Irresistibly Sweet Easy Sugar Cookies Recipe For All Occasions

Soft, buttery, and perfectly sweet, these easy sugar cookies bring pure joy to baking.

Made from simple pantry staples, they come together quickly with a melt-in-your-mouth texture and comforting vanilla flavor.

Golden edges and tender centers make each cookie a nostalgic treat.

Decorate with colorful sugar or enjoy plain – the classic flavor never disappoints.

Bake a batch and see them disappear faster than you can say “more cookies, please!” They’re great for any occasion or holiday.

You’ll want to keep this recipe on hand forever.

Simple 3-Ingredient Sugar Cookies Easy Joys

• Whip Up Simplicity: Just three ingredients create delightful sugar cookies that anyone can master, even beginner bakers looking to boost their confidence in the kitchen.
• Customize with Ease: Personalize these cookies by adding sprinkles, vanilla, or experimenting with different sugar coatings to match any mood or celebration.
• Quick Kitchen Magic: Minimal prep and straightforward steps mean you can go from mixing to munching in under 30 minutes, perfect for spontaneous sweet cravings or last-minute dessert needs.
• Budget-Friendly Treat: Requires only basic pantry staples, making these cookies an affordable option for satisfying your sweet tooth without breaking the bank.

Ingredients for 3-Ingredient Sugar Cookies

• Butter: A rich, creamy ingredient that provides a smooth texture and delicious flavor to the cookies.
• Sugar: A sweet ingredient that adds sweetness and helps create a light, crisp cookie texture.
• Flour: The primary structure-building ingredient that gives the cookies their classic shape and consistency.

• Vanilla Extract: A fragrant flavoring that adds depth and warmth to the cookie's taste.
• Sprinkles: Colorful decorative topping that brings fun and visual appeal to the simple sugar cookies.

• Parchment Paper: A non-stick surface that prevents cookies from sticking and ensures easy removal from the baking sheet.

How to Make 3-Ingredient Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a cozy 325 degrees Fahrenheit.

Grab two large baking sheets and blanket them with parchment paper for a smooth cookie-making experience.

Step 2: Create Creamy Base

• Softened butter
• Sugar

Beat until everything looks combined and has a slightly grainy texture.

Step 3: Blend Dry Ingredients

Gently fold flour into your butter mixture.

If you’re feeling fancy, splash in some vanilla for extra flavor complexity.

Step 4: Form Perfect Rounds

Scoop out small portions of dough and roll them into adorable one-inch balls.

Give each ball a luxurious roll in sugar for a sparkling exterior.

Step 5: Prepare For Baking

Arrange cookie balls on prepared baking sheets, keeping about two inches between each.

Use the bottom of a measuring cup to press them down to about 3/16 inch thickness.

Want extra pizzazz?

Sprinkle some decorative toppings and give them a gentle press.

Step 6: Bake To Golden Perfection

Slide your trays into the preheated oven.

Bake for 14-16 minutes until edges turn a soft, tempting golden color.

Step 7: Cool And Celebrate

Let cookies rest on baking sheets for 10-15 minutes.

Transfer to a cooling rack and get ready to enjoy your homemade treats!

Tips for Quick Sugar Cookies

• Let butter sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes to achieve the ideal creamy texture without melting completely.
• Spoon flour into measuring cup and level with a knife to prevent dense, dry cookies that crumble easily.
• Use fine granulated sugar for a more even, sparkling coating that caramelizes beautifully during baking.
• Press cookies with a flat-bottomed measuring cup or glass dipped in sugar to create uniform thickness without sticking.
• Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet before transferring to prevent breaking, letting them firm up naturally.

Creative Twists for Simple Sugar Cookies

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend for celiac or wheat-sensitive bakers.
• Low-Sugar Alternative: Swap regular sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia to reduce overall sugar content for health-conscious individuals.
• Vegan Adaptation: Use coconut oil instead of butter and replace sugar with organic coconut sugar for plant-based eaters.
• Keto-Friendly Option: Substitute flour with coconut flour and use erythritol as a sugar replacement to create a low-carb cookie suitable for ketogenic diets.

Serving 3-Ingredient Sugar Cookies

• Holiday Cookie Platter: Arrange cookies on festive plate with mint candy canes and dusted powdered sugar for elegant winter presentation.
• Cookie Dessert Bar: Stack cookies next to hot chocolate, offer small glass of milk, create interactive sweet treat station for parties.
• Gift Packaging: Pack cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with ribbon, attach handwritten note for charming homemade gift perfect for neighbors or teachers.
• Ice Cream Sandwich Twist: Sandwich softened vanilla or chocolate ice cream between two cookies for delightful summer dessert variation.

Storage Tips for Sugar Cookies

• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Layer between sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Pack cookies flat in freezer-safe containers or ziplock bags. Freeze for maximum 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
• Keep cookies in sealed container away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Maintain consistent cool environment to preserve texture and flavor.
• Add small piece of bread to storage container to help maintain softness and prevent cookies from becoming dry or crisp too quickly.

FAQs

• Can I make these cookies without a mixer?

Yes, you can use a wooden spoon or spatula to cream butter and sugar by hand. It takes more arm strength but works perfectly fine.

• How do I know if the dough is mixed correctly?

The dough should hold together when pressed and not crumble. If too dry, add a tiny bit of softened butter.

• Can I skip vanilla extract?

Absolutely. The cookies will still taste delicious with just butter, sugar, and flour. Vanilla just adds a subtle extra flavor.

• What if I don't have parchment paper?

Use an ungreased baking sheet or silicone baking mat. Just ensure cookies won’t stick by lightly greasing the surface.

Easy Sugar Cookies Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Delightful sugar cookies bring sweet comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen, promising pure nostalgia with each golden-edged bite. Buttery, tender, and perfectly crisp, these classic treats invite memories of cherished family gatherings and simple culinary joy.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups + 1 tablespoon (257 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 2/3 cup + 3 tablespoons (170 g) granulated sugar

Fat and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Decoration (Optional):

• Rainbow sprinkles or nonpareils

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by setting the temperature to 325°F and lining two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, cream butter with sugar using a handheld mixer until the mixture becomes slightly grainy and well combined.
3. Gradually incorporate flour into the butter mixture, mixing thoroughly until a cohesive dough forms. Add vanilla extract if desired.
4. Portion the dough by scooping and rolling into small uniform balls, approximately 1-inch in diameter.
5. Gently coat each dough ball by rolling in additional sugar, ensuring a light and even coverage.
6. Arrange the sugar-coated dough balls on prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.
7. Using the bottom of a measuring cup, delicately press each ball to flatten to about 3/16 inch thickness. If using sprinkles, lightly press them into the surface of each cookie.
8. Transfer baking sheets to the preheated oven and bake for 14-16 minutes, watching for slightly golden edges as a sign of doneness.
9. Remove cookies from oven and allow them to rest on the baking sheets for 10-15 minutes, which helps them firm up and prevents breaking.
10. Carefully transfer cookies to a cooling rack to complete cooling and achieve the perfect texture.

Notes

• Customize sugar quantities for personalized sweetness levels by adjusting granulated sugar during mixing and coating stages.
• Transform recipe into gluten-free version using alternative flour like almond or coconut flour for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Enhance flavor profile by adding zesty citrus zest or warming spices like cinnamon directly into dough for subtle complexity.
• Extend cookie shelf life by storing in airtight container at room temperature, maintaining crisp texture and preventing moisture absorption.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 50 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg