3 Ingredient Sugar Cookies, Who knew that just three ingredients could come together to make the most delightful, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth sugar cookies? Whether you’re in need of a last-minute sweet treat or just craving a simple homemade cookie, this recipe has you covered. These cookies are crisp on the edges, soft in the center, and utterly irresistible!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Only 3 Ingredients! No need for a long grocery list just simple pantry staples.
- Quick and Easy – From mixing to baking, you’ll have cookies ready in under 30 minutes.
- Perfect Texture – Buttery, slightly crisp, and oh-so-soft inside.
- Customizable – Add sprinkles, dip in chocolate, or mix in flavors like vanilla or almond extract.
Ingredients

(Full measurements in the recipe card below!)
- Butter – Unsalted and softened, creating a rich and tender cookie texture.
- Sugar – Granulated sugar adds sweetness and a light crispness.
- Flour – All-purpose flour binds everything together to form the perfect cookie base.
How to Make 3 Ingredient Sugar Cookies
1. Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This step ensures the cookies are perfectly soft and melt-in-your-mouth delicious!
2. Add the Flour
Gradually mix in the flour until a soft dough forms. It might seem crumbly at first, but keep mixing—soon, it’ll come together into a smooth dough.
3. Shape and Bake
Scoop out small portions of dough, roll them into balls, and place them on a lined baking sheet. Flatten slightly with your fingertips or a fork for a classic look. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Pro Tips for Making 3 Ingredient Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Room Temp Butter: Make sure your butter is softened, not melted, for the best texture.
- Don’t Overmix: Once the flour is incorporated, stop mixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Chill if Needed: If the dough is too soft, chill for 15 minutes before baking to help the cookies hold their shape.
- Make It Fancy: Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar, drizzle with melted chocolate, or add a pinch of salt on top.
How to Serve 3 Ingredient Sugar Cookies

These cookies are perfect on their own with a glass of milk, but you can also:
- Sandwich them with frosting or Nutella for a fun twist.
- Dip them in white or dark chocolate and add sprinkles.
- Crumble over ice cream for a delicious topping.
Make Ahead and Storage 3 Ingredient Sugar Cookies
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking.
- Storage: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- Freeze: Store baked cookies in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Let them thaw before enjoying!
FAQs 3 Ingredient Sugar Cookies Recipe
What are the basic 3 Ingredient Sugar Cookies?
The classic sugar cookie recipe typically includes butter, sugar, and flour. Some variations may add vanilla extract, eggs, baking powder, or salt for extra flavor and texture, but the simplest version only needs three ingredients!
What is 3 Ingredient Sugar Cookies made of?
Store-bought sugar cookie mix usually contains flour, sugar, leavening agents (like baking soda or baking powder), and sometimes salt and flavorings. You just need to add butter and eggs (or water) to turn it into cookie dough.
What ingredient in cookies makes them soft?
Butter, eggs, and sugar all contribute to soft cookies. The ratio of these ingredients affects texture—more butter and sugar can keep cookies softer, while eggs provide structure and moisture.
What is the secret ingredient to keep cookies soft?
A common secret ingredient is cornstarch or pudding mix, which helps retain moisture and creates a tender texture. Brown sugar also helps keep cookies soft due to its higher moisture content.
What does adding corn syrup to cookies do?
Corn syrup helps retain moisture, prevent crystallization, and create a chewy texture. It also adds a slight glossiness to the cookie surface.
What does cream of tartar do in cookies?
Cream of tartar acts as a leavening agent, giving cookies a slightly chewy texture while also preventing sugar from crystallizing, which keeps them soft and tender.
Can I omit cream of tartar in sugar cookies?
Yes, but your cookies may have a slightly different texture. If a recipe calls for baking soda and cream of tartar, you can substitute both with baking powder (since baking powder already contains cream of tartar).
Why do snickerdoodles have cream of tartar in them?
Cream of tartar gives snickerdoodles their signature tangy flavor and chewy texture. It also prevents the sugar from crystallizing, which helps create a soft and pillowy cookie.
Is expired cream of tartar okay?
Expired cream of tartar is not harmful, but it may lose its effectiveness over time. To test if it’s still good, mix a small amount with baking soda and water—if it fizzes, it’s still active!
Conclusion
These 3 Ingredient Sugar Cookies prove that simple can be absolutely delicious! With just butter, sugar, and flour, you get soft, buttery cookies with a crisp edge and a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Whether you’re baking for a quick treat, a holiday gathering, or just because you’re craving something sweet, these cookies come together effortlessly. Plus, they’re a blank canvas for creativity dip them in chocolate, sprinkle with sugar, or add a dash of vanilla for extra flavor. No fuss, no fancy ingredients just classic, homemade goodness in every bite!.
3-Ingredient Sugar Cookies
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Baking Sheet
- Hand Mixer
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Cream the softened butter and sugar together in a mixing bowl until light and fluffy.
- Gradually add the flour and mix until a soft dough forms.
- Roll the dough into small balls and place on a lined baking sheet. Flatten slightly with a fork.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.
- Let the cookies cool before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
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