Easy Sugar Cookie Recipe

There's something so satisfying about baking up a batch of classic sugar cookies. The aroma fills the kitchen with a buttery, sweet scent, and the result is a tender, perfectly sweet cookie with just a hint of vanilla. This simple recipe makes it easy to whip up delicious, soft sugar cookies any time the craving strikes, whether for a cozy afternoon treat or a holiday baking spree.

this Recipe

I first stumbled upon this recipe when looking for a quick, no-fuss cookie that still had that irresistible homemade flavor. Over the years, it's become a staple in my kitchen – the perfect blank canvas for any occasion.

Why You'll Love This Easy Sugar Cookie Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with a recipe that's as versatile as it is delicious. These easy sugar cookies are a dream come true for both beginner and seasoned bakers alike.

First off, this recipe is incredibly quick and easy to make. With just a handful of pantry staples, you can have fresh cookies ready in under 30 minutes. No need to chill the dough – just mix, roll, and bake for instant sugar cookie satisfaction!

Another reason to adore these cookies? They're soft and chewy with just the right amount of crispness around the edges. This balance of textures makes them perfect for enjoying with a cup of coffee, tea, or a cold glass of milk.

They also serve as an ideal canvas for decorating. Whether you want to add a sprinkle of colored sugar, a drizzle of icing, or leave them plain, these cookies adapt beautifully to whatever you have in mind. Perfect for holidays, special occasions, or just because!

And let’s not forget that these cookies are budget-friendly and kid-friendly. Simple ingredients mean you can whip up a big batch without breaking the bank. Plus, kids love helping to cut out shapes or sprinkle on sugar, making this a fantastic family activity.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of these sugar cookies lies in their simple, classic ingredients. Each component plays an important role in creating a cookie that’s perfectly sweet, buttery, and tender.

Butter is the foundation of these cookies, providing that rich, buttery flavor we all love. For best results, use unsalted butter at room temperature. If you only have salted butter on hand, just reduce the additional salt in the recipe slightly.

Granulated sugar adds the perfect sweetness and helps achieve that crisp edge. White sugar works best here to keep the cookie color light and texture smooth.

Egg adds structure and chewiness to the cookies, creating a soft center that balances the slightly crisp edges. Be sure to use a large egg, as the size can impact the cookie's texture.

All-purpose flour forms the bulk of the dough, giving the cookies their body and structure. Be sure to measure your flour correctly – too much flour can make the cookies dense. A simple tip is to spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife.

Vanilla extract adds that classic, comforting flavor that makes sugar cookies so irresistible. Use pure vanilla extract if possible for the best flavor, though imitation will work if you’re in a pinch.

Equipment Needed

This recipe doesn’t require any fancy tools – just a mixing bowl, a baking sheet, and parchment paper. If you have cookie cutters on hand, feel free to get creative with shapes, or simply roll and flatten the dough for easy round cookies.

How To Make This Easy Sugar Cookie Recipe

Creating these delightful sugar cookies is as easy as it gets! Follow along with these simple steps for cookies that turn out perfect every time.

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step is essential to ensure your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick to the pan.

In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes with a hand mixer or stand mixer. Creaming incorporates air into the dough, which will make your cookies light and tender.

Add the egg and vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugar, mixing until well combined. The egg helps bind the dough, while the vanilla gives it that wonderful flavor.

Next, gradually add the flour and salt, mixing on low speed until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix – this can make the cookies tough instead of tender.

Once the dough is ready, you can either roll it out on a lightly floured surface to cut out shapes or roll it into small balls and gently flatten them on the baking sheet. Either method works beautifully!

Bake for 8-10 minutes, until the edges are just barely golden. The key to soft, chewy sugar cookies is to avoid overbaking. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Storage Options

One of the best things about these sugar cookies is how well they keep. They can be stored at room temperature, refrigerated, or even frozen, making them a great option for make-ahead treats.

To store at room temperature, place the cookies in an airtight container, where they’ll stay fresh for up to a week. For longer storage, consider freezing them – they’ll keep for up to three months in a freezer-safe bag or container.

You can also freeze the cookie dough! Simply roll it into balls, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, just add an extra minute or two to the baking time.

For reheating, let frozen cookies thaw at room temperature or warm them gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.

Variations and Substitutions

The versatility of this sugar cookie recipe means you can switch things up to suit your taste or the occasion.

Add a hint of citrus by including a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest in the dough. It adds a bright, refreshing flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the cookies.

For a holiday twist, roll the dough in colored sugar or sprinkle the tops with cinnamon sugar before baking. This adds a little extra sparkle and flavor.

If you’re looking for a different flavor profile, try adding almond extract instead of vanilla. Almond and sugar cookies are a classic combination and add a delicate nuttiness to each bite.

For a slightly healthier option, you can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. It gives the cookies a slightly nuttier flavor and a bit more fiber, without sacrificing too much of the soft texture.

Finally, these cookies can be decorated with royal icing or a simple powdered sugar glaze. They make beautiful treats for gifting or special occasions, and you can get as creative as you like with colors and designs.

No matter how you choose to enjoy them, these easy sugar cookies are sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire. Try them plain, dressed up, or with your favorite twist – they’re delicious every time!

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