3-Ingredient Sugar Cookie Recipe

Whoever said baking had to be complicated? I’ve stumbled across the easiest cookie recipe that’s about to change your baking game forever.

Say hello to the 3-ingredient sugar cookies! Yes, you read that right. Three ingredients (and a bonus one). That’s all it takes to whip up some delicious sugar cookies that’ll have everyone raving.

Just Like Classic Sugar Cookies

Sliced sugar cookies stacked on a white plate. There is a glass of milk in the background.

Now, I’ve seen a lot of recipes that claim to be “easy,” but this easy sugar cookie recipe is genuinely the most straightforward I’ve come across.

If you’re someone who loves easy recipes but doesn’t want to compromise on that classic sugar cookie taste, then this is for you.

stacked sugar cookies rolled in Christmas sprinkles.

Ingredients You Will Need

  • Softened butter
  • Granulated white sugar
  • All-purpose flour
  • And a bonus ingredient: Vanilla extract. Okay, okay, technically, that’s a fourth ingredient, but trust me, a little extract takes these cookies to the next level!
easy sugar cookies on a counter. They are next to a red and white towel.

Step-By-Step Instructions for Making the 3-Ingredient Sugar Cookies Recipe

Butter and sugar in a clear glass mixing bowl.

Grab a large bowl and mix the sugar and softened butter. You can use a spoon, but if you have an electric mixer or a hand mixer, it makes things even easier.

Butter and sugar creamed together in a clear glass mixing bowl.

Blend until you achieve a pale yellow, creamy texture like in the picture above.

Stir in the vanilla extract. It may seem like a small batch of liquid, but this special ingredient elevates the flavor of your cookies!

Butter and flour in a clear glass mixing bowl.

Now, add the flour.

Here’s a tip: don’t dump all the flour in at once. Using your hand mixer (or some elbow grease), combine until well mixed.

Sugar cookie batter in a large mixing bowl. The batter looks a little crumble.

At first, the dough might seem a bit crumbly, but don’t worry.

Sugar cookie dough pressed into a ball and sitting in a glass bowl.

Roll up those sleeves and knead the dough until smooth. Think of it as your mini workout before indulging in these buttery cookies. (I need to work out a lot as many cookies as I eat).

Rolled up sugar cookies in plastic wrap.

Divide that ball of dough in two and shape each half into a log about two inches in diameter.

Rolling cookie dough into sprinkles on top of plastic wrap.

Feeling festive? Roll out some plastic wrap, sprinkle holiday sprinkles in the middle, and roll one log until it’s coated in sprinkles. You can keep the other log classic and plain.

Two logs of sugar cookies rolled up in plastic wrap.

Wrap both logs tightly in plastic wrap and let them chill in the fridge for about 90 minutes.

Sliced sugar cookies on the counter.

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. While it’s heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper (it ensures the cookies won’t stick and gives the best results).

Slice the logs into ½-inch thick cookies. Add some extra sprinkles to the plain sugar cookie dough for a touch of sparkle.

Sliced cookies on a cookie sheet. They have sprinkles on them.

Pop them onto your prepared baking sheet and let them bake until they’re golden brown around the edges. This should take about 12-15 minutes.

Baked sugar cookies on a cookie sheet.

Once baked, let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before moving them over to the wire rack.

Sliced sugar cookies stacked on a white plate. There is a glass of milk in the background.

Now, the best part is the tasting! These cookies have crisp edges and a chewy texture in the middle. A total win in my book.

A Few Tips for the Best Sugar Cookies:

  • If you have leftover cookies (which I doubt you will!), store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
  • Want to experiment next time? Almond extract can be a great addition for a slightly different flavor.
  • And hey, if you’re a social media enthusiast like me, don’t forget to snap a pic of your baked masterpieces and share them. These cookies are not just delicious; they’re pretty photogenic too!
Sugar cookies rolled in sprinkles sitting on a wire cooling rack.

More Delicious Desserts

Sugar cookies on a white plate.

These are the simplest, most delicious sugar cookies you can make with some basic pantry staples.

Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just wanting to eat something sweet, these 3-ingredient sugar cookies are always a good choice.

Sliced sugar cookies stacked on a white plate.

3-Ingredient Sugar Cookie Recipe

5 from 2 votes
Julie Pollitt
Whip up easy 3-ingredient sugar cookies in no time! Perfect for quick treats. Make, bake, and share the love. Dive in & get baking now!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 27 minutes
Course Desserts
Cuisine American
Servings 24
Calories 127 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup of softened butter
  • 1/2 cup granulated white sugar
  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract optional

Instructions
 

  • In a medium bowl, mix the sugar and butter with a spoon or hand mixer until thoroughly combined. 
  • Add the vanilla extract and mix well (optional).
  • Using a hand mixer, add the flour until well combined. The dough will be crumbly.
  • Knead dough until it is smooth (use hands if needed). 
  • Divide the dough into half and shape into a log two inches in diameter. 
  • Roll out plastic wrap and pour holiday sprinkles in the middle. Take one log and roll in sprinkles, covering all sides. Tightly wrap the dough in plastic wrap.
  • Wrap the other dough log in plastic wrap without sprinkles. 
  • Refrigerate the dough for 90 minutes or until firm.
  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Slice the dough into ½-inch thick cookies. Add sprinkles to the plain dough once sliced.
  • Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
  • Allow to cool slightly on the baking sheet before serving or moving to a wire rack.   

Nutrition

Serving: 1Calories: 127kcalCarbohydrates: 13gProtein: 1gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 61mgSugar: 4g
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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5 from 2 votes (1 rating without comment)

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One Comment

  1. 5 stars
    Super yummy and a great recipe to make with little ones.