Need a sweet treat but zero time? This 3 ingredient sugar cookie recipe is the lifesaver you didn’t know you needed. With just butter, sugar, and flour (plus a splash of vanilla if you’re feelin’ fancy), you’ll have buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies ready before your coffee cools. Whether it’s for a last-minute school bake sale or your late-night craving, these quick and easy cookies are foolproof.
Why You’ll Love This 3 Ingredient Sugar Cookie Recipe
Honestly? These cookies are the ultimate low-effort, high-reward dessert. We all have those days when you want to whip up something homemade, but even preheating the oven feels like a chore. That’s where this easy 3 ingredient cookie comes in.
You don’t need fancy mixers or a pantry full of baking supplies. Just a bowl, a spoon, and 20 minutes. That’s it. Bonus? They’re freezer-friendly and customizable — add sprinkles, dip in chocolate, or press with a fork for some texture.
Ingredients
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1 cup butter, room temperature
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2/3 cup + 3 tbsp granulated sugar, divided
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2 cups + 1 tbsp all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
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1 tsp vanilla extract (optional, but highly recommended)
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Rainbow sprinkles or nonpareils (optional, but super fun)
Equipment
You’ll need just a few basics:
Equipment:
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Wooden spoon or spatula
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Parchment paper (or nonstick spray)
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Measuring cups/spoons
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Optional: cookie scoop
How to Make Sugar Cookies With 3 Ingredients
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Cream the butter and sugar. In a bowl, mix the softened butter with 2/3 cup sugar until smooth and fluffy. A wooden spoon works fine—no electric mixer needed.
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Add vanilla (optional) for that warm bakery aroma.
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Stir in the flour gradually until the dough forms. It might feel a bit crumbly at first—just keep mixing. It’ll come together, promise.
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Roll into balls (1 tablespoon-sized). Place them on the baking sheet a couple inches apart.
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Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass. Dip the glass in the remaining 3 tbsp sugar first to prevent sticking.
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Decorate with sprinkles if using.
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Bake for 12–14 minutes, or until the edges are just turning golden.
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Cool completely on a wire rack… or sneak one warm. I won’t tell.
Tips to Keep These Sugar Cookies Soft & Irresistible
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Don’t overbake! The edges should just barely turn golden.
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For extra softness, try chilling the dough for 10–15 minutes before baking.
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Want them richer? Add 1 egg yolk (but then technically, not 3 ingredients anymore ).
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Feel free to get creative — lemon zest, cinnamon sugar topping, or even dipping in white chocolate.
These Cookies Saved My Sanity…
A little backstory: I started making these when I was juggling a toddler, a full inbox, and approximately zero patience. One night, I realized I forgot to make dessert for our Friday movie night tradition. I grabbed butter, sugar, and flour and hoped for the best… and it was. Since then, this has become my no-fail, always-loved go-to. My kids request them more than store-bought ones (and that’s saying something).
FAQs
How to make homemade sugar cookies with 3 ingredients?
Just mix butter, sugar, and flour. Scoop, flatten, bake, and boom — cookies. Add vanilla or sprinkles for bonus points!
What are the basic ingredients for sugar cookies?
Traditional sugar cookies usually need butter, sugar, flour, eggs, and vanilla. But you can simplify it with just the top three: butter, sugar, and flour.
What is the secret ingredient to keep cookies soft?
A touch of vanilla helps with moisture and flavor. Also, avoid overbaking — slightly underbaked is the sweet spot.
Does adding an extra egg make cookies softer?
Yes! An extra egg adds richness and softness, but keep in mind it turns this from a 3-ingredient recipe into a 4-ingredient one.
Easy 3 Ingredient Sugar Cookie Recipe (So Easy It Feels Like Cheating!)
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 24 cookies
Description
3 ingredient sugar cookie recipe is the perfect quick dessert! Buttery, soft, and easy to make—these cookies will be your new go-to treat.
Ingredients
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1 cup butter, room temperature
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2/3 cup + 3 tbsp granulated sugar, divided
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2 cups + 1 tbsp all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
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1 tsp vanilla extract (optional but recommended)
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Rainbow sprinkles or nonpareils (optional but fun)
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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In a large bowl, beat the butter and 2/3 cup sugar together until light and fluffy.
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Add vanilla if using. Slowly mix in the flour until a soft dough forms.
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Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Coat with the remaining 3 tbsp sugar and gently flatten each ball on the baking sheet.
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Add sprinkles on top if you’re feeling festive!
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Bake for 12–15 minutes or until the edges are just golden.
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Let cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Notes
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Want softer cookies? Don’t overbake!
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You can chill the dough for 10–15 minutes if it’s too sticky.
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Feel free to mix in mini chocolate chips or cinnamon sugar for a twist!
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 12–15 mins
