If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to delight your family and guests with homemade Christmas treats, these 3 Ingredient Sugar Cookies are the perfect solution. With minimal ingredients and a simple recipe, you can whip up classic sugar cookies in no time. Whether you’re baking for the holidays or just craving a sweet treat, this recipe is both fun and foolproof.
Why You’ll Love 3 Ingredient Sugar Cookies
Starting with just three staple ingredients, these cookies are:
- Easy and quick to make — perfect for holiday baking newbies
- Soft, chewy, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious
- Customizable with your favorite add-ins for festive fun
- Budget-friendly with pantry staples you likely already have
- Ideal for homemade Christmas celebrations and gift-giving
- Great for kids to help bake — a family favorite activity
For more cozy, easy recipes perfect for the holiday season, try our Moist and Cozy Banana Nut Bread and Snowman Christmas Cheese Ball recipes.
Ingredients
- 1 cup peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 large egg
Optional add-ins:
- Holiday sprinkles
- Mini chocolate chips
- A pinch of cinnamon or vanilla extract for extra warmth
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, sugar, and egg until fully blended.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough and place them on the baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
- Gently flatten each ball with a fork, making a crisscross pattern.
- Add sprinkles or mini chocolate chips on top, if desired.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for at least 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
How to Serve 3 Ingredient Sugar Cookies
Serve these cookies fresh with a glass of milk or alongside a hot holiday beverage like cocoa or spiced tea. They make excellent treats for Christmas cookie platters, office parties, or homemade gift jars.
- Holiday Platter: Arrange with other easy Christmas cookies and candies for a festive spread.
- Gift Idea: Layer cookies in decorative tins with parchment paper for thoughtful homemade gifts.
- Party Snack: Serve in bite-size portions on festive plates during holiday gatherings.
- Dessert After Meals: Pair with warm soups like the comforting Loaded Baked Potato Soup for a sweet finish.
How to Store 3 Ingredient Sugar Cookies
- Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- To keep them soft, place a slice of bread in the container to maintain moisture.
- Freeze baked cookies in a sealed bag or container for up to 3 months; thaw at room temperature before serving.
- For best results, avoid refrigerating as it may dry out the cookies.
Tips to Make 3 Ingredient Sugar Cookies
- Use natural peanut butter without added oils for best texture.
- Customize with mix-ins like holiday sprinkles or cinnamon for seasonal flair.
- Don’t overbake; they should remain soft and chewy.
- Flatten cookies well with a fork to ensure even baking.
- For a nut-free version, try substituting peanut butter with sunflower seed butter (adjust baking times as needed).
Variations of 3 Ingredient Sugar Cookies
- Chocolate Sugar Cookies: Add 2 tbsp cocoa powder to the mix for a chocolate twist.
- Nutella Cookies: Substitute peanut butter with Nutella for rich hazelnut flavor.
- Vegan Option: Use a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water) instead of the egg to keep it plant-based.
- Festive Toppings: Roll cookie balls in colored sugar or cinnamon sugar before baking.
- No Bake Treats: Press dough into a pan and chill instead of baking to make easy no-bake bars.
FAQs
1. Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
Yes, crunchy peanut butter adds texture and a delicious crunch to the cookies.
2. How do I make these cookies nut-free?
Swap peanut butter for sunflower seed butter or another allergy-friendly spread.
3. Can I add chocolate chips or nuts?
Absolutely! Fold in mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts for extra flavor.
4. How long do these cookies stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, they stay fresh up to 5 days.
Final Thoughts
These 3 Ingredient Sugar Cookies are a simple yet delightful holiday favorite. Perfect for anyone who loves homemade Christmas treats without the fuss, they bring joy, sweetness, and festive spirit to your kitchen. Whether baked as gifts, party snacks, or a last-minute holiday dessert, these cookies will quickly become a go-to recipe for your holiday celebrations.
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Print
3 Ingredient Sugar Cookies
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 16 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These 3 Ingredient Sugar Cookies are a simple, soft, and delicious treat that’s perfect for homemade Christmas celebrations or anytime you crave an easy sweet bite.
Ingredients
- 1 cup peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 large egg
- Optional: sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, cinnamon
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, mix peanut butter, sugar, and egg until smooth.
3. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls onto baking sheet spaced 2 inches apart.
4. Flatten each ball with a fork in a crisscross pattern.
5. Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
6. Cool for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
7. Add sprinkles or chips before baking if desired.
Notes
Use natural peanut butter without added oils for best results.
Customize with holiday sprinkles or cinnamon for festive flair.
Store cookies in airtight container up to 5 days.
Freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months; thaw before serving.
Substitute sunflower seed butter for nut-free option.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg