Simple 3-Ingredient Sugar Cookies

You know those days when you need a sweet treat in a hurry? Maybe the kids suddenly announce they need cookies for a school bake sale tomorrow, or surprise guests are on their way over? That’s when my simple 3-ingredient sugar cookies come to the rescue. I can’t tell you how many times this recipe has saved me from dessert disasters—it’s my go-to when time is tight but homemade goodness is non-negotiable. With just butter, sugar, and flour, you get tender, buttery cookies that taste like you spent all afternoon baking. No fancy ingredients, no complicated steps—just pure, simple magic in under 30 minutes. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll never stress over last-minute cookies again.

Why You’ll Love These Simple 3-Ingredient Sugar Cookies

These cookies are my secret weapon for good reason:

• Quick fix: From bowl to plate in under 30 minutes – perfect for cookie emergencies!
• Pantry staples only: No special trips to the store needed.
• Foolproof: Even my 8-year-old can make them without supervision.
• Buttery perfection: That rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture you crave.
• Endless possibilities: Dress them up or enjoy them classic-style.

Honestly, I’ve made fancier cookies that didn’t get half the compliments these do. Sometimes simple really is better.

Ingredients for Simple 3-Ingredient Sugar Cookies

Here’s all you need – and I mean all you need – for perfect cookies every time:

• 1 cup butter, softened (take it out 30 minutes ahead – not melted! This makes all the difference)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (plain white sugar works best here, trust me)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour (spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off – no packing!)

That’s it! No eggs, no vanilla (though we’ll talk about fun add-ins later). These three humble ingredients transform into something magical.

Equipment You’ll Need

Grab these basic tools – you probably have them all in your kitchen already:

• A medium mixing bowl (my trusty yellow one gets the job done every time)
• Hand mixer or wooden spoon (I use both depending on my energy level!)
• Baking sheet (no need to grease it if you use parchment paper)
• Parchment paper (lifesaver for easy cleanup)

See? Nothing fancy required – just everyday tools for everyday cookie magic.

How to Make Simple 3-Ingredient Sugar Cookies

Ready for the easiest cookie-making session of your life? Here’s how I turn those three simple ingredients into golden perfection:

Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar

First, beat that softened butter and sugar together until they’re light and fluffy – about 2 minutes with a mixer. You’ll know it’s ready when the mixture turns pale yellow and looks almost like frosting. Don’t rush this step! But also… don’t overdo it. Once it’s creamy, stop. Overmixing here can make your cookies spread too much.

Step 2: Incorporate Flour

Now, add your flour gradually while mixing on low speed (or stirring gently with a spoon). The magic moment comes when the dough suddenly pulls away from the sides of the bowl in one soft mass. If it’s still sticking everywhere, add just another tablespoon of flour – but stop before it gets crumbly. We want pliable dough, not dry crumbs!

Step 3: Shape and Bake

Roll tablespoon-sized portions into smooth balls (about 1-inch across), then gently flatten them to 1/4-inch thick on your parchment-lined baking sheet. Leave about 2 inches between cookies – they’ll spread just a bit. Bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes until the edges get that perfect golden halo. They’ll look slightly underdone in the center – that’s perfect! They’ll firm up as they cool.

Tips for Perfect Simple 3-Ingredient Sugar Cookies

After making these cookies more times than I can count, here are my foolproof secrets:

• Butter temperature is key – It should be soft enough that your finger leaves an indent, but not greasy or melted. I leave mine out about 30 minutes before baking.
• Watch the clock – Pull them out when edges are just golden. They’ll keep cooking on the hot tray, so slightly underdone means perfect after cooling.
• Let them rest – I know it’s hard to wait, but letting them cool completely gives you that irresistible crisp edge with a tender center.
• Vanilla bonus – While not necessary, a teaspoon of vanilla extract takes these from simple to sublime. Just add it with the butter and sugar.

Follow these tips, and you’ll get perfect cookies every single time – promise!

Variations for Simple 3-Ingredient Sugar Cookies

Want to jazz up your cookies? Try rolling the dough balls in coarse sugar before baking for a sparkly crunch. Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the dough for a bright twist, or dip cooled cookies halfway in melted chocolate for a decadent finish. Simple, but oh-so-fun!

Storing Simple 3-Ingredient Sugar Cookies

These cookies keep beautifully! Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer-safe bag or container – they’ll stay perfect for a month. Just don’t refrigerate them – it’ll dry them out!

Nutrition Information

Here’s the scoop – each cookie comes in at about 90 calories, with 6g fat and 9g carbs. Remember, nutrition can vary slightly depending on your specific ingredients. These are rich little bites, so one or two usually satisfy my sweet tooth perfectly!

Common Questions About Simple 3-Ingredient Sugar Cookies

I get asked about these cookies all the time – here are the answers to the most common questions:

• Can I use margarine instead of butter? Oh honey, no! Real butter is non-negotiable here. Margarine will give you greasy, flat cookies that just don’t taste right. Trust me on this one.
• Can I double the recipe? Absolutely! This recipe scales beautifully. Just make sure your mixer bowl is big enough – I’ve learned that lesson the messy way.
• Why are my cookies crumbly? You probably packed too much flour into your measuring cup. Always spoon flour in lightly and level it off. If your dough seems dry, add a teaspoon of water at a time until it comes together.

Any other questions? Just ask – I’ve made every mistake so you don’t have to!

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