3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies
These 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies are buttery, crisp, and perfectly sweet. With optional vanilla and sprinkles, they’re customizable for holidays, birthdays, or everyday snacking. A quick and simple recipe that’s beginner-friendly and ready in under 30 minutes!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter room temperature
- ⅔ cup + 3 tablespoon granulated sugar divided
- 2 cups + 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour spooned and leveled
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract optional
- Rainbow sprinkles or nonpareils optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together butter and ⅔ cup sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add vanilla extract, if using, and mix well.
- Gradually add flour, stirring until a soft dough forms.
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheet.
- Flatten each ball slightly with your palm or bottom of a glass.
- Sprinkle tops with remaining 3 tablespoon sugar and add sprinkles if desired.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, until edges are lightly golden.
- Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Notes
- Chill dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading.
- Use a cookie scoop for even sizes and consistent baking.
- Swap vanilla for almond or lemon extract for variation.
- Store in an airtight container up to 1 week, or freeze baked cookies up to 3 months.
- For extra crunch, roll dough balls in coarse sugar before baking.