter the texture slightly. Here are some key “secret ingredients” that bakers rely on:

1. Cornstarch:
   Cornstarch is often added to cookie dough to make the cookies tender and soft. It prevents the dough from spreading too much and contributes to a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
2. Brown Sugar:
   Brown sugar contains molasses, which naturally holds onto moisture. Using more brown sugar than granulated sugar in a recipe ensures cookies stay soft for days.
3. Honey or Maple Syrup:
   Adding a small amount of liquid sweetener, like honey or maple syrup, increases the moisture content in the dough. This keeps cookies soft and chewy without altering the flavor too much.
4. Chilling the Dough:
   While not an ingredient, chilling the dough before baking can help keep cookies soft by preventing them from over-spreading during baking.
5. Underbaking:
   Removing cookies from the oven slightly before they are fully baked allows the residual heat to finish cooking them while keeping the centers soft and gooey.

Pro Tip: Store cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread to maintain softness.

What Are the 7 Basic Ingredients in All Cookies?

Cookies, regardless of the recipe or flavor, share several essential ingredients that form their foundation. Here’s a breakdown of the seven basics:

1. Flour:
   Flour is the backbone of cookie dough, providing structure and texture. All-purpose flour is most commonly used, as it balances softness and strength. The gluten in flour helps bind the ingredients, while the starch adds stability.
2. Sugar:
   Sugar not only sweetens cookies but also plays a key role in texture and spread. The type of sugar used affects the outcome:
   • Granulated sugar creates crispier cookies.
   • Brown sugar adds chewiness and a caramel-like flavor.
   • Powdered sugar (used in some recipes) gives a tender, crumbly texture.
3. Butter (or Other Fat):
   Butter, shortening, or oil contributes richness and flavor. Fat also helps cookies spread during baking and creates the desired texture—crispy, soft, or crumbly. For the best flavor, most bakers prefer unsalted butter.
4. Eggs:
   Eggs are essential for binding ingredients and adding moisture. They also provide some leavening, giving cookies a slight lift, and the fat in the yolks adds richness.
5. Leavening Agents:
   Baking soda and baking powder are the most common leavening agents in cookies. They create carbon dioxide gas, which helps the cookies rise slightly and prevents them from becoming too dense.
6. Salt:
   Salt is often underestimated, but it’s crucial for balancing sweetness and enhancing flavors. It also strengthens the dough and helps with the structure of the cookies.
7. Flavorings or Add-ins:
   • Vanilla extract: Adds depth and enhances the cookie’s overall flavor.
   • Chocolate chips, nuts, dried fruits, or spices: These are the customizable elements that make each cookie recipe unique and flavorful.

What Are the Ingredients for Sugar?

Sugar itself is a natural product made from one of two primary sources:

1. Sugar Cane:
   Sugar cane is a tropical grass that is processed to extract sucrose. The stalks are crushed to extract juice, which is then purified, boiled, and crystallized to create granulated sugar. Sugar from sugar cane is commonly used in baking, beverages, and other foods.
2. Sugar Beets:
   Sugar beets are a root vegetable grown in cooler climates. Like sugar cane, the beets are processed to extract their natural sucrose content. The process involves slicing the beets, extracting the juice, and refining it into sugar crystals.

Refinement Process:
After extraction, the sucrose from both sugar cane and sugar beets undergoes purification and drying to form the familiar white granulated sugar used in kitchens. Depending on the level of refinement, sugar can also be made into brown sugar, powdered sugar, or raw sugar.

Whether from cane or beets, the end product is the same chemically: sucrose, a natural carbohydrate that provides sweetness and energy.

Conclusion

This 3-ingredient sugar cookie recipe proves that sometimes less is more. These cookies are quick, easy, and irresistibly delicious, making them a perfect go-to for busy bakers or last-minute gatherings. Try them as-is or customize them to your heart’s desire. Once you’ve experienced their buttery sweetness, they’re sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.

Ready to bake? Share your creations in the comments below or tag us on social media. We’d love to see how you make these sugar cookies your own! Happy baking!