3-Ingredient Sugar Cookies (Quick & Easy Recipe)

Sometimes the simplest recipes are the ones we fall in love with the fastest—and these 3-Ingredient Sugar Cookies are the perfect example. With just a handful of pantry staples and no complicated steps, this recipe proves that great baking doesn’t have to be complicated to be delicious.

These cookies are soft, buttery, and delicately sweet, with a melt-in-your-mouth texture that feels comforting and nostalgic. There’s something incredibly satisfying about watching three basic ingredients come together to create cookies that look elegant, taste homemade, and bake up beautifully every single time.

What makes this recipe truly special is its accessibility. No mixers, no chilling, no long ingredient lists—just a straightforward method that delivers reliable results whether you’re an experienced baker or stepping into the kitchen for the first time. It’s the kind of recipe you can make on a whim, when a craving hits or when you want something sweet without the effort.

Perfect for holidays, last-minute guests, or everyday baking, these sugar cookies are endlessly versatile and irresistibly simple. Keep reading to discover how just three ingredients can turn into a classic treat you’ll want to bake again and again 🍪✨

Why You’ll Love It

These 3-Ingredient Sugar Cookies are proof that baking doesn’t need to be complicated to be incredibly satisfying. With minimal effort and zero fuss, you get soft, buttery cookies that taste classic, comforting, and undeniably homemade.

One of the biggest reasons you’ll love this recipe is its simplicity. No long ingredient list, no chilling time, no special equipment. When a craving hits or you need a quick dessert, this recipe delivers fast, reliable results without stress.

Texture is another standout. These cookies bake up tender and melt-in-your-mouth, with lightly golden edges and soft centers. They’re not dry, not crumbly, and not overly sweet—just perfectly balanced.

This recipe is also incredibly approachable. Whether you’re a beginner baker, baking with kids, or simply want a foolproof cookie, these sugar cookies are nearly impossible to mess up. The dough is forgiving and easy to work with.

Finally, these cookies are wonderfully versatile. Enjoy them plain, dress them up with toppings, or use them as a base for countless variations. Once you try them, you’ll keep this recipe in your back pocket forever.

Ingredients + Tips

Butter

Butter is the foundation of flavor and texture in this recipe.

Tip: Use unsalted butter and make sure it’s softened, not melted. Soft butter blends smoothly and creates a tender cookie.

Sugar

Granulated sugar provides sweetness and structure.

Tip: If you want slightly softer cookies, you can substitute a small portion with powdered sugar.

Flour

All-purpose flour gives the cookies their structure.

Tip: Measure flour carefully. Spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off to avoid dense cookies.

Because there are only three ingredients, quality matters. Using fresh butter and properly measured flour makes a noticeable difference in the final result.

Steps (Soft Cookies, Simple Method)

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until smooth and fluffy. This step creates air in the dough, helping the cookies bake up tender.

Step 3: Add the Flour

Gradually add the flour and mix just until combined. The dough should be soft but not sticky.

Key Tip: Avoid overmixing. Once the flour is incorporated, stop mixing to keep cookies tender.

Step 4: Shape the Cookies

Roll dough into small balls and place them on the baking sheet. Gently flatten with a fork or the bottom of a glass.

Step 5: Bake

Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly golden. The centers should remain pale and soft.

Step 6: Cool

Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Variations

Despite their simplicity, these cookies are incredibly adaptable:

• Vanilla Sugar Cookies: Add vanilla extract for extra flavor

• Lemon Sugar Cookies: Mix in lemon zest for brightness

• Cinnamon Sugar: Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar before baking

• Chocolate Dip: Dip cooled cookies in melted chocolate

• Holiday Cookies: Add sprinkles or colored sugar

These variations let you customize the cookies while keeping the base recipe intact.

Storage & Reheating

Storage

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Freezing

Freeze baked cookies or unbaked dough balls for up to 2 months. Bake frozen dough directly, adding 1–2 minutes to baking time.

Reheating

Warm cookies in the microwave for 8–10 seconds to restore softness.

Serving Suggestions

These 3-Ingredient Sugar Cookies pair beautifully with:

• Coffee or tea

• Hot chocolate

• Ice cream sandwiches

• Dessert platters

• Gift boxes and cookie tins

They’re simple enough for everyday treats and elegant enough for special occasions.

Final Thoughts

3-Ingredient Sugar Cookies are a reminder that sometimes less truly is more. With just butter, sugar, and flour, this recipe delivers cookies that feel timeless, comforting, and effortlessly homemade. There’s no distraction from unnecessary ingredients—just pure, classic cookie flavor.

What makes this recipe especially special is how dependable it is. You can make it at a moment’s notice, with ingredients you almost always have on hand, and trust that the result will be delicious. That reliability is what turns a recipe into a favorite.

These cookies also invite creativity. Their simple base makes them a blank canvas for flavors, toppings, and decorations. Whether you keep them plain or dress them up for holidays and celebrations, they adapt beautifully without losing their charm.

There’s also something deeply satisfying about baking with simplicity. The process is calm, straightforward, and rewarding, making it perfect for beginners or anyone who wants stress-free baking. It’s the kind of recipe that feels comforting not just to eat, but to make.

Once you try these 3-Ingredient Sugar Cookies, you’ll understand why they’re so beloved. They’re soft, buttery, and just sweet enough—cookies that don’t try to impress with complexity, but succeed through balance and familiarity.

This is the kind of recipe you return to again and again, trusting it to deliver warmth, nostalgia, and homemade goodness every single time.