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3-Ingredient Sugar Cookies

Soft, buttery sugar cookies that practically melt in your mouth, made with just three simple ingredients for effortless baking.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 17 minutes
Total Time 27 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 120
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
  • ⅔ cup granulated sugar plus 3 tablespoons (divided)
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled) plus 1 tablespoon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional) Enhances aroma
  • Rainbow sprinkles or nonpareils (optional) For decoration

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of room-temperature unsalted butter with ⅔ cup of granulated sugar. Use a stand mixer or hand-held mixer on medium speed until it's light and fluffy.
  2. If you want to, stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
  3. Gradually add 2 cups + 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour, keeping the mixer on low to avoid a flour explosion.
  4. Use a cookie scoop to make uniform balls of dough, rolling them gently in your hands to smooth the surface.
  5. Flatten the tops slightly and press rainbow sprinkles onto each ball if desired.
Baking
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Arrange the dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about an inch apart.
  2. Bake for 15-17 minutes until the edges are lightly golden.
Cooling and Serving
  1. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack.

Notes

These cookies can last up to one week in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer storage, they freeze well for up to three months. Reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for freshly baked feel. Pro tip: Don’t skip the sprinkles—they add a fun texture that balances the soft cookie.