Soft & Sweet: Easy Sugar Cookies Recipe for Everyone

Crafting delightful sugar cookies brings pure joy to your kitchen adventure.

Sweet simplicity defines this classic treat that everyone adores.

Mixing ingredients becomes a playful dance of culinary creativity.

Soft, buttery textures promise moments of pure comfort and happiness.

Minimal effort leads to maximum deliciousness with this foolproof method.

Home bakers will love how quickly these treats come together.

Prepare to experience cookie magic that sparks smiles and warms hearts.

What Goes Into Easy Sugar Cookies

• All-Purpose Flour: The foundational dry ingredient that provides structure and texture to the cookies.
• Butter: A rich, creamy ingredient that adds flavor and helps create a soft, tender cookie.
• Sugar: Sweetens the cookies and contributes to their golden brown color and crisp edges.
• Egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture to the cookie dough.

• Vanilla Extract: Provides a warm, sweet flavor that complements the cookie's overall taste.

• Baking Powder, Salt: These ingredients help the cookies rise and balance the sweetness with a subtle savory note.

• Colored Sprinkles, Sanding Sugar: These add a festive touch and extra visual appeal to the finished cookies.

How To Bake Easy Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Grab two baking sheets and line them with parchment paper. Crank up your oven to a cozy 350°F, creating the perfect baking environment.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt until they’re completely blended and airy.

Step 3: Cream Butter And Sugar

Grab a large mixing bowl and use an electric mixer to transform softened butter and sugar into a light, fluffy cloud of deliciousness. Keep mixing for about 3-4 minutes until the mixture turns a beautiful pale yellow.

Step 4: Add Liquid Magic

Splash in the egg and vanilla extract, blending until the mixture looks smooth and completely combined.

Step 5: Create Cookie Dough

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Mix until a soft dough forms, but don’t go overboard with mixing.

Step 6: Chill The Dough

Pop the dough into the refrigerator for a quick 15-20 minute cooldown. This makes the dough easier to handle and shapes perfectly.

Step 7: Roll Dough Balls

Prepare a shallow dish with sugar for rolling. Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions and roll them into smooth, perfect little balls.

Step 8: Sugar Coating

Roll each dough ball completely in sugar, making sure they’re fully covered. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.

Step 9: Add Extra Sparkle

Feel free to sprinkle some colorful sprinkles or sanding sugar on top for a fun, festive touch.

Step 10: Bake To Perfection

Slide the baking sheets into the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Look for lightly golden edges and set centers.

Step 11: Cool And Enjoy

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Get ready to devour these delightful treats!

Pro Tips For Making Easy Sugar Cookies

• Chill Dough for Perfect Texture: Refrigerating the dough for 15-20 minutes helps prevent spreading and creates a more consistent, tender cookie.
• Roll Evenly for Uniform Baking: Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to ensure each cookie is the same size, guaranteeing consistent baking and professional-looking results.
• Don't Overmix the Dough: Gently fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients just until combined to maintain a soft, tender cookie texture without developing tough gluten.
• Maximize Flavor with Vanilla: Use high-quality pure vanilla extract for a rich, deep flavor that elevates the entire cookie's taste profile.
• Space Cookies Properly: Leave 2 inches between cookies on the baking sheet to allow for proper spreading and prevent them from merging during baking.

Easy Sugar Cookies Flavor Ideas

• Gluten-Free Sugar Cookies: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, ensuring even texture and taste. Add xanthan gum for better binding and structure.
• Vegan Sugar Cookie Edition: Swap butter for coconut oil or vegan margarine. Use a flax egg or applesauce as an egg replacement to maintain moisture and binding.
• Almond-Infused Sugar Cookies: Incorporate almond extract instead of vanilla for a nutty, rich flavor profile. Sprinkle sliced almonds on top before baking for extra crunch.
• Low-Sugar Holiday Cookies: Reduce sugar content by using monk fruit sweetener or stevia. Add cinnamon or nutmeg for enhanced flavor without extra calories.

