3 Ingredient Brown Sugar Cookies Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with these 3 Ingredient Brown Sugar Cookies! Just three humble ingredients and a quick blitz in the food processor are all that stand between you and a batch of cookies that are buttery, crumbly, and packed with that rich molasses-y sweetness we all crave. This is the kind of recipe you’ll want to tuck away for last-minute cravings or when you need a crowd-pleaser without a trip to the store. Trust me, once you’ve baked these once, they’ll become a mainstay in your kitchen rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s take a moment to celebrate the beauty of simplicity! Each component in these 3 Ingredient Brown Sugar Cookies pulls its weight, working in harmony to create the ultimate melt-in-your-mouth treat. Here’s how each ingredient shines:

• All-purpose flour: Classic and reliable, this forms the structure and crumb of your cookies and ensures that signature shortbread-like bite.
• Salted butter (cold): Adds richness and a touch of salt that highlights the sweetness, while staying cold gives your cookies a tender, flaky texture.
• Brown sugar (packed): The star of the show, adding a deep caramel note and gorgeous golden hue to every bite.

How to Make 3 Ingredient Brown Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper—your cookies won’t stick, and cleanup is a breeze. This step makes all the difference for even baking and easy removal later.

Step 2: Mix the Dough in a Food Processor

Combine all of the ingredients—flour, cold butter, and brown sugar—in your food processor. Give it a good blitz for 2–3 minutes. You’ll see it go from sandy crumbs to a cohesive dough, which is exactly what you want. Be patient; sometimes it looks like nothing is happening… right up until those magic few seconds when it all comes together beautifully.

Step 3: Shape Your Cookies

Dump the dough onto the prepared parchment-lined baking sheet. Press it gently with your fingers to form an approximately 8″ x 8″ square. It’s rustic and hands-on—embrace it! Then, use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to slice the dough into tidy rectangles. No need to be a perfectionist; these cookies have plenty of charm as they are.

Step 4: Space and Chill

Carefully separate the cookies on the pan so there’s space between each one. Then, pop the whole sheet into the fridge for at least 15 minutes. This quick chill is your secret weapon against spreading and helps those lovely straight edges stay put while baking.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake your cookies in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes. They should emerge lightly golden around the edges, with an irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen. (Good luck waiting for them to cool before diving in!)

How to Serve 3 Ingredient Brown Sugar Cookies

Garnishes

Although these cookies are lovely in their simplicity, you can jazz up your 3 Ingredient Brown Sugar Cookies with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt right when they come out of the oven for a delicious sweet-salty twist. A dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate also elevates them for special occasions.

Side Dishes

What pairs better with 3 Ingredient Brown Sugar Cookies than an iced latte or a mug of hot tea? If you’re planning a dessert platter, these cookies nestle nicely between fresh berries, fruit slices, or even a scoop of ice cream for a lovely textural contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack your cookies high on a rustic wooden board for casual gatherings, tie stacks with twine for charming take-home favors, or sandwich a slather of nut butter or jam between two cookies for an extra-indulgent treat. However you decide to share, they’ll look and taste irresistible!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover 3 Ingredient Brown Sugar Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and crisp for up to five days, making them a perfect candidate for snacking or popping into lunchboxes throughout the week.

Freezing

Freezing couldn’t be easier! Once baked and fully cooled, place your cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe container (with parchment between layers to prevent sticking). They’ll keep beautifully for up to three months—just thaw at room temperature whenever a craving strikes.

Reheating

If you love a slightly warm cookie, pop one or two in a preheated 325 degree Fahrenheit oven for about 3 minutes, or give them a very quick zap in the microwave. This brings back a bit of that fresh-from-the-oven magic you enjoyed the first day!

FAQs

Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted?

Absolutely! Just add a pinch of salt to the dough to compensate. Salt really helps balance the sweetness and brings out the nuance in the brown sugar flavor.

What type of brown sugar works best?

Either light or dark brown sugar will work. Light brings a milder caramel note, while dark brown sugar gives a deeper, richer flavor—try both and see which you love most!

My dough isn’t coming together—what should I do?

If your dough still looks dry and sandy after a couple of minutes, let the food processor run a bit longer or add one extra tablespoon of butter. It should eventually come together into a soft mass that holds its shape.

Can I make these cookies without a food processor?

Yes! You can use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to rub the butter into the flour and brown sugar. It takes a bit longer, but the result is still deliciously crumbly and tender.

Are 3 Ingredient Brown Sugar Cookies suitable for cookie cutters?

Since the dough is quite soft and buttery, it works best to press and slice the cookies into rectangles. However, a very sturdy cookie cutter might work if the dough is well-chilled—just have patience and work quickly!

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about transforming just three pantry staples into a batch of golden, buttery treats, and I can’t recommend these 3 Ingredient Brown Sugar Cookies enough. Next time you’re craving a sweet pick-me-up or need a fuss-free dessert for friends, reach for this recipe and let the simple, cozy flavors work their charm. Happy baking!

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