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You know that cozy smell when cookies are in the oven? Yeah, that one. It’s like the whole kitchen wraps you in a warm hug made out of sugar and butter. Feels like childhood, doesn’t it? ❤️ But here’s the thing—sometimes baking feels like work. Too many steps, ingredients you don’t even own, and instructions that sound like a science experiment.
That’s why I love this little lifesaver: a 3-ingredient sugar cookie recipe. No fuss, no drama, no “do I even own cream of tartar??” moment. Just three pantry basics and you’ve got cookies in half an hour.
They’re buttery, soft in the middle, a tiny bit crisp on the edges, and—best part—you don’t need any fancy tools. Butter + sugar + flour = cookies. That’s it. Simple math.
Table of Contents
Why I Swear By This Recipe
- It’s stupid simple → Like, seriously. No endless list of stuff. Just three things you already have.
- Anyone can make it → First time baking? Kids helping in the kitchen? Doesn’t matter, it’s almost impossible to mess these up.
- Cheap & cheerful → No weird expensive ingredients. Just the basics.
- Fast → From mixing bowl to cookie tray in under 30 minutes. Perfect for last-minute cravings.
- Totally customizable → Want sprinkles? Go wild. Chocolate chips? Yes, please. A squeeze of lemon zest? Fancy ✨
Related: Best Chocolate Covered Oreos Recipe
Ingredients 🛒
Here’s your whole shopping list (bet you don’t even need to shop):
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup sugar (plain white works best)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
That’s it. Really.
Why These 3 Work So Well
- Butter → makes them rich, soft, and melt-in-your-mouth good.
- Sugar → brings sweetness + that golden edge when it bakes.
- Flour → holds everything together so you don’t end up with cookie soup 😅.
Step-By-Step
- Preheat oven → 350°F (175°C). Always start here so things bake evenly.
- Cream butter & sugar → Mix till light and fluffy. By hand works, mixer is faster.
- Add flour → Slowly stir in until dough forms. Looks crumbly at first, but it comes together.
- Shape → Roll into little balls (about a tablespoon each). Line them up on parchment paper.
- Flatten → Use a fork for that criss-cross pattern, or a glass bottom for smooth tops.
- Bake → 10–12 minutes, until edges just barely golden. Don’t overdo it.
- Cool & munch → Let them sit for a couple minutes on the tray before moving.
Mix butter, sugar, flour → roll balls → flatten → bake 350°F for 10–12 min till golden.
Related: Best Cream Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipes
Pro Tips 👩🍳
- Dough too soft? Chill for 15 minutes first.
- Always use parchment. Saves time scrubbing pans later.
- For chewy cookies → pull them out a bit early.
- Add a pinch of salt if using unsalted butter.
- Space them out! They spread just a little.
Fun Variations
| Style | Extra | What It Does |
|---|---|---|
| Vanilla Twist | 1 tsp vanilla | Warmer, cozier flavor |
| Chocolate Chip | ½ cup chips | Classic upgrade |
| Lemon Zest | 1 tsp zest | Fresh & bright |
| Holiday Style | Sprinkles | Festive, fun, colorful |
| Cinnamon Sugar | 1 tsp cinnamon | Spiced, cozy kick |
Nutritional Peek (Per Cookie)
- Calories: ~120
- Carbs: 15g
- Fat: 6g
- Protein: 1g
(not exact, just ballpark)
A Little Story 🌧️
One rainy afternoon, I was desperate for something sweet. Pantry was almost empty—no eggs, no vanilla, nothing “normal” for cookies. Just butter, sugar, and flour. Out of boredom (and hunger), I tossed them together and baked.
The result? Shockingly good. A little crumbly, super buttery, and totally hit the spot. Since then, this has been my go-to “lazy day” cookie. Sometimes the best recipes are the accidental ones.
Related: 25 Easy Girl Dinner Ideas
Can I use salted butter?
Yep. Just don’t add extra salt.
How long do they last?
Around 5 days in an airtight container.
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, up to 2 months. Bake straight from frozen—just add 1–2 minutes.
Do I really need a mixer?
Nope. A sturdy spoon and some elbow grease will do.
Why crumbly?
Probably too much flour. Add a splash of milk or water.
Final Bite
At the end of the day, you don’t need a million ingredients to make something delicious. Just three basics and 20-ish minutes, and you’ve got warm cookies that feel like home. Eat them plain, toss on sprinkles, or sandwich with frosting if you’re feeling extra.
Sometimes less really is more.
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3 Ingredient Sugar Cookie Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Slowly add the flour and mix until a dough forms.
- Roll dough into small balls (about 1 tablespoon each) and place on a parchment-lined baking tray.
- Gently flatten each ball with a fork for a criss-cross design or a glass bottom for smooth tops.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let cool on the tray for 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Notes
- For softer cookies, bake on the shorter side (10 minutes).
- Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for extra flavor.
- You can freeze the dough for up to 2 months.
- Great base recipe—try sprinkles, chocolate chips, or lemon zest for variations.
Muhammad Ahtsham is the founder of EatLike.com, where he shares real-world advice on clean eating, high-protein meals, and healthy weight loss. With hands-on experience in nutrition and food blogging, his recipes and tips are practical, tested, and made to help real people see results.
