Description
These Best Easy Sugar Cookies are a classic treat featuring a soft, buttery texture and a sweet vanilla flavor. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies are simple to make and bake to golden perfection, offering a tender bite with just the right amount of sweetness.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and provide even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This step incorporates air, helping the cookies rise.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract until the ingredients are fully combined, ensuring consistent flavor and texture.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agent and salt throughout the flour.
- Mix Dry into Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined to avoid overworking the dough which could make cookies tough.
- Form Dough Balls: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets to allow room for spreading. Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass dipped in sugar for a decorative, crunchy top.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden, indicating doneness.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring they set properly without breaking.
Notes
- For softer cookies, slightly underbake by removing them at 8 minutes.
- You can substitute vanilla extract with almond extract for a different flavor.
- Make sure the butter is softened, not melted, for the best texture.
- The dough can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking to enhance flavor.
- Use parchment paper or silicone baking mats for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
