3-Ingredient Sugar Cookies

This 3-ingredient sugar cookie recipe is quick and simple, perfect for bakers of any skill level. With just butter, sugar, and flour, you can create a batch of deliciously soft and crisp cookies. These homemade sugar cookies require minimal ingredients and prep time, making them an easy go-to for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a classic dessert or a fun project for kids, this recipe is sure to impress. Bake them plain, or get creative by adding your favorite flavorings or decorations. Perfect for holidays or everyday snacks!

Ingredients:

• 2 sticks (227g) unsalted butter, room temperature
• ½ cup (100g) white sugar
• 2 ¼ cups (270g) all-purpose flour

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Gradually add the flour, mixing until a dough forms. If the dough feels sticky, chill it in the fridge for 5-10 minutes.
4. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead briefly by hand for about 30 seconds until smooth.
5. Roll the dough to about ¼ inch thickness using a rolling pin. Cut out shapes with cookie cutters and transfer them to the prepared cookie sheet.
6. Chill the cut-out cookies for 30 minutes for better shape retention during baking (optional).
7. Bake for 13-16 minutes, until the edges are just starting to turn golden brown. The center of the cookies should remain pale.
8. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips

• If the dough becomes too soft while working, refrigerate it for 5-10 minutes to firm up.
• Ensure the butter is at room temperature for easy creaming with the sugar.
• For a smoother texture, sift the flour before adding it to the dough.

Variations and Substitutions

• Flavored Sugar Cookies: Add vanilla extract (1 tsp) or almond extract (½ tsp) to the dough for a different flavor.
• Colorful Cookies: Sprinkle colored sugar on top of the cookies before baking for a fun twist.
• Vegan Option: Use dairy-free butter and substitute with a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water) instead of regular butter.

FAQs

• Can I freeze the dough?
  Yes, the dough can be frozen. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge before rolling and cutting.
• Can I skip the chilling step?
  While chilling helps the cookies keep their shape, it’s not necessary if you’re okay with a little spread during baking.
• What if my cookies spread too much?
  Chilling the dough and the cut-out cookies helps prevent excessive spreading.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve these cookies with a warm cup of tea or milk for a simple, comforting treat.
• They also make great decorations for holidays—decorate with icing or sprinkles for a festive look.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These sugar cookies are incredibly easy to make with just three ingredients. The buttery, crisp texture combined with a light sweetness makes them irresistible. Plus, they’re versatile enough to be customized with different flavors or toppings to suit any occasion!

3-Ingredient Sugar Cookies

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

20

minutes

Cooking time

13

minutes

Ingredients

• 2 sticks (227g) unsalted butter, room temperature

• ½ cup (100g) white sugar

• 2 ¼ cups (270g) all-purpose flour

Directions

• Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
• In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
• Gradually add the flour, mixing until a dough forms. If the dough feels sticky, chill it in the fridge for 5-10 minutes.
• Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead briefly by hand for about 30 seconds until smooth.
• Roll the dough to about ¼ inch thickness using a rolling pin. Cut out shapes with cookie cutters and transfer them to the prepared cookie sheet.
• Chill the cut-out cookies for 30 minutes for better shape retention during baking (optional).
• Bake for 13-16 minutes, until the edges are just starting to turn golden brown. The center of the cookies should remain pale.
• Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.