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Simple to make and impossible to resist, these 4 ingredient sugar cookies are soft, tender, and sweet. A quick mix, a little roll, and your kitchen will smell like pure cookie heaven!
Why These Will Be Your New Go-To
- No Rolling or Cookie Cutters: Skip the rolling pin and the mess of classic sugar cookies. Just scoop, bake, and enjoy.
- Only 4 Simple Ingredients: No long ingredient list or special trips to the store.
- Soft, Classic Sugar Cookie Flavor: All the buttery flavor without the extra work.
4 Ingredient Sugar Cookies Ingredients
- Extracts: Add vanilla for a classic sugar cookie flavor, or try almond extract or lemon extract. But, just use 1/2 teaspoon since they’re stronger.
- Rolling the Dough: Rolling in sugar is optional, but it adds a sweet crunch. Use sprinkles or sanding sugar for a festive touch.
- Butter: I use salted butter for the perfect balance of flavor.
4 Ingredient Sugar Cookie Recipe
If you want a cookie that’s quick, tasty, and a major hit, this is it. These 4 ingredient sugar cookies are as simple as they are delicious. For more favorites, make my Lofthouse, Swig, or sprinkle sugar cookie recipes.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: Preheat the oven to 325ºF. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside. In a large bowl, cream together butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Add vanilla extract and mix to combine.
- Stir in Flour: Mix flour into the butter and sugar mixture. Stir until just combined and a dough forms.
- Roll Dough Balls: Scoop the dough into 2 tablespoon portions using a medium cookie scoop, then roll into balls.
- Bake: Roll each dough ball in granulated sugar if desired. Place onto the baking sheets and flatten each ball of dough. Use the bottom of a glass or the palm of your hand. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are set and slightly golden. Take the 4 ingredient sugar cookies out when the centers still look soft. They finish baking right on the sheet.
Alyssa’s Pro Tips
No Chilling Required! As soon as the dough is mixed, you can pop them in the oven for instant cookie joy.
Quick Tips Title
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- Rolling the dough in sugar is optional, but I love the crispy sugary coating it gives the outside of the cookies.
- Optional ingredients: Vanilla extract is optional; these are also delicious without. Add it for a more classic sugar cookie flavor or change the extract, use almond or lemon extract instead.
- Don’t overbake the cookies.
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4 Ingredient Sugar Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup softened salted butter
- ¾ cups granulated sugar plus more for rolling, optional
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup softened salted butter and ¾ cups granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and mix to combine.
- Mix 2 cups all-purpose flour into the butter and sugar mixture, mixing until just combined and a dough forms.
- Scoop the dough into 2 tablespoon-sized portions using a medium cookie scoop, then roll into balls.
- Roll each dough ball in granulated sugar if desired. Place onto the baking sheets and flatten each ball of dough slightly with the bottom of a glass or the palm of your hand. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are set and slightly golden.
Notes
- Storing Leftovers: Store sugar cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Make Ahead: Freeze dough balls in a freezer-safe airtight container for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding an extra 1-2 minutes of bake time as needed.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
More Cookie Recipes to Try
If fast, easy cookies are your thing, you’ll love these next recipes made for busy days and when you want a sweet treat.
