Easy Sugar Cookies Recipe

There’s something truly magical about baking up a fresh batch of Easy Sugar Cookies. These classic, buttery treats are soft inside with a delicate crisp edge, and their sparkling sugar finish makes them irresistible for cookie lovers of all ages. Whether you’re making them for a cozy holiday, a last-minute bake sale, or just to brighten an ordinary afternoon, Easy Sugar Cookies are your go-to recipe for sweet comfort and instant smiles.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Easy Sugar Cookies lies in their simple, familiar ingredients. Each one plays an important role, ensuring you end up with cookies that are tender, flavorful, and just the right level of sweet. Let’s break down what you’ll need and why it matters:

• All-purpose flour: The backbone of the cookie, providing structure and that classic crumb.
• Baking soda: This helps the cookies rise and spread just enough.
• Baking powder: For soft puffiness and lightness in every bite.
• Unsalted butter (softened): Adds a rich, buttery flavor and helps create that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and also gives that irresistible sparkle when used for rolling.
• Large egg: Binds the dough and adds moisture for a tender crumb.
• Vanilla extract: That beloved cozy flavor that makes sugar cookies taste like childhood.
• Almond extract (optional): A tiny splash adds subtle depth and an elegant aroma—it’s optional, but lovely!
• Milk: Just a little bit helps gather the dough together for easy scooping.
• Additional granulated sugar (for rolling): Coats each cookie in a sweet, sparkling finish that’s simply delightful.

How to Make Easy Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dry Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it warms up, grab a medium bowl and whisk the flour, baking soda, and baking powder together. By mixing the dry ingredients first, you’ll guarantee those all-important leaveners are evenly spread throughout your cookie dough, making every bite just right.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a larger bowl, use a mixer (or strong arm!) to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. Keep at it until the mixture turns light, fluffy, and pale—this step is essential for creating cookies that are tender and airy inside instead of heavy or dense.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients for Easy Sugar Cookies

Crack in the egg, pour in the vanilla extract, and whisk in that optional almond extract if you’re using it. Beat everything until it’s smooth and well combined. These wet ingredients infuse the dough with flavor and create the perfect consistency for mixing in your dry ingredients next.

Step 4: Combine and Finish the Dough

Gradually stir your dry ingredients into the butter mixture. It’s okay if the dough feels a little stiff! Stir in the milk, just enough to bring everything together and create a soft, scoopable dough. This touch of milk keeps the cookies moist and helps them bake up oh-so-soft.

Step 5: Shape and Sugar

Roll the dough into 1-inch balls using your hands or a small cookie scoop. Next, roll each ball in a shallow dish of granulated sugar—this is what gives each finished cookie that sweet, sparkling crust. Place the sugared balls on an ungreased baking sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart.

Step 6: Flatten and Bake

Use the bottom of a glass to flatten each cookie slightly; this helps them bake evenly and gives them that classic sugar cookie look. Pop them in the oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, just until the edges are golden and set. Watch closely—overbaking is the enemy of soft Easy Sugar Cookies!

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies sit on the pan for a few minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely. (Patience is worth it here; they’ll firm up perfectly as they cool!) Now pour yourself some milk, and enjoy the freshest, coziest Easy Sugar Cookies imaginable.

How to Serve Easy Sugar Cookies

Garnishes

While these cookies are perfect on their own, you can easily add a festive twist by sprinkling colored sugars, edible glitter, or sanding sugar right before baking. Around the holidays, a tiny spoonful of colored sugar in red or green makes these an instant hit at any party.

Side Dishes

Easy Sugar Cookies pair beautifully with a cold glass of milk, hot chocolate, or a warm mug of tea. At a party, arrange them alongside mugs of mulled cider or coffee. For summertime treats, serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fruity sorbet for a cool contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack a few cookies and tie them with baker’s twine for sweet gifts. Try sandwiching two cookies with jam, Nutella, or buttercream for extra fun. For cookie platters, alternate Easy Sugar Cookies with chocolate chip or ginger cookies to add both color and flavor variety.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your cookies are cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Tuck a slice of sandwich bread into the container to help retain their softness—your Easy Sugar Cookies will taste freshly baked for days!

Freezing

The dough freezes like a dream! Scoop and roll the dough into balls, then freeze on a baking sheet before transferring to a zip-top bag. When you’re ready to bake, roll the frozen dough balls in sugar and add 1–2 extra minutes to the baking time—fresh Easy Sugar Cookies whenever you crave them.

Reheating

If your cookies have gone a bit stale or chilly, a quick 10–15 second zap in the microwave brings back their soft, chewy magic. For larger batches, pop them in a low oven (about 275°F) for 3–5 minutes, and let that fresh-baked aroma fill your kitchen all over again.

FAQs

Can I make Easy Sugar Cookies without almond extract?

Absolutely! The almond extract is optional—leaving it out still gives you soft, classic cookies with plenty of vanilla flavor. Add it if you want a hint of nutty complexity, but it’s totally fine to skip.

Why did my cookies come out crisp instead of soft?

It’s usually a matter of baking time. To keep Easy Sugar Cookies soft, pull them out as soon as the edges are just turning golden. Overbaking leads to a crisper texture, so keep an eye on them and err on the side of slightly underbaked for best results.

Can I double this recipe for a party?

Yes, this recipe doubles beautifully! Just make sure to use a large enough mixing bowl, and rotate your baking sheets in the oven for even results. Freshly baked Easy Sugar Cookies are always a crowd-pleaser!

Can I use cookie cutters for festive shapes?

This recipe is best for round, drop cookies—the dough is quite soft and isn’t ideal for rolling and cutting intricate shapes. For cut-out cookies, try chilling the dough a bit longer or adding a little extra flour so it’s easier to handle.

How do I keep Easy Sugar Cookies from spreading too much?

If your cookies are spreading more than you’d like, try chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking. Also, make sure your butter isn’t too warm—a cool dough helps the cookies keep their pretty, plump shape with crisp, delicate edges.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a foolproof way to make homemade treats that everyone will love, look no further than these Easy Sugar Cookies. Their simplicity is truly their superpower—quick to whip up, endlessly adaptable, and always welcome for any occasion. So grab your apron, preheat the oven, and let a batch of these sweet gems brighten your day!

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