3 Ingredient Sugar Cookies Recipe

There’s something incredibly nostalgic about the scent of freshly baked cookies wafting through the kitchen, and today, I’m channeling my inner pastry chef with a super simple butter cookie recipe that’s just waiting to be your next go-to treat.

I enjoy making recipes that are both uncomplicated and lavish, and these 3 Ingredient Sugar Cookies are just that. With the rich creaminess of softened unsalted butter, the sweet touch of granulated sugar, and the perfectly textured organic all-purpose flour, these cookies are for any and every occasion.

3 Ingredient Sugar Cookies Recipe Ingredients

• Unsalted Butter: Provides richness, moisture, and a tender texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps cookies brown.
• All-Purpose Flour: Creates structure and provides carbohydrates.

3 Ingredient Sugar Cookies Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1 cup (226 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
• 2 cups (240 grams) all-purpose flour

How to Make this 3 Ingredient Sugar Cookies Recipe

1. Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) and place a baking sheet lined with parchment paper ready.

2. In a big mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until it is smooth and creamy.

3. Little by little, add the granulated sugar to the butter, beating until the mixture is light and fluffy.

4. Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour with the butter and sugar mixture until a dough forms.

5. After the dough has been mixed thoroughly, place it in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes. This makes it easier to handle in the next step.

6. Once the dough has been chilled, measure out tablespoon-sized portions of it. Roll these portions into balls.

7. Put the dough balls on the baking sheet that has been prepared, leaving space between each.

8. Each ball should be gently flattened into a disk shape using either the bottom of a glass or your fingers.

9. Preheat the oven. Place the dish in the oven, set the timer for 12-15 minutes, and then look in on it. If the edges are slightly golden, the dish is ready. If the edges are still pale and the center seems set, do not worry—lower the temperature and leave it in the oven for another 5-10 minutes.

10. Take the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes long before moving them to a wire rack where they will finish cooling. They might also be moved to a more comfortable station, as they are too hot to handle at this stage.

3 Ingredient Sugar Cookies Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Baking sheet
3. Parchment paper
4. Mixing bowl
5. Electric mixer or whisk
6. Measuring cups
7. Measuring spoons
8. Spatula
9. Refrigerator
10. Spoon or cookie scoop (for measuring dough)
11. Glass (optional, for flattening dough)
12. Timer
13. Wire rack

FAQ

• Q: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?You can use salted butter, but you might want to leave any additional salt out of the recipe to ensure the flavor balance is right.
• Q: Do I need to chill the dough before baking?For this recipe, you don’t have to chill the dough. But if your dough is super soft and you’re worried about it spreading, you can stick the dough in the fridge for 30 minutes (or the freezer for about 10 minutes) before baking.
• Q: What is the best way to measure flour for this recipe?To measure flour accurately, use the spoon-and-level method. This ensures you don’t pack flour into the cup, which can lead to using 1 to 2 cups too much, depending on the recipe.
• Q: Can I add vanilla or other flavorings?Certainly! A teaspoon of vanilla extract or other flavorings like almond extract can be added for a twist.
• Q: How should I store these sugar cookies?A: For maximum freshness, keep them in a container that is airtight, at room temperature, and consume them within the week.
• Q: Can I freeze the cookie dough for later use?You can indeed freeze the dough. Form it into a disk, wrap it tightly in plastic, and then place it in a bag that is safe for the freezer. You can keep the dough for as long as three months.

3 Ingredient Sugar Cookies Recipe Substitutions and Variations

If you don’t have unsalted butter, use salted butter; just be sure to reduce the amount of salt in the rest of the recipe.
Use cane sugar for a similar texture and sweetness. If you have it in your pantry, you can also use brown sugar or various natural sweeteners. These will all work, but may slightly alter the taste and color of your cake.
If you don’t have all-purpose flour, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free.

Pro Tips

1. Chill the Dough: To enhance the flavor and prevent excessive spreading, you can chill the dough for longer than the recommended 15-30 minutes. Consider refrigerating it for at least an hour or even overnight, especially if you want more defined edges and a rich, buttery taste.