Easy 3 Ingredient Sugar Cookie Recipe – Perfect & Simple

When Life Calls for Simple, Sweet Comfort

There are days when the world feels a little too heavy, and all I crave is the kind of simplicity that comes from rolling out dough with flour-dusted hands. Maybe it’s the nostalgia of childhood bake sales or the way sugar cookies make even the gloomiest afternoon feel like a celebration—whatever the reason, this 3-ingredient recipe has been my quiet rebellion against complicated recipes and perfectionism. Because sometimes, the sweetest moments come from the simplest ingredients.

Ingredients That Feel Like a Hug

What I love most about this recipe is how forgiving it is—no fancy pantry staples required! Here’s all you’ll need:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (the kind that yields to your finger like a cloud—this makes all the difference!)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (or a heaping 1/2 cup if you, like me, believe in generous sweetness)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour (measured with love and a gentle hand—no packing!)

That’s it! Though I’ll confess—I sometimes add a whisper of vanilla or a pinch of salt when the mood strikes, but these three humble ingredients alone create magic.

The Joy of Making (Without the Fuss)

Now, let’s bake with the kind of ease that feels like slipping into your favorite apron:

1. Cream the butter and sugar until just combined—about 1-2 minutes with a hand mixer or a determined wooden spoon. We’re not aiming for fluffy here, just a happy marriage of textures.
2. Add the flour in two batches, mixing gently until the dough comes together in crumbly clumps. This is where I always pause to press a bit between my fingers—it should hold its shape without being sticky.
3. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead lightly until smooth (think 5-6 gentle folds). Overworking makes tough cookies, so pretend you’re handling a delicate secret.

At this point, I usually wrap the dough in parchment and let it rest in the fridge for 30 minutes—but if you’re impatient like I often am, rolling and cutting straight away works too (just know they’ll spread a tad more).

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Pro Tips, Variations, and Substitutions

These 3-ingredient sugar cookies are wonderfully forgiving, but a few extra touches can make them even more special. Here are some ways to customize them:

• Vanilla or almond extract: Add ½ teaspoon for extra depth of flavor.
• Lemon zest: A teaspoon brightens the cookies beautifully.
• Gluten-free: Swap the flour for a 1:1 gluten-free blend.
• Vegan: Use coconut oil instead of butter and a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flax + 2.5 tbsp water).
• Sprinkles or sanding sugar: Press into the dough before baking for a festive touch.

What to Serve With Your Sugar Cookies

These cookies shine on their own but pair perfectly with:

• A cold glass of milk (classic never fails!)
• Hot cocoa or coffee for dunking
• Fresh berries for a light contrast
• A scoop of vanilla ice cream for an easy cookie sandwich

Storage and Reheating Tips

To keep your cookies tasting fresh:

• Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months—thaw at room temperature.
• Dough: Wrap unused dough tightly and refrigerate for 3 days or freeze for 1 month.
• Reviving stale cookies: Microwave for 5-10 seconds to soften, or place in a 300°F oven for 2 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these cookies without a mixer?

Absolutely! Use a sturdy spoon and some elbow grease—the dough comes together easily by hand.

Why are my cookies spreading too much?

Your butter may have been too soft. Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking next time.

Can I use salted butter?

Yes, but omit the added salt in the recipe to avoid over-salting.

How thin should I roll the dough?

About ¼-inch thick yields the perfect balance of crisp edges and soft centers.

A Sweet Final Thought

There’s something magical about how three simple ingredients can create such joy. Whether you’re baking with little ones, surprising a friend, or treating yourself, these sugar cookies are a little reminder that the best things in life don’t have to be complicated. May your kitchen be warm, your cookies golden, and your heart full with every buttery bite.

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