The Best 3-Ingredient Sugar Cookie Recipe

These 3-ingredient sugar cookies are the perfect solution for when you need a quick, easy, and delicious treat. With just butter, sugar, and flour, you can create soft, buttery cookies with a light crunch. Whether you’re a beginner baker or just looking for a simple go-to recipe, these cookies are fail-proof and delicious.

Follow this detailed step-by-step guide to ensure perfect 3-Ingredient Sugar Cookie Recipe every time.

Ingredients for 3-Ingredient Sugar Cookie Recipe

Main Ingredients

✔ 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
✔ ½ cup granulated sugar
✔ 2 cups all-purpose flour

Optional Add-Ins for More Flavor

✔ 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for a classic sugar cookie taste)
✔ ¼ teaspoon salt (enhances flavor, especially if using unsalted butter)
✔ Sprinkles or colored sugar for decoration

Step 1: Preparing the Dough for 3-Ingredient Sugar Cookie Recipe

1. Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, add the softened butter and granulated sugar.
Use a hand mixer or stand mixer and beat on medium speed for 2-3 minutes, until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale in color.
This step is important because it helps create a soft and tender texture.

2. Add the Flour Gradually

Slowly add the flour while continuing to mix on low speed.
The dough will look crumbly at first, but keep mixing until it starts forming a soft, smooth dough.
If the dough feels too dry, you can add 1 tablespoon of milk to help it come together.

3. Chill the Dough for best 3-Ingredient Sugar Cookie Recipe

Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes.
Chilling makes the dough firmer and easier to shape, preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking.

Step 2: Shaping and Baking the Cookies

1. Preheat the Oven

Set the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

2. Roll and Shape the Cookies

Scoop out 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball between your hands.
Place the dough balls 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.

3. Flatten the Dough

Using your palm or the back of a spoon, gently press down on each cookie ball to slightly flatten it.
For a crispy edge and soft center, flatten to about ½-inch thick.
If you want a crunchier cookie, press it down a little more.

4. Bake to Perfection

Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes.
The cookies are done when the edges turn light golden brown, but the center remains slightly soft.
Avoid overbaking, as they will continue to firm up while cooling.

5. Cool the Cookies

Let the cookies sit on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
This step prevents them from breaking apart while still warm.

Step 3: Decorating the 3-Ingredient Sugar Cookie Recipe

If you want to add extra flavor or decoration, try these simple ideas:

1. Sprinkle Sugar Topping

Before baking, roll the dough balls in granulated sugar for a light crunchy texture.

2. Chocolate Drizzle

Melt ½ cup of chocolate chips and drizzle over cooled cookies for a rich finish.

3. Holiday Variations

Before baking, press sprinkles, colored sugar, or crushed candy onto the dough for a festive touch.

Step 4: Storing and Freezing 3-Ingredient Sugar Cookie

How to Store Baked Cookies

✔ Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
✔ To keep them extra soft, place a small piece of bread inside the container—it helps retain moisture.

How to Freeze Baked Cookies

✔ Place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months.
✔ To serve, let the cookies thaw at room temperature for 10-15 minutes.

Freezing the Cookie Dough

✔ Roll the dough into balls and freeze on a baking tray for 30 minutes.
✔ Transfer the frozen dough balls into a ziplock bag and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
✔ When ready to bake, place the frozen dough balls directly on a baking sheet and bake—add 1-2 extra minutes to the baking time.

Frequently Asked Questions about 3-Ingredient Sugar Cookie Recipe (FAQs)

1. What are some fun facts about sugar cookies?

Sugar cookies date back to the 1700s, originally created by German settlers in Pennsylvania. They were called Nazareth Sugar Cookies and became a popular treat.
The classic sugar cookie recipe has remained largely unchanged for centuries—flour, sugar, butter, and eggs!
Sugar cookies are a holiday staple, often cut into festive shapes and decorated with icing or sprinkles.
The largest sugar cookie ever made weighed over 1,000 pounds and was baked in North Carolina.
National Sugar Cookie Day is celebrated on July 9th in the United States.

2. What ingredient keeps sugar cookies from spreading?

Chilled dough: Refrigerating the dough for at least 15-30 minutes before baking helps maintain the shape.
Proper flour ratio: Using enough flour ensures the dough holds together rather than spreading too much.
Butter consistency: If butter is too soft or melted, the cookies will spread more. Using room-temperature butter (not melted) helps keep them structured.
Baking sheets: Lining with parchment paper instead of greasing the tray prevents excess spreading.

3. What 3 tips would you give for making high-quality 3-Ingredient Sugar Cookie Recipe?

✔ Use high-quality ingredients – The flavor of sugar cookies comes mainly from butter and sugar, so using real butter and pure vanilla extract makes a big difference.
✔ Measure ingredients properly – Too much flour makes cookies dry, while too little makes them spread. Use the scoop and level method instead of packing flour.
✔ Do not overbake – Remove cookies from the oven when the edges are lightly golden but the center looks slightly soft. They will continue to set as they cool.

4. What are 3 factors that contribute to a chewy cookie?

✔ Butter-to-sugar ratio – More butter and brown sugar help create a soft, chewy texture, while white sugar makes cookies crispier.
✔ Egg yolk – Adding an extra egg yolk increases richness and chewiness in cookies.
✔ Underbaking slightly – Baking until the edges are set but the center is still soft helps maintain moisture, resulting in a chewier texture.

Conclusion

This 3-ingredient sugar cookie recipe is a simple, quick, and delicious way to satisfy your sweet cravings. Whether you enjoy them plain, rolled in sugar, or decorated with chocolate, these cookies are perfect for any occasion.

For more quick and easy dessert ideas, check out:

The Ultimate 3-Ingredient Sugar Cookie Recipe – Step-by-Step Guide