These 3-Ingredient Sugar Cookies are super easy and fun to make! Just mix sugar, butter, and flour for delightful, sweet treats.
Honestly, they’re so simple, it’s like magic! I love making them when I’m short on time—just shape, bake, and enjoy with a glass of milk. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter is best for sugar cookies, as it allows you to control the saltiness. If you’re out of butter, you can use coconut oil or margarine. Just ensure they’re softened for easy mixing.
Granulated Sugar: This sugar gives cookies their sweetness and helps with the crunchy texture. If you’re looking for a lower-calorie option, granulated stevia or monk fruit sweetener can be substituted, but the texture may vary.
All-Purpose Flour: This is the foundation of the cookie dough. You can swap it with gluten-free flour if needed. Just ensure it’s a good blend for baking, as some gluten-free options are heavier and may need adjustments.
Rainbow Sprinkles: While they’re great for decoration, you could use chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit instead. Personalize them as you like!
How Do I Get the Perfect Cookie Texture?
The secret to great texture in sugar cookies lies in the mixing and baking times. Here are a few tips:
- When creaming butter and sugar, beat them until they’re really light and fluffy. This adds air to the dough, making cookies soft and chewy.
- Don’t overmix after adding the flour; just mix until it’s combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
- Baking time is key. Keep an eye on your cookies; they should turn golden around the edges, but the centers might stay soft.
- Letting them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes allows them to firm up and makes transferring easier.
These steps will help you achieve those perfectly textured cookies everyone loves!
How to Make 3-Ingredient Sugar Cookies
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar, plus extra for sprinkling
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- Rainbow sprinkles (for decorating)
Time Needed:
This delightful recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus 12-15 minutes for baking. Don’t forget to allow some cooling time afterward. In total, you can enjoy this sweet treat in about 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This way, it’s nice and hot when your cookies go in. Also, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, take your softened butter and granulated sugar. Use a hand mixer or a wooden spoon to cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes and adds air to your dough, making the cookies nice and soft!
3. Mix in the Flour:
Next, gradually add the all-purpose flour to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix until everything is well combined and forms a smooth dough. Make sure not to overmix it; just mix until the dough comes together.
4. Shape the Cookies:
Now, scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place each dough ball onto your prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between them to allow for spreading while baking.
5. Flatten & Decorate:
Gently flatten each dough ball with your hand or the bottom of a glass. This gives them a nice shape. Then, sprinkle a generous amount of granulated sugar and rainbow sprinkles on top of each cookie for that sweet finish!
6. Bake the Cookies:
Pop the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them; the edges should be just beginning to turn golden while the centers remain soft. This is when they’re perfectly baked!
7. Cool and Enjoy:
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This helps them firm up a bit. After, transfer them carefully to a wire rack to cool completely. Now, they’re ready to enjoy with a glass of milk or your favorite beverage!
Happy baking!
Can I Use Margarine Instead of Butter?
Yes, you can use margarine as a substitute for butter! Just make sure it’s softened, as this will help achieve a similar texture in the cookies. The flavor might be slightly different, but they’ll still be tasty!
Can I Make These Cookies Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour. Just check that the blend contains xanthan gum or add 1/2 teaspoon to help with texture.
How Do I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them in a resealable bag for up to 3 months. Just let them thaw at room temperature before enjoying!
Can I Add Flavorings to the Dough?
Definitely! For added flavor, try mixing in a teaspoon of vanilla extract or almond extract to the butter-sugar mixture before adding the flour. This will give your cookies a delightful twist!
