Last week, I wanted to bake something quick for tea time and ended up making these 3 ingredient sugar cookies. Honestly, I didn’t expect much because it was just flour sugar and butter but the cookies came out soft, buttery and really tasty. My son loved them so much, he kept asking for more and now this has become my go to cookie recipe whenever we want something sweet without spending too much time.

What I love about this easy sugar cookie recipe is that it’s beginner-friendly friendly no mixer needed and you only need three simple ingredients that are always in the kitchen. If you’re new to baking or just want a quick homemade snack these cookies are the perfect start.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Sugar Cookie Recipe

• I like this recipe because it’s so simple. Just three ingredients and you get cookies that are soft and a little chewy with that buttery taste we all love. No mixer, no fancy tools — only a bowl and a spoon and you are good to go.
• Honestly, this is the kind of cookie I make when I don’t want to spend too much time in the kitchen but still want something homemade and sweet. Even if you’re new to baking, you can handle this, it’s that easy.
• Every time I make these, they finish so fast in my house. My son especially loves them and now it’s become a regular snack for us. I think once you try these, you’ll want to bake them again and again too.
• Do you like your cookies soft and chewy or a little crispy? Share your choice in the comments.

Only 3 Ingredients You Will Need For Sugar Cookies

• 1 Cup unsalted Butter
• ½ Cup White Sugar
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

How to Make 3 Ingredient Sugar Cookies

If you are looking for soft sugar cookies with 3 ingredients. It is easy to make and doesn’t require time.

Add unsalted butter. You can use shortening if that’s what you have, but I like using butter because it gives a better flavor and a nice golden color when baked. Butter is at room temperature for easy melting.

• Add white sugar, mix well using a spatula or a hand mixer.
• Add all-purpose flour, and you won’t find a cookie recipe 
• Mix all ingredients until the dough comes together.

Cream Butter and Sugar

• Add the butter (use melted butter) so it’s easier to mix
• Mix everything with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Don’t have one? Just use a spatula and gently mix by hand.
• When it is well mixed, gently fold it with a spatula to make sure everything is combined.
• Slowly add the all-purpose flour and mix until a dough.

Shape the Cookies

• Take a small amount of dough and softly roll it to make a ball. Honestly, this part is fun! Rolling by hand gave you smooth cookie balls without any cracks — they looked perfect.
• Line and space: I placed the dough balls on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Don’t forget to leave a little space between each one — they spread a bit while baking.
• Gently press each cookie ball with your fingers. You can also use the back of a spoon.
• Add toppings: Want to add more delicious taste to these sugar cookies? You can try adding sprinkles, chocolate chips, or colored sugar on top.

Step 5: Bake the Cookies

Preheat your oven according to your oven temperature.

Bake: Bake the cookies for 15 minutes, or until they are lightly golden.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

• Cool the cookies completely for a minute.
• These sugar cookies make a great snack for snacktime. Enjoy them with milk, tea, or coffee — whatever you like best!

Baking Tips for Perfect Sugar Cookies

• Butter Matters – Always use butter at room temperature. I learned the hard way once when my cookies came out hard because the butter was too cold. Soft butter makes the cookies melt in your mouth and keeps them chewy.
• Measure Like a Pro – Don’t just eyeball the ingredients. Flour, sugar, and butter need to be measured properly. A little too much flour can make your cookies dry, and too little can make them spread too much.
• No Mixer? No Problem – I love that this recipe doesn’t need a mixer. Just a spoon or spatula, and you’re good to go. It’s one less thing to wash and perfect for quick baking.
• Chill the Dough Sometimes – On hot days, I like to pop the dough in the fridge for 10–15 minutes. It helps the cookies hold their shape and gives that lovely shortbread-like texture.
• Line Your Tray – Parchment paper or a silicone mat makes life so much easier. Cookies won’t stick, and they bake evenly with soft, chewy centers.
• Watch the Oven – Take them out when the edges are just a little golden. They’ll look soft, but they firm up as they cool. That’s how you get the chewiest sugar cookies.
• Make Them Yours – Sometimes I sprinkle a few chocolate chips or colorful sprinkles on top. It makes them feel festive and fun, perfect for easy holiday cookies or an afternoon treat.
• Store Smart – Keep them in an airtight container. They stay soft for days. And if you ever want cookies in a hurry, freeze the dough. Just slice and bake whenever you need a last-minute cookie recipe.

Variations of the 3 Ingredient Sugar Cookie Recipe

We’ve all had that moment you’re ready to bake 3 ingredient sugar cookies, you open the cabinet and realize something is missing. It feels like the whole plan is ruined but trust me it’s not. With a few smart swaps you can still pull off soft chewy cookies that taste just as good. I’ve been in this spot plenty of times and the cookies never disappoint.

Butter Alternative

Butter gives these cookies their flavor and that shortbread-like texture. If you’re out of it you’ve got options. Margarine works almost the same the cookies may spread a little but still taste great. Coconut oil is one of my favorite budget friendly baking tricks and adds a hint of coconut. Vegan butter is perfect when you want eggless cookies or a family friendly treat without dairy.

Sugar Option

If the sugar jar is empty don’t give up. Brown sugar makes the cookies denser with a chewy bite. Powdered sugar gives a lighter almost melt in the mouth feel like the chewiest sugar cookies. Coconut sugar adds a caramel like flavor and works well if you’re after a healthier twist.

