5 from 6 votes

These chewy and delicious 3 ingredient brown sugar cookies are made with just salted butter, dark brown sugar, and all purpose flour. And the dough is mixed with a just spoon, so you don't need a hand mixer or stand mixer. Best of all, the dough doesn't need to be chilled, so these cookies are ready in just 30 minutes!

Half a dozen 3 ingredient brown sugar cookies on a marble surface.

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I really wanted to test and develop this 3 ingredient brown sugar cookie recipe because sometimes I really want fresh homemade cookies, but I don't want to actually make homemade cookies, you know? And these cookies are perfect for that scenario, like my banana oatmeal peanut butter cookies.

I'm telling you, these are the easiest cookies to make! No special equipment is required - all you need is a large bowl, a spoon for mixing, and a baking sheet!

If you're looking for more easy cookies made with 4 ingredients or less, try my German coconut macaroons, easy peanut butter oatmeal balls, and 2 ingredient pb cookies.

A stack of four 3 ingredient brown sugar cookies with one cooking leaning on it.

Growing up in Germany, I grew up eating brown sugar cookies that had orange zest added to the dough, like German gingerbread called Lebkuchen.
So if you want to add a couple more ingredients beyond these three, orange zest would really amp up the flavor!

More About These Cookies

Because there are no leavening agents like eggs, baking soda or baking powder, these cookies have a texture somewhat similar to shortbread cookies. But dark brown sugar keeps them soft and chewy on the inside.

And since these cookies don't need to be chilled, you can have warm, soft cookies ready to be devoured in under half an hour!

A bowl of flour next next to butter and brown sugar.

Ingredients and Notes

Salted butter - Allow your butter to soften to room temperature so it's easy to cream with the sugar. If you only have unsalted butter, add a pinch of salt to the dough.
All purpose flour - Tried-and-true all purpose flour is perfect for keeping the cookies light and soft, while still maintaining their shape as they bake.
Brown sugar - Both light and dark brown sugar work, but I prefer dark brown sugar for a more caramel-like flavor.

How to Make this Recipe

Below is the process to make this recipe. For the full step-by-step directions and ingredient quantities, scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Butter and brown sugar creamed in a mixing bowl.

1. Mix the softened butter and brown sugar together with a large spoon.

Brown sugar cookie dough in a mixing bowl.

2. Add the flour and mix again until you don't see any dry pockets of flour.

A hand shaping cookie dough into a ball.

3. Press the cookie dough into balls that are approximately 2 inches in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Eight baked 3 ingredient brown sugar cookies on a cooling rack.

4. Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes at 350°F, until they are golden around the edges. Cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet, then enjoy!!

Carissa's Kitchen Tip

To shape the cookie dough, you can use a large cookie scoop or an ice cream scoop, or just press the dough between the palms of your hands.

A 3 ingredient brown sugar cookie with a large bite taken out of it.

Recipe Tips

Flatten the tops. Similar to peanut butter cookies, these 3 ingredient brown sugar cookies need to be flattened a little before going in the oven, in order to bake evenly.
Don't chill. I tested this recipe multiple times & found that the texture is actually better when you don't chill the dough. If you chill the dough, it's harder to get the dough to press together and hold its shape.

Variations

Chocolate: Dip your baked, cooled 3 ingredient brown sugar cookies in melted chocolate.
Frosting: Whip up a batch of small batch chocolate frosting and spread that on each cookie.
Toppings: If you add melted chocolate or frosting on your cookies, then you can decorate them with fun sprinkles or chopped nuts.
Spices: Mix in some warm baking spices into the dough like cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, or cloves.
Brown Butter: For a rich, nutty flavor, make brown butter on the stove. Allow it to cool and solidify before mixing it into your cookie dough.
Flavorings: Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or almond extract for more flavor.

Eight golden 3 ingredient brown sugar cookies on a wire cooling rack.

Storage

Room Temperature: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Freezer: Store cooled, baked cookies in an airtight container or freezer safe bag in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature.
Make ahead: You can roll the cookie dough into balls and place them in the freezer on a baking sheet until they're solid, after 2 to 3 hours. Then transfer to an airtight container and freeze them for up to 3 months. Bake them from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Two and a half 3 ingredient brown sugar cookies on a small black plate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the Difference Between Light and Dark Brown Sugar?

Light brown sugar contains a little less molasses compared to dark brown sugar. So it's lighter in color, has a milder flavor, and adds a little less moisture.
I prefer using dark brown sugar in these 3 ingredient brown sugar cookies, because of the richer caramel flavor and softer texture it adds.

What Happens if You Only Use Brown Sugar in Cookies?

Magic! Just kidding, but really, brown sugar adds moisture which creates a softer cookie. And the molasses in brown sugar adds a rich, caramel flavor.

Looking for more easy no-chill cookie recipes like these easy brown sugar shortbread cookies? Try these: