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If you’re looking for a quick and easy cookie recipe with only a few ingredients and no butter, you’re in the right place! These 3 Ingredient Sugar Cookies Without Butter are simple, delicious, and perfect for anyone wanting to bake with minimal ingredients. Whether you’ve run out of butter or need a dairy-free option, this recipe will give you soft, chewy cookies in no time. Let’s get started!
How to Make 3 Ingredient Sugar Cookies Without Butter
1. Ingredients
You only need three basic ingredients to create Homemade Sugar Cookies Without Butter. Chances are, you already have them in your pantry!
- 1 cup of sugar
This is the base sweetener for your cookies. It gives them that classic sugary taste. - 1 egg
The egg acts as the binding agent, helping to hold your cookie dough together. - ½ cup of oil (vegetable or canola)
The oil substitutes for butter, giving the cookies a soft, chewy texture.
2. Instructions
Making these 3 Ingredient Sugar Cookies Without Butter is incredibly easy and perfect for beginners or a quick baking session.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the sugar and egg. Whisk until the sugar starts to dissolve and the mixture becomes smooth. Then, slowly add in the oil while continuing to mix until everything is well incorporated.
Step 3: Form the Cookie Dough
You’ll notice that the dough comes together easily despite having no butter. The oil gives it the necessary moisture. Once mixed, use your hands or a cookie scoop to form small balls of dough (around 1-1.5 inches in diameter).
Step 4: Flatten the Dough
Place the dough balls on your lined baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each. Gently press them down using the back of a spoon or a fork for a classic cookie pattern.
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until the edges start to become lightly golden. Be careful not to overbake, as these cookies will continue to harden slightly as they cool.
Step 6: Cool the Cookies
Once done, remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the cookies to cool for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
3. Tips
Achieving the perfect cookies without butter and sugar doesn’t require a lot of tricks, but a few simple tips will ensure they turn out great every time:
- Use a Neutral Oil: Stick to neutral-flavored oils like vegetable or canola oil. Olive oil, while healthy, may give your cookies a more savory flavor.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure the egg is at room temperature to help it mix more evenly into the dough.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can result in tough cookies. Mix the ingredients just until everything is combined.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): If you want your cookies to hold their shape better, refrigerate the dough for about 20-30 minutes before baking.
4. Variations
These 3 Ingredient Sugar Cookies Without Butter are delicious on their own, but you can easily add variations to make them even more exciting.
Peanut Butter Sugar Cookies Version
Turn these cookies into a peanut butter cookie recipe without brown sugar by replacing half of the oil with peanut butter. You’ll get a rich, nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the sugar.
Add Chocolate Chips
If you’re a chocolate lover, mix in some chocolate chips or chunks. This addition adds texture and elevates the flavor.
Citrus Twist
Add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the dough for a refreshing, tangy twist that balances the sweetness.
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
Before baking, roll your dough balls in cinnamon sugar for a warm, spiced flavor.
5. What to Serve with
Wondering what pairs best with these 3 ingredient sugar cookies without butter? Here are some dessert and drink ideas that complement the simple yet satisfying flavor of these cookies:
Desserts:
- Ice Cream Sandwiches: Use two cookies to sandwich your favorite ice cream for a quick and easy dessert.
- Fruit Sorbet: A refreshing sorbet, like raspberry or lemon, contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the cookies.
Drinks:
- Milk: You can’t go wrong with the classic pairing of cookies and milk!
- Coffee: Enjoy these cookies with a hot cup of coffee for a cozy afternoon snack.
- Hot Chocolate: Dip your cookies into a rich, creamy cup of hot chocolate for an indulgent treat.
6. FAQs
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap the regular flour for a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Make sure it’s one that includes xanthan gum for proper texture.
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Absolutely! You can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Form the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the bake time.
How do I store these cookies?
Store the baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want them to last longer, store them in the fridge.
Can I add frosting?
Yes! While these cookies are delicious on their own, adding frosting can make them even more special. You can whip up a simple icing using powdered sugar and milk, or go for something more decadent like cream cheese frosting.
7. Substitutes
If you’re looking to tweak the recipe, here are some substitutes you can try:
- Coconut Oil: Swap vegetable oil with melted coconut oil for a slight tropical flavor.
- Maple Syrup or Honey: Replace part of the sugar with maple syrup or honey for a natural sweetness. Note that the texture will be softer.
- Egg Substitute: If you’re vegan or allergic to eggs, use a flaxseed egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water) or a store-bought egg replacer.
8. Nutrition
Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional breakdown for one serving (1 cookie, based on a batch of 20):
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Protein: 1g
- Sugar: 8g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sodium: 10mg
Conclusion
These 3 Ingredient Sugar Cookies Without Butter are incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients while delivering maximum flavor. Perfect for those who are out of butter or want a dairy-free option, these cookies are a must-try for any home baker. Plus, with simple variations, you can customize them to fit your taste preferences. So, next time you’re craving a sweet treat, whip up a batch of these simple yet delicious cookies!
Ingredients
You only need three basic ingredients to create Homemade Sugar Cookies Without Butter. Chances are, you already have them in your pantry!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of sugar
This is the base sweetener for your cookies. It gives them that classic sugary taste. - 1 egg
The egg acts as the binding agent, helping to hold your cookie dough together. - ½ cup of oil (vegetable or canola)
The oil substitutes for butter, giving the cookies a soft, chewy texture.
Instructions
Making these 3 Ingredient Sugar Cookies Without Butter is incredibly easy and perfect for beginners or a quick baking session.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the sugar and egg. Whisk until the sugar starts to dissolve and the mixture becomes smooth. Then, slowly add in the oil while continuing to mix until everything is well incorporated.
Step 3: Form the Cookie Dough
You’ll notice that the dough comes together easily despite having no butter. The oil gives it the necessary moisture. Once mixed, use your hands or a cookie scoop to form small balls of dough (around 1-1.5 inches in diameter).
Step 4: Flatten the Dough
Place the dough balls on your lined baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each. Gently press them down using the back of a spoon or a fork for a classic cookie pattern.
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until the edges start to become lightly golden. Be careful not to overbake, as these cookies will continue to harden slightly as they cool.
Step 6: Cool the Cookies
Once done, remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the cookies to cool for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Achieving the perfect cookies without butter and sugar doesn’t require a lot of tricks, but a few simple tips will ensure they turn out great every time:
- Use a Neutral Oil: Stick to neutral-flavored oils like vegetable or canola oil. Olive oil, while healthy, may give your cookies a more savory flavor.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure the egg is at room temperature to help it mix more evenly into the dough.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can result in tough cookies. Mix the ingredients just until everything is combined.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): If you want your cookies to hold their shape better, refrigerate the dough for about 20-30 minutes before baking.
