What if I told you that you don’t need a pantry full of ingredients to make the sugar cookies? With just three simple ingredients—flour, sugar, and butter—you can create delicious sugar cookies from scratch. Let’s dive into how you can whip up these treats in no time.
1. How to Make Sugar Cookies ( With Only 3 Ingredients )
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
Instructions
Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and sugar. Use an electric mixer or a wooden spoon to cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it helps your cookies achieve the perfect texture.
Incorporate the Flour: Gradually add the flour to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix until a dough forms. The dough should be soft but not sticky. If it feels too dry, add a teaspoon of milk to bring it together.
Shape the Cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll the dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Flatten them slightly with your palm or the back of a spoon to ensure even baking.
Bake: Bake the cookies for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
That’s it! You now have a batch of sugar cookies that are buttery, crumbly, and absolutely delightful.
Note: Don’t using this recipe for cut out sugar cookies. Since the dough doesn’t have any egg, it would have trouble staying together and may fall apart when they are cut out with cookie cutters.
2. Tips for Perfect Sugar Cookies
While the recipe is simple, a few small tweaks can make a big difference in the final result. Here are some tips I’ve learned over time:
Use High-Quality Butter: Since butter is one of the main ingredients, the quality you choose impacts the flavor and texture. I always opt for unsalted, high-fat butter for the best results.
Chill the Dough (Optional): If your dough feels too soft or sticky, pop it in the fridge for 15–20 minutes. This helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking.
Don’t Overbake: Sugar cookies can go from perfect to overdone very quickly. Once the edges start to turn golden, it’s time to pull them out. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool.
Experiment With Flavors: For a fun twist, try adding a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon to the dough. These small additions can elevate the flavor without complicating the recipe.
3. How to Decorate Sugar Cookies
Once your cookies are baked and cooled, the real fun begins—decorating! Sugar cookies make the perfect canvas for creativity. Here’s how you can dress them up:
Powdered Sugar Dusting: For a minimalist look, sprinkle powdered sugar over the cookies. It gives them a snowy, elegant touch.
Icing: Mix powdered sugar with a little milk or lemon juice to create a simple icing. You can tint it with food coloring for a pop of color. Use a piping bag or a small spoon to drizzle the icing over the cookies.
Sprinkles and Toppings: Before the icing sets, add sprinkles, crushed candies, or edible glitter. This step is a great way to involve kids in the decorating process.
Chocolate Drizzle: Melt some chocolate and drizzle it over the cookies for a decadent touch. White chocolate works particularly well with sugar cookies.
Decorating sugar cookies is like an art project you can eat. Whether you prefer simple designs or intricate patterns, there’s no wrong way to make these cookies your own.
4. How to Store Sugar Cookies Properly
Proper storage is key to keeping your sugar cookies fresh and delicious. Here’s how I like to store mine:
In an Airtight Container: Place the cookies in a container with a tight-fitting lid. Layer them with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking to each other.
Room Temperature or Freezer: These cookies keep well at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to store them longer, freeze them in an airtight container for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them thaw at room temperature.
Separate Iced Cookies: If you’ve decorated your cookies with icing or toppings, let the decorations fully set before stacking them. This prevents smudging and ensures they look as good as they taste.
These cookies are not only incredibly easy to make but also serve as a blank slate for creativity. So, whether it’s a rainy afternoon or you’re just craving something sweet, this recipe is here to save the day. Give it a try, and I’m sure it’ll become one of your go-to recipes, just like it is for me!
