Go Back

15-Minute Easy 3-Ingredient Sugar Cookies

Buttery, tender sugar cookies made with just butter, sugar, and flour. Ready in 15 minutes for a quick homemade treat.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Dessert, easy sugar cookie recipe 3 ingredients
Cuisine American
Servings 18 servings
Calories 110 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened but still cool
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour spooned and leveled

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together with a spatula or electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
  • Add the flour and mix until a soft dough forms. Don't overmix – stop as soon as there are no dry streaks.
  • Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough (about 1.5 tablespoons each) and roll them into smooth balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
  • Chill the cookie sheet in the refrigerator for 5 minutes (optional but recommended to prevent spreading).
  • Optionally, press a fork into the top of each ball to create a crisscross pattern, or press the bottom of a glass to flatten slightly.
  • Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just barely golden. The centers will look soft and slightly underdone – that's perfect.
  • Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. They will firm up as they cool.

Notes

1. Butter temperature: Butter should be softened but still cool to the touch (around 65°F).
2. If it's too warm, the cookies will spread too much.
3. If too cold, it won't cream properly.
4. Flour measurement: Always spoon flour into your measuring cup and level with a knife.
5. Scooping directly from the bag can add up to 25% more flour, making dry cookies.
6. Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months.
7. Make-ahead: Prepare the dough and refrigerate for up to 2 days, or freeze shaped dough balls for up to 3 months.
8. Bake from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the bake time.
9. Add-ins: For vanilla sugar cookies, add 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract with the butter and sugar (this makes it 4 ingredients).
10. For lemon, add 1 tablespoon lemon zest.