The Perfect Easy Sugar Cookie Recipe for Sweet Moments

Sweet dreams take shape with this easy sugar cookie recipe that promises pure, melt-in-your-mouth delight.

Crisp edges and soft centers make these treats irresistible for anyone who loves classic baking.

Whipping up these cookies requires minimal ingredients and zero professional skills.

Simple pantry staples come together in minutes to create something magical.

Bakers of all levels can confidently tackle this straightforward recipe without stress.

Mixing, rolling, and baking become a joyful experience that fills your kitchen with warm, buttery aromas.

You’ll want to savor every golden, sugary bite of these delectable cookies.

Why This Sugar Cookie Recipe Works

• Craft Quickly: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this sugar cookie recipe a breeze for bakers of all skill levels.
• Crowd-Pleaser Potential: Classic flavor and soft texture guarantee these cookies will delight kids and adults at family gatherings, school events, or casual get-togethers.
• Customize with Ease: Transform basic cookies by adding sprinkles, decorative icing, or rolling in colored sugar to match any celebration or personal preference.
• Minimal Cleanup Hero: Using just a few mixing bowls and basic kitchen tools means less washing up and more time enjoying delicious homemade treats.

Everything Needed for Sugar Cookie Recipe

• Butter: A rich, creamy base that provides flavor and helps create a soft, tender cookie texture.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a crisp, golden exterior on the cookies.
• Flour: The primary structure-building ingredient that gives the cookies their classic shape and texture.
• Egg: Binds the ingredients together and contributes to the cookie's structure and richness.

• Vanilla Extract: Provides a warm, sweet aromatic flavor that complements the sugar cookie's simple profile.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cookies rise and creates a light, soft texture.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.

• Parchment Paper: Prevents cookies from sticking to the baking sheet and ensures easy removal.

How to Make These Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Baking Setup

Warm up the oven to 350°F.

Cover baking trays with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cookie removal.

Step 2: Create Creamy Base

In a spacious mixing bowl, blend softened butter and sugar until the mixture becomes fluffy and light, creating a smooth foundation for delicious cookies.

Step 3: Add Moisture and Flavor

Introduce egg and vanilla extract into the butter mixture.

Whisk thoroughly until the ingredients combine into a silky, consistent texture.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt

Whisk these dry components until they are evenly distributed.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Slowly incorporate the dry ingredient mixture into the butter blend.

Stir gently until everything melds together without overmixing.

Step 6: Shape Cookie Dough

Roll small portions of dough into round balls, each about the size of a walnut.

Place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing cookies approximately two inches apart.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the trays into the preheated oven.

Bake for 8-10 minutes until cookie edges turn a delicate golden color.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for five minutes.

Transfer them to a wire cooling rack, allowing them to reach room temperature before serving.

Extra Tips for Perfect Sugar Cookies

• Use exact measurements for flour and sugar to ensure consistent cookie texture and taste.
• Leave butter at room temperature for 30 minutes before mixing to create smooth, creamy dough.
• Refrigerate dough for 30 minutes before rolling to prevent spreading and maintain cookie form.
• Stir dry ingredients just until combined to keep cookies tender and prevent tough texture.
• Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon for uniform cookies that bake evenly and look professional.

Sugar Cookie Ideas for Different Styles

• Gluten-Free Delight: Replace all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free blend for a celiac-friendly version that maintains soft, tender texture.
• Vegan Sugar Cookies: Swap butter with coconut oil and use a flax egg (ground flaxseed mixed with water) instead of regular egg to create plant-based cookies.
• Chocolate Chip Edition: Fold in semi-sweet chocolate chips or white chocolate chunks into the dough before rolling for an extra sweet variation.
• Lemon Zest Cookies: Add fresh lemon zest to the dough and replace vanilla extract with lemon extract for a bright, citrusy flavor profile.

What to Enjoy with Sugar Cookies

• Holiday Decoration Station: Transform these classic sugar cookies into festive treats by setting up a decorating area with colorful royal icing, sprinkles, and edible glitter for a fun family activity.
• Dessert Pairing Perfection: Serve these sweet cookies alongside a cold glass of milk, creamy vanilla ice cream, or a warm cup of chai tea for a delightful flavor combination.
• Gift-Worthy Packaging: Pack the cooled cookies in cute mason jars, festive tins, or clear cellophane bags tied with ribbons to create charming homemade gifts for friends and neighbors.
• Flavor Remix: Experiment with different extracts like almond or lemon instead of vanilla, or add zest from citrus fruits to give these simple sugar cookies a unique twist.

Keeping Sugar Cookies Soft and Fresh

• Place cooled cookies in an airtight container, separated by parchment paper layers to prevent sticking. Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days, maintaining their soft texture and fresh taste.
• Carefully stack cookies between wax paper in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months, ensuring they remain deliciously intact and ready for future enjoyment.
• Store in a sealed container at room temperature for 3-4 days. Keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources to preserve their original crumbly texture.
• Warm cookies gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or place in a preheated oven at 300F for 2-3 minutes to restore their just-baked warmth and softness.

FAQs

• Can I use margarine instead of butter?

While margarine can be used, butter provides better flavor and texture for sugar cookies. Stick to unsalted butter for the best results.

• How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?

Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking and ensure your butter isn’t too soft. This helps maintain the cookie’s shape during baking.

• What if I don't have vanilla extract?

You can substitute with almond extract or maple syrup for a different flavor profile. If you have none, the cookies will still taste good without it.

• How can I make my cookies look more decorative?

After cooling, you can frost them with royal icing, sprinkle powdered sugar, or add colorful sprinkles to make them more visually appealing.

Easy Sugar Cookie Recipe

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4.6 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Classic sugar cookie delight offers a melt-in-your-mouth experience with simple ingredients and foolproof baking steps. Bakers can enjoy crisp edges and sweet comfort that invites you to savor each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups (300 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (227 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar

Sugar and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Leavening and Seasoning:

• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Prepare oven at 350°F and cover baking sheets with parchment paper for optimal cookie preparation.
2. Using an electric mixer, blend butter and sugar until achieving a creamy, airy consistency with soft peaks.
3. Incorporate egg and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly until the mixture becomes uniformly smooth.
4. In a separate container, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt to eliminate potential lumps.
5. Slowly integrate dry ingredients into the butter mixture, gently folding until ingredients are just combined without overmixing.
6. Craft uniform dough balls approximately 1-inch in diameter, positioning them evenly across prepared baking sheets with sufficient spacing.
7. Place cookies in preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, watching for delicate golden edges as an indication of readiness.
8. Allow cookies to rest on baking sheet for 5 minutes to stabilize, then carefully transfer to wire cooling rack for complete cooling and texture setting.

Notes

• Use room temperature butter for smoother creaming and better cookie texture.
• Chill the dough for 30 minutes before rolling to prevent spreading and maintain shape.
• For gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
• Decorate cooled cookies with royal icing or colored sugar for festive variations.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 140
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 40 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 0.2 g
• Protein: 1.5 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg