Hey there, sweet tooths! Have you ever craved cookies but dreaded the long list of ingredients and steps? Well, fret no more. These 3-ingredient sugar cookies are about to become your new best friend. Simple, sweet, and irresistibly delicious, they’re perfect for any occasion or just because.
Why This Recipe Works
- Minimal ingredients mean less time shopping and more time baking.
- The simplicity of the recipe ensures even beginners can achieve perfect results.
- These cookies are incredibly versatile, ready to be dressed up or down depending on your mood.
- They bake quickly, so you’re never far from a warm, sugary treat.
- The texture is just right—crispy on the edges, soft in the middle.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar, plus extra for sprinkling
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer or wooden spoon
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutters (optional)
Instructions
Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This little step saves you from a world of cleanup hassle later. Tip: If you’re out of parchment, a light greasing of the pan will do in a pinch.
Mix the Dough
In your mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2 minutes with an electric mixer. Gradually add the flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. The key here is not to overmix—just until the flour is incorporated. Tip: If the dough feels too sticky, chill it for 10 minutes before rolling.
Shape the Cookies
Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use cookie cutters for fun shapes or simply cut into rounds with a glass. Sprinkle the tops with a little extra sugar for that classic sparkle. Tip: For even thickness, use rolling pin guides or two sticks of the same thickness on either side of the dough.
Bake to Perfection
Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about an inch between them. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. Remember, they’ll continue to cook a bit on the sheet after you take them out, so don’t wait for them to brown.
Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This patience-testing step ensures they set properly without breaking. Then, dive in and enjoy the fruits of your minimal labor!
Tips and Tricks
For those looking to elevate their cookie game, here are some pro tips. First, consider browning the butter before mixing for a deeper, nuttier flavor. Just melt it over medium heat until it turns a golden brown, then let it cool slightly before using. Second, adding a pinch of salt can enhance the sweetness and balance the flavors beautifully. Lastly, for a festive touch, mix in some colored sugars or sprinkles before baking, or drizzle with melted chocolate after cooling.
Recipe Variations
- Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or almond extract to the dough for extra flavor.
- Mix in lemon or orange zest for a citrusy twist.
- Roll the dough in cinnamon sugar before baking for a snickerdoodle vibe.
- Press a Hershey’s kiss into the center of each cookie after baking for a quick thumbprint variation.
- Use brown sugar instead of granulated for a deeper, molasses-like sweetness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Absolutely! If you’re using salted butter, you can skip adding any extra salt to the recipe. The cookies will still turn out delicious, with just a hint of saltiness to balance the sweetness.
How do I store these cookies?
These cookies keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months or freeze the dough for future baking sessions.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free blend. Just make sure it’s a 1:1 substitution blend to ensure the texture stays as close to the original as possible.
Summary
These 3-ingredient sugar cookies are proof that sometimes, less really is more. With just butter, sugar, and flour, you can whip up a batch of delicious, versatile cookies that are sure to impress. Whether you’re a baking novice or a seasoned pro, this recipe is a keeper.