3-Ingredient Sugar Cookies: Easiest Recipe You’ll Ever Bake
These 3-ingredient sugar cookies are buttery, simple, and ready in just 40 minutes—perfect for beginners or baking with kids.
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter room temperature
- 2/3 cup + 3 tbsp granulated sugar divided
- 2 cups + 1 tbsp all-purpose flour spooned and leveled
- 1 tsp vanilla optional
- Rainbow sprinkles or nonpareils optional
Instructions
- 1. Preheat oven to 325°F and line two baking sheets with parchment.
- 2. Beat butter and 2/3 cup sugar until combined.
- 3. Add flour (and vanilla if using), blending into smooth dough.
- 4. Pinch dough to test—soft, buttery, not crumbly.
- 5. Roll into 1-inch balls, coat in remaining sugar, and place 2 inches apart.
- 6. Flatten gently with glass, add sprinkles if desired.
- 7. Bake 14–16 minutes until edges are slightly golden.
- 8. Cool on sheets 10–15 minutes before transferring to rack.
Notes
Cookies are slightly crunchy but not dry.
If crumbly, knead dough more.
Resting on sheet helps cookies set properly.