What To Pair With Easy Sugar Cookies

• Pair with Cold Milk: Classic sugar cookies demand a tall, chilled glass of whole milk that beautifully balances the sweet, buttery flavor and cleanses the palate after each delightful bite.
• Complement with Vanilla Latte: A warm vanilla latte provides a rich, creamy counterpoint to the sugar cookies, enhancing the vanilla notes and creating a harmonious coffee shop experience.
• Match with Chamomile Tea: Delicate chamomile tea offers a gentle, soothing contrast to the sweet cookies, providing a soft floral undertone that elevates the simple dessert's enjoyment.
• Serve with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Crumble the sugar cookies over a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a decadent dessert that amplifies the cookie's buttery texture and sweet profile.

Easy Sugar Cookies Storage Advice

• Store cookies in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers, keeping them fresh for up to 5 days at cool temperatures.
• Place cookies in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with wax paper, and preserve for 2-3 months; thaw at room temperature for best texture.
• Keep cookies in a sealed container away from direct sunlight and heat, maintaining quality for 3-4 days with a tight-fitting lid.
• Stack cookies carefully in a ceramic or glass container with a lid, ensuring they remain crisp and delicious for maximum enjoyment.

FAQs For Easy Sugar Cookies

• Why do I need to chill the dough before rolling?

Chilling helps the dough firm up, making it easier to handle and preventing cookies from spreading too much during baking.

• Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but reduce or eliminate the added salt in the recipe to maintain the right balance of flavors.

• How can I tell if the cookies are done baking?

Look for lightly golden edges and set centers. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet.

• What if my dough is too sticky to roll?

Add a little more flour or return the dough to the refrigerator for an additional 10-15 minutes to firm up before rolling.

Easy Sugar Cookies Everyone Will Love

• Bake with Minimal Prep: Straightforward ingredients and simple mixing technique make this recipe accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
• Create Quick Crowd-Pleaser: These sugar cookies deliver delightful sweetness with minimal effort, perfect for spontaneous gatherings or family treats.
• Customize with Creativity: Flexible recipe allows adding sprinkles, colored sugar, or decorative touches to match any celebration or personal style.
• Beginner-Friendly Technique: Chilling dough ensures easier handling and helps cookies maintain shape, making it forgiving for novice bakers.

Easy Sugar Cookies Recipe

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4.6 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 30-32 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Delightful sugar cookies bring sweet nostalgia straight from grandmother’s kitchen, promising pure comfort with each buttery bite. Crisp edges and tender centers invite bakers of all skill levels to enjoy this classic treat that celebrates simple, timeless flavors you can savor.

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Ingredients

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Dry Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt

Wet Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Decorative Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
• Optional: colored sprinkles or sanding sugar

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Instructions

1. Prepare your workspace by lining two baking sheets with parchment paper and preheating the oven to 350°F.
2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl until thoroughly combined and aerated.
3. In a separate large mixing bowl, cream softened butter and sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale yellow, approximately 3-4 minutes.
4. Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract into the butter mixture, blending until completely smooth and uniform.
5. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft, cohesive dough forms without overmixing.
6. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to firm up and make it easier to handle.
7. Pour the reserved sugar for rolling into a shallow dish. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into smooth balls.
8. Roll each dough ball in the sugar, ensuring complete coverage, then place on prepared baking sheets with 2 inches of spacing between cookies.
9. Optional: Sprinkle additional colored sprinkles or sanding sugar on top of each cookie for extra visual appeal.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden and centers appear set.
11. Remove from oven and allow cookies to cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

• Chill the dough thoroughly to prevent spreading and maintain the cookie’s shape during baking.
• Avoid overmixing the dough to keep cookies tender and prevent a tough, dense texture.
• Use room temperature butter and egg for smoother blending and more consistent cookie texture.
• Customize the recipe by adding different extracts like almond or lemon for unique flavor variations.
• For gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
• Create festive variations by adding food coloring to the sugar or using themed sprinkles for holidays.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 152
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 53 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 19 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 31 mg