These 3-Ingredient Sugar Cookies are super simple and sweet! With just flour, sugar, and butter, you can whip up a batch in no time.
They’re perfect for when you want a treat without the fuss. I love topping them with sprinkles—because who can resist a little color? 🍪
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This is the base of the cookies. If you’re gluten-free, try using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead. It usually works well without changing the taste much!
Sugar: Granulated sugar provides sweetness and helps with cookie texture. For a healthier option, consider coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like Stevia, but remember that the texture may slightly change.
Unsalted butter: Softened butter is crucial for the right dough consistency. If you need a dairy-free version, coconut oil or vegan butter can work great, too! Just ensure it’s softened for easy mixing.
How Do I Ensure My Cookies Turn Out Soft and Delicious?
The key to soft cookies lies in how you handle the butter and baking. First, make sure your butter is genuinely softened—leave it at room temperature for about 30-60 minutes. This makes it easier to cream with the sugar.
- Be gentle when mixing your dough. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
- Use an ice cream scoop for uniform cookie sizes; this helps them bake evenly.
- Monitor cookie baking closely! The cookies may look underbaked in the center when you remove them, but they will continue to cook on the baking sheet.
Following these tips will help you achieve the perfect soft and sweet sugar cookies every time!
3-Ingredient Sugar Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- Sprinkles (optional, for topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This easy cookie recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 10-12 minutes to bake. Plus, with a little cooling time, you’ll have delicious cookies ready in about 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup easier!
2. Mix the Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, add the softened butter and granulated sugar. Use a hand mixer or a spatula to beat them together until the mixture is creamy and smooth. This should take about 2-3 minutes. A well-mixed base will help your cookies turn out nice and fluffy!
3. Add the Flour:
Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the butter-sugar mixture. Stir until just combined to form a dough. Don’t overmix; the dough should be soft but not sticky, making it easy to scoop!
4. Scoop and Shape the Cookies:
Using a tablespoon or a cookie scoop, take balls of dough and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each ball. This allows them room to spread while baking.
5. Flatten and Sprinkle:
Gently flatten each dough ball with your fingers or the bottom of a glass to create round cookie shapes. If you’re using sprinkles, sprinkle them on top of each cookie, pressing lightly to ensure they stick. This adds a fun and colorful touch!
6. Bake the Cookies:
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look a bit underbaked, but don’t worry—they’ll firm up as they cool!
7. Cool and Enjoy!
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This helps them set. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your fresh, sweet sugar cookies with sprinkles!
Can I Use Different Types of Sugar?
Yes! While granulated sugar is the classic choice, you can use brown sugar for a deeper flavor. Just keep in mind that brown sugar may make the cookies a bit chewier!
What If My Dough Is Too Sticky?
If you find your dough is too sticky to handle, try adding a little more flour—start with a tablespoon at a time until it reaches the right consistency. This will help you scoop and shape the cookies more easily.
Can I Freeze the Cookie Dough?
Absolutely! You can freeze the cookie dough for up to three months. Just scoop the dough onto a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. When you’re ready to bake, just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time when using frozen dough!
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them in layers separated by parchment paper, and they’ll stay good for up to three months!
