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Easy 3-Ingredient Soft Sugar Cookies Recipe - Simple, Tender, and Delicious

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 24 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Unsalted butter (softened to room temperature) – 1/2 cup (1 stick)
  • Granulated sugar – 1/2 cup, plus extra for rolling (optional)
  • Self-rising flour – 1 and 1/4 cups

Method
 

  1. Preheat and prep: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
  2. Cream the butter and sugar: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. This step traps air, helping the cookies bake up soft and tender.
  3. Add the flour: Sprinkle in the self-rising flour and mix on low just until a soft dough forms. The dough should be smooth and pliable, not sticky.
  4. Shape the cookies: Scoop 1-tablespoon portions of dough and roll into balls. If you like a sparkly finish, roll each ball lightly in extra sugar.
  5. Arrange and flatten: Place the dough balls on the lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Gently press each ball to about 1/2-inch thick with your fingers or the bottom of a glass.
  6. Bake: Bake for 9–11 minutes, until the edges are set and the tops look matte but still pale. Do not overbake; they should look just done.
  7. Cool: Let the cookies rest on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. They’ll firm up as they cool while staying soft inside.