These 3-Ingredient Sugar Cookies are a breeze to make! Just mix together flour, sugar, and butter for a sweet treat that’s soft and chewy.
Honestly, who can resist warm cookies right out of the oven? They’re perfect for sharing—but I won’t judge if you keep them all for yourself! 😄
I love how simple this recipe is. It’s great when I need a quick dessert, and the smell of cookies fills the house. Serve them with milk for a classic combo!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the backbone of the cookies. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. It works well in recipes like this.
Granulated Sugar: Regular sugar adds sweetness and a nice texture. For a healthier twist, you can use coconut sugar or even brown sugar for a bit of extra flavor.
Unsalted Butter: Softened butter creates that creamy texture. If you’re dairy-free, try using coconut oil or vegan butter instead.
Sprinkles: These are optional but fun! Feel free to skip them or use different types like nonpareils or colored sugar for a unique touch.
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Cookie Texture?
Getting the right texture in these cookies is key! Start with softened butter—this helps create that light, fluffy mixture when combined with sugar. Ensure you’re mixing until it’s creamy, but don’t overmix once you add the flour.
- Preheat your oven properly for even baking.
- Scoop the dough carefully to ensure uniform sizes for even cooking.
- Don’t skip the step of flattening the dough balls; this promotes that round shape and chewy texture!
- Keep an eye on them as they bake; the cookies should be just set around the edges to stay soft.

How to Make 3-Ingredient Sugar Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- Sprinkles (optional, for topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful cookie recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and around 10-12 minutes of baking time. Be sure to let the cookies cool for a few minutes after baking. In total, you’ll be enjoying your sweet treats in about 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This will prevent the cookies from sticking.
2. Mix Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, take your softened butter and granulated sugar. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed to beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add the Flour:
Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix on low speed until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix; just mix until everything is combined.
4. Form the Cookies:
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the dough and roll them into balls. Place these dough balls on your prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
5. Flatten the Dough Balls:
Gently flatten each dough ball with the palm of your hand or the bottom of a glass. This helps them bake evenly and achieve that classic cookie shape.
6. Add the Sprinkles:
If you’d like, sprinkle a few colorful sprinkles on top of each cookie. This adds a fun touch and makes them look extra delicious!
7. Bake the Cookies:
Pop the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them as they bake; you want the edges to be set and just beginning to turn golden.
8. Cool and Enjoy:
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. After that, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your homemade 3-ingredient sugar cookies!
These cookies are simple, sweet, and perfect for any occasion!
Can I Use Margarine Instead of Butter?
Yes, you can substitute margarine for butter! Make sure it’s of similar consistency and ensure it’s softened to blend well with the sugar.
How Many Cookies Does This Recipe Make?
This recipe typically yields about 24 cookies, depending on the size of the dough balls you scoop. For smaller cookies, you can get even more!
Can I Freeze the Cookie Dough?
Absolutely! You can freeze the cookie dough for up to 3 months. Just roll the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. You can bake them straight from the freezer—just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
What Can I Add for Extra Flavor?
Feel free to get creative! You can mix in vanilla extract (about 1 teaspoon), or add chocolate chips or nuts to the dough for extra flavor and texture.



