Easy 3 Ingredient Sugar Cookie Recipe | Quick Desserts

Why These 3 Ingredient Sugar Cookies Are Perfect for Quick Baking

Looking for an easy cookie recipe? A 3 ingredient sugar cookie is your best bet. They’re great for sudden baking needs or holiday treats. You only need common pantry items, making it perfect for when you’re in a rush.

Main Ingredients

Making 3 ingredient sugar cookies is easy with the right ingredients. You’ll need unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and all-purpose flour. Adding a few extras can make your cookies even better.

Here’s what you need for the perfect sugar cookie dough:

• 1 cup (225 grams) of unsalted butter, softened
• 2/3 cup (135 grams) of granulated sugar
• 2 cups (250 grams) of all-purpose flour

Optional ingredients include:

• 1 teaspoon (5 grams) of baking soda
• 2 teaspoons (10 grams) of pure vanilla extract

Want to try something different? Use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar. However, this recipe doesn’t work with gluten-free or almond flour.

Preparation Steps in Detail

Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed

To bake tasty easy cookie recipes and quick cookie dough, you need the right tools. Here’s a list of what you’ll need to start:

• Basic Utensils Required
  • Mixing bowl or stand mixer with a paddle attachment for blending the dough
  • Baking sheets or cookie trays for shaping and baking the cookies
  • Parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to line the baking sheets
  • A glass or flat-bottomed object for flattening the cookie dough balls

• Optional Baking Equipment
  • A food scale for precise ingredient measurements
  • Cookie cutters in various shapes for themed or decorated cookies
  • A wire cooling rack for allowing the freshly baked cookies to cool completely

Step-by-Step 3 Ingredient Sugar Cookie Recipe

• Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire cooling rack.
• Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
• In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes pale and fluffy.
• Sift the all-purpose flour into the butter-sugar mixture and mix on low speed until the ingredients are just combined, being careful not to overmix.
• Scoop the cookie dough by the tablespoon and gently roll each portion into a ball. Place the dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them a few inches apart.
• Using the bottom of a glass or your fingers, lightly flatten each dough ball to create the classic sugar cookie shape.
• Bake the cookies for 14-16 minutes, or until the tops and edges are just starting to dry out but the centers are still soft.

Tips for Success

• Proper Butter Temperature Guidelines
  • Use butter that’s at room temperature, softened for about 30 minutes. This makes the butter mix well with the dough, giving a smooth texture.
  • Don’t use melted or too soft butter, as it can make cookies spread too much.

• Dough Consistency Secrets
  • Measure flour right by spooning it into the cup and leveling it. Too much flour makes cookies dense and dry.
  • Don’t overmix the dough. Overmixing can make cookies tough and chewy. Mix just until everything is combined.
  • Chill the dough for at least 15 minutes before shaping. This makes the dough easier to handle and keeps its shape.
  • Make the cookies about 1/2 inch thick. This ensures they bake evenly and don’t get too brown.

Common Problems and Solutions

Baking easy cookie recipes can sometimes present unexpected challenges. Here are some common baking issues and how to fix them:

By carefully monitoring ingredient proportions and mixing techniques, you can ensure your quick cookie dough turns out perfect every time.

For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract, almond extract, or a sprinkle of cinnamon to the dough. Don’t forget to decorate your cookies with sprinkles, icing, or other toppings!

“These 3 ingredient sugar cookies are a game-changer for busy bakers. They’re quick, easy, and always a crowd-pleaser!”

The secret to perfect 3 ingredient sugar cookie recipes is gentle handling and avoiding over-mixing. With practice, you’ll make soft, buttery, and delicious cookies. Enjoy!

Innovative Garnishing Ideas

• Simple Toppings and Glazes
  • Sprinkle colorful sprinkles or jimmies on the dough before baking for a vibrant finish.
  • For a shiny glaze, mix 1/2 cup powdered sugar with 3 tablespoons of milk or water, then drizzle over cooled cookies.
  • Try adding mini chocolate chips, powdered sugar, or citrus zest for extra flavor.

• Holiday Decorating Options
  • Decorate cookies with crushed candy canes or peppermint extract for a festive touch.
  • Toasted coconut adds a tropical flair.
  • Use royal icing or melted white chocolate to pipe designs or messages for a classic holiday look.

Storage and Reheating Information

• Storing Baked Cookies
  • To keep cookies fresh and soft, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
  • For extra softness, add a slice of bread to the container to help retain moisture.

• Freezing Baked Cookies
  • Place cookies in a zip-top bag or airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Thaw cookies at room temperature or in the fridge before eating.

• Freezing Cookie Dough
  • Scoop the dough into balls or logs and freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Bake frozen dough with an extra 1-2 minutes of baking time.

With these tips, you can enjoy your holiday baking and easy cookie recipes for months. Perfectly preserved cookies are just a few steps away. Enjoy the flavors and convenience all year.

Nutrition (Per Serving)

The 3 ingredient sugar cookie recipe is a great choice for a tasty dessert. Each cookie contains approximately:

• Calories per cookie: 122.3
• Carbohydrates: 13.2g
• Protein: 1.3g
• Fat: 7.3g

• Dietary Modifications
  • To reduce sugar, substitute with a sugar-free baking sweetener.
  • To make it vegan, use plant-based butter.
  • Gluten-free variations may work with the right flour blend, but this hasn’t been tested yet.

Conclusion

This easy 3-ingredient sugar cookie recipe is perfect for beginners and experts alike. It’s great for a quick dessert, a holiday treat, or to curb sweet cravings. The recipe is simple and can be customized for any occasion or dietary need.

The recipe is easy to read and understand, with a score of 85.6 and a grade level of 3.6. It only costs $5.00 to make, making it affordable. You can stick to classic sugar cookies or try new flavors with this recipe.

Try out this simple 3-ingredient sugar cookie recipe. Enjoy the buttery edges and soft centers. Get creative with your decorations and variations. It’s a quick and delicious solution for your dessert needs.

FAQ

• What are the three key ingredients in this 3 ingredient sugar cookie recipe?
  • The main ingredients are 1 cup of dairy-free butter, 2/3 cup of sugar, and 2 cups of all-purpose flour.

• Can I use gluten-free flour or almond flour for this recipe?
  • No, this recipe is best with all-purpose flour. Gluten-free flour or almond flour won’t work well.

• How long do these sugar cookies take to bake?
  • Bake them at 325°F (160°C) for 14-16 minutes. They’re done when the tops and sides are dry but not golden.

• Can I make the dough ahead of time?
  • Yes, you can make the dough up to 3 days in advance. Store it in the fridge. For longer, freeze it for up to 3 months.

• How can I customize the flavor of these sugar cookies?
  • Add chocolate chips, citrus zest, coconut, or extracts like vanilla, almond, peppermint, or coconut. This will change the flavor.

• What is the calorie and nutritional information for these sugar cookies?
  • Each cookie has about 122.3 calories. It has 13.2g carbohydrates, 1.3g protein, and 7.3g fat.

• Can I make this recipe vegan?
  • Yes, you can make it vegan. Just use plant-based butter instead of regular butter.