Easy Sugar Cookies Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with baking all over again with these Easy Sugar Cookies! This classic treat keeps things delightfully simple, letting sweet vanilla flavor and buttery richness shine through every melt-in-your-mouth bite. They’re satisfyingly soft in the middle with lightly crisped edges, making them irresistible whether you’re sneaking one with your coffee or sharing a full platter with friends. No fancy tools or hard-to-find ingredients here—just a handful of pantry staples and a quick prep that invites everyone, baking novice or seasoned pro, to whip up pure cookie happiness at a moment’s notice.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be thrilled to see how a few familiar ingredients come together to form the beloved Easy Sugar Cookies. Each plays a crucial role, ensuring every batch is packed with perfect texture, classic flavor, and that signature golden hue.

• Unsalted Butter (1 cup, softened): Brings that rich, creamy texture while lending the cookies their irresistible tenderness—don’t skip letting it come to room temperature for the fluffiest results!
• Granulated Sugar (1 cup): Adds sweetness and helps create that iconic sparkly top and subtle crunch around the edges.
• Large Egg (1): Acts as a binder and ensures each cookie stays soft and chewy, never cakey or dry.
• Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): A splash infuses the dough with warm, aromatic undertones and enhances every other flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour (2 1/4 cups): Provides structure, holding the cookies together for that perfect bite.
• Baking Powder (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a gentle lift, so your cookies never fall flat (literally or figuratively!).
• Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Just a pinch, to balance out the sweetness and brighten each flavor note.

How to Make Easy Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Supplies

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper—this simple step means cookies won’t stick and cleanup is a breeze. If your kitchen is chilly, take out your butter now so it softens to room temperature, ensuring the creamiest dough possible.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer or a sturdy wooden spoon to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. Mix until the blend becomes light and fluffy—this helps incorporate air, making your Easy Sugar Cookies tender with just the right crumb. Don’t rush: a couple minutes ensures optimum texture.

Step 3: Add the Egg and Vanilla

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and homogenous. The egg helps bind everything together, while the vanilla gives the dough that cozy, classic aroma you know and love in sugar cookies.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This step evenly distributes the leavening agent and salt, so your cookies bake up beautifully soft, with just a hint of golden rise.

Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the creamed butter mixture, mixing gently between additions. Take care not to overmix—stop as soon as a soft dough forms. At this point, you can chill the dough for thicker cookies, or go straight to shaping if you’re short on time (or patience!).

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, rolling each into a ball in your palms. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing about two inches apart. For a classic sugar cookie look, gently flatten each ball with the bottom of a glass, or leave them as-is for puffier, more cake-like cookies. Bake for 8–10 minutes, just until the edges turn lightly golden—watch closely so you don’t miss that sweet spot!

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for two minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This little pause lets them finish setting so they won’t crumble or fall apart. Once completely cooled, it’s officially eating time—pair your Easy Sugar Cookies with anything from a tall glass of milk to a piping-hot mug of tea.

How to Serve Easy Sugar Cookies

Garnishes

A dusting of colored sugar before baking turns these humble treats into festive bites for any season, or swirl on a dollop of vanilla frosting after cooling for a more decadent twist. If you’re feeling playful, sprinkles, edible glitter, or even a drizzle of melted chocolate add a delightful finishing touch to your Easy Sugar Cookies.

Side Dishes

While sugar cookies delight solo, they’re also the perfect sidekick to a simple bowl of fresh berries, a creamy scoop of ice cream, or an afternoon charcuterie platter for a sweet contrast. Their mild flavor means they complement just about any dessert or hot beverage—hot cocoa, anyone?

Creative Ways to Present

Stack your Easy Sugar Cookies high on a tiered cake stand, wrap a stack with twine for a charming homemade gift, or use mini cookie cutters for party-perfect shapes. For a crowd, set up a DIY decorating bar and let guests personalize their cookies with frosting and toppings—it’s half activity, half dessert!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled Easy Sugar Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Layering with wax paper prevents sticking, so each cookie stays as delightful as the first. Keep them away from strong-smelling foods to maintain their homey vanilla scent.

Freezing

If you want to prepare ahead, freeze the dough in pre-portioned balls or formed discs, tightly wrapped. When you’re ready, bake one or a dozen straight from the freezer—just add a minute or two to the bake time. Baked cookies themselves also freeze beautifully; stack them with parchment paper and seal tightly.

Reheating

To restore that fresh-baked softness, warm leftover Easy Sugar Cookies in a 300°F (150°C) oven for two or three minutes. This quick sprucing-up revives their delicate crumb without sacrificing flavor or moisture.

FAQs

Can I double this Easy Sugar Cookies recipe for a big batch?

Absolutely! This recipe scales up seamlessly. Just ensure you cream the butter and sugar in a large enough bowl and rotate your baking sheets for even browning. Perfect for parties or holiday baking sprees.

Do I have to chill the dough before baking?

Chilling is optional but worthwhile if you want thicker cookies with slightly more chew. If you’re in a hurry, go ahead and bake—your Easy Sugar Cookies will still come out delicious and soft, just a little thinner.

Can I decorate these cookies with royal icing or fondant?

Yes! These cookies are sturdy enough to hold decorations but soft enough to eat with pleasure. Just be sure to let them cool completely before decorating so your icing sets perfectly.

Will margarine work instead of butter?

Butter really brings out the best flavor and texture in Easy Sugar Cookies, but in a pinch, you can substitute margarine. Note that the taste and crumb might differ slightly, and cookies may spread a little more.

How can I make colored sugar at home?

Place a few tablespoons of granulated sugar in a zip-top bag, add a drop or two of food coloring, seal, and rub gently until blended. Sprinkle over your cookies before baking for a sparkling, custom finish!

Final Thoughts

There’s something undeniably magical about a batch of freshly baked Easy Sugar Cookies—their simplicity is their secret. Trust me, these cookies have charmed everyone from last-minute guests to picky kids. They’re quick, reliable, and oh-so-delicious. Whip up a batch soon and watch them disappear in a flash!

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