Flour Choice

Running low on flour happens more than we admit. Almond flour or oat flour make a fun gluten free version and is great if you like to bake from scratch with pantry staples. Self rising flour is easy to use just skip any extra leavening. Whole wheat flour gives a nutty flavor not classic but still tasty for pantry baking ideas.

Flavor twists

Once you’re comfortable with the simple cookie recipe play around a little. A splash of vanilla or a pinch of cinnamon makes them cozy. Toss in sprinkles or chocolate chips and you’ve suddenly got easy holiday cookies. Or dip cooled cookies in melted chocolate for a fuss free upgrade that looks fancy but takes no effort.

Quick success tips

If the dough feels too soft pop it in the fridge for a bit—it’s one of the best cookie dough tips to stop spreading. Bake just until the edges turn golden usually around 25 minutes for cookies or less depending on the size. And no mixer required just a spoon or spatula keeps it beginner friendly baking and stress free.

The beauty of this simple cookie recipe is how flexible it is. Whether you’re after a quick and easy snack recipe a family friendly treat or just love fuss free baking, these soft and chewy sugar cookies always deliver.

How to Store Sugar Cookies

• Freshly baked sugar cookies smell so good that it’s tempting to eat them all at once, but if you want to save some for later here’s what works best:
• Room temperature – Store the cookies in any airtight box with a layer of parchment at the bottom. The cookies hold on to their chewy texture for about 4 to 5 days.
• Fridge – Not always needed but if your kitchen is warm you can store them in the fridge. Just let them come to room temperature before eating so the flavor shines.
• Freezer – Yes you can freeze sugar cookies. Place them in a zip bag or airtight container with layers separated by parchment paper. They’ll last up to 2 months and taste just as good when thawed.

Don’t Miss These Delicious & Easy Cookie Recipes

• 4-ingredient peanut butter cookies
• Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies
• Chocolate chip cookies
• Lemon Cookie Recipe
• Almond flour chocolate chip cookies 

Nutrition Information for 3-Ingredient Sugar Cookies

Calories: 110 || Fat: 6g || Cholesterol: 20mg || Sodium: 50mg ||Sugar: 7g ||Protein: 1g
Note: These values are approximate and can vary based on the ingredients used.

Source: Instacart

FAQS:

Can I make these cookies without butter?

Yes I’ve baked them on days when butter was missing from my fridge. Coconut oil or even vegan butter step in perfectly and the cookies still taste just as good.

How long do sugar cookies last?

At my place they disappear fast, but if stored in an airtight container, they stay soft for about 4 to 5 days.

Can I add frosting on top?

Yes, Once they cool a simple glaze or melted chocolate makes them look and taste extra special.

Why Choose 3-Ingredient Sugar Cookies for Your Next Bake?

3-ingredient sugar cookies are the perfect choice when you want something quick, simple, and delicious. Made with just butter, sugar, and flour, these cookies come together in no time and deliver a soft, buttery texture everyone will love. 

How to make cookies at home with 3 ingredients?

Making cookies at home with 3 ingredients is very simple and easy. These sugar cookies are perfect for any treat with simple ingredients; you will need butter and all-purpose flour. Mix butter and sugar well until the texture becomes nice and creamy. Then gradually add flour, then make a soft dough in case your dough is sticky you can add almond flour just maintain the consistency otherwise, you can take the dough to the freezer for 5 minutes for maintain the thickness then make the dough ball and shape as you like; then you’ve got 3 ingredients sugar cookies.

What is the secret to making cookies soft and chewy?

For the perfect sugar cookie 3 ingredients, add a little cornstarch to your dough. I learned this secret from professional bakers, who use this ingredient to make cookies soft and chewy. It’s a simple trick that makes a big difference!

Final Thoughts on Easy 3 Ingredient Sugar Cookies

With just 3 ingredients these sugar cookies show that baking doesn’t have to be complicated to be delicious. They come out soft chewy and comforting perfect when you want a quick treat or something fun to make with family. I’d really love to hear how yours turn out so share your experience in the comments. Did you stick to the basics or try your own twist? Your stories make this space even more fun and inspiring.

How to Make Perfect 3 Ingredient Sugar Cookies Recipe

Ovenly Magic

These soft and buttery 3 ingredient sugar cookies are perfect for quick and easy baking at home. With simple ingredients and no mixer needed, this easy sugar cookie recipe is great for beginners and last-minute treats.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Course cookies

Cuisine American

Servings 12 cookies

Calories 110 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup unsalted butter
• ½ cup white sugar
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

Instructions

 

• In a mixing bowl, add 1 cup butter and ½ cup sugar.
• Use a spatula or electric beater to mix until smooth and creamy.
• Gradually mix in 2 ½ cups flour.
• The dough should be soft and slightly crumbly.
• Roll dough into 1-inch balls.

  Place on a lined baking sheet.

  Gently flatten each ball into a disc.

  (Optional: Add sprinkles or toppings.)
• Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).

  Bake for 15 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
• Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.

  Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

  Serve with tea, milk, or coffee!

Storage Tips

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freeze dough balls or baked cookies for up to 2 months.

Notes

These 3 ingredient sugar cookies are perfect for beginner bakers or anyone in a hurry. No mixer, no chilling—just simple ingredients and delicious results! For a festive twist, top with sprinkles before baking or dip in melted chocolate after cooling. Want a gluten-free option? Try replacing all-purpose flour with almond flour or a gluten-free baking blend.