There is nothing quite as comforting and delightful as homemade sugar cookies, and this Easy Sugar Cookies Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen! Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, the holidays, or just because, these cookies come together effortlessly with simple ingredients to create buttery, soft, and subtly sweet treats that everyone will love. From the very first bite, you’ll notice how perfectly tender and melt-in-your-mouth these cookies are, making them a timeless favorite that you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Easy Sugar Cookies Recipe uses a handful of classic, pantry-staple ingredients that work beautifully together. Each one plays a crucial role, from creating the perfect texture to adding that rich, buttery note and a touch of sweetness that hits just right.
- Butter or margarine (1 cup): Softened to make creaming easier, providing a rich, tender crumb and buttery flavor.
- Sugar (1 cup): Adds sweetness and helps create that beautiful golden edge when baked.
- Egg (1 large): Binds the dough while adding moisture and contributing to the cookie’s soft texture.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Brings warmth and depth to the flavor, making every bite feel homey.
- Baking powder (2 teaspoons): Gives a gentle lift so the cookies stay soft but have just enough rise.
- All-purpose flour (2 3/4 cups): The foundation of the dough, providing structure and that classic cookie chew.
How to Make Easy Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This heat level is just perfect for cooking the cookies through without browning them too much. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or give them a light grease—this helps your cookies release effortlessly after baking.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture looks light and fluffy. This creaming step is key because it incorporates air, giving your cookies a wonderful lightness and tenderness.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla Extract
Next, mix in the large egg and vanilla extract. This combination enhances moisture and flavor, taking your sugar cookies from simple to spectacular with just one stir.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
Whisk the flour and baking powder together in a separate bowl. Doing this ensures the baking powder is evenly distributed throughout the flour, which helps your cookies bake evenly.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the flour mixture into the wet ingredients. Stir just until you get a soft dough—overmixing can make the cookies tough, so be gentle here!
Step 6: Shape the Dough
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and space them about 2 inches apart on your baking sheets. For a classic look, press them gently with a fork or get creative with cookie cutters to add a fun twist.
Step 7: Bake
Bake your cookies for 6 to 8 minutes. You want the edges to turn a light golden color—that’s the sweet spot for that perfect texture: soft centers with just a little crisp at the edges.
Step 8: Cool Your Cookies
After removing from the oven, let your cookies rest on the baking sheet for 2 to 3 minutes. This allows them to set before moving to a wire rack to cool completely, which prevents breakage and keeps their perfect shape.
Step 9: Decorate and Enjoy
This step is where your personality shines! Whether you prefer classic simplicity or want to dress your cookies up with icing and sprinkles, decorating adds that fun touch that makes this Easy Sugar Cookies Recipe truly your own.
How to Serve Easy Sugar Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can elevate your sugar cookies from delightful to dazzling. A light dusting of powdered sugar, colorful sprinkles, or a drizzle of royal icing creates a beautiful finish that adds texture and bursts of sweetness.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a tall glass of cold milk, a warm cup of tea, or your favorite coffee for the ultimate treat experience. Their mellow sweetness complements a variety of drinks, perfect for sharing during cozy moments.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation can turn baking into an event! Try stacking the cookies with layers of cream cheese frosting or sandwiching two cookies together with jam or chocolate spread. Arrange them on a festive tray or tie stacks with a cute ribbon for gifting or parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your sugar cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and delicious for up to a week, making it easy to enjoy them a little at a time.
Freezing
Want to save some for later? Freeze your cookie dough balls before baking, placing them on a tray until firm, then transferring to a freezer bag. They can last up to 3 months, perfect for spontaneous cookie cravings.
Reheating
If you prefer warm cookies, pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds or briefly in a preheated oven. This warms them up gently and revives their fresh-baked softness beautifully.
FAQs
Can I substitute margarine for butter in this Easy Sugar Cookies Recipe?
Yes! Margarine works fine and can make the recipe a little softer, though butter adds more richness and flavor. Either will yield delicious cookies.
How do I make my sugar cookies more decorative?
Try chilling the dough before cutting shapes, use colored icing or sprinkles, or experiment with edible glitter and sanding sugar. These little touches turn simple cookies into festive showstoppers.
Why are my sugar cookies too hard?
Overbaking or using too much flour can make your cookies tough. Be sure to measure flour carefully and pull the cookies from the oven as soon as the edges begin to turn golden.
Can I add flavors or mix-ins to this Easy Sugar Cookies Recipe?
Absolutely! Try lemon zest, almond extract, or mini chocolate chips for a creative twist. Just adjust quantities so the basic sugar cookie texture isn’t overwhelmed.
How do I keep sugar cookies soft for longer?
Store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread inside; the bread helps maintain moisture. Avoid refrigerating as it can dry cookies out.
Final Thoughts
If there’s one cookie recipe you’ll want to keep in your baking arsenal, it’s this Easy Sugar Cookies Recipe. It’s straightforward, reliable, and yields irresistibly soft and buttery cookies every single time. So grab your mixing bowl and get baking—your new favorite sugar cookie adventure awaits!
Print
Easy Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 23 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Description
This recipe for Easy Sugar Cookies yields tender, buttery cookies with a light golden edge and a soft center. Perfect for any occasion, these classic cookies are simple to prepare, requiring basic ingredients and minimal prep time, making them an ideal treat for both beginner and experienced bakers.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup butter or margarine, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or lightly grease them to prevent the cookies from sticking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, providing the cookies with a tender texture.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture until well combined, ensuring even flavor throughout the dough.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking powder to evenly distribute the leavening agent.
- Combine Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing carefully until a soft dough forms with no visible pockets of flour.
- Shape Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place each on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Optionally, flatten the balls with a fork or use cookie cutters to create fun shapes before baking.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 6-8 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden, signaling they are perfectly cooked but still soft inside.
- Cool Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes to firm up slightly before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, which prevents sogginess.
- Decorate: Once cooled, decorate the cookies with icing or sprinkles if desired, adding a festive touch to your freshly baked treats.
Notes
- For crispier cookies, bake them for an additional 1-2 minutes but watch carefully to avoid overbaking.
- Butter can be substituted with margarine for a dairy-free option, but flavor and texture may vary slightly.
- Use cookie cutters to create seasonal or themed shapes to personalize your cookies.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain freshness.
- To keep dough from sticking when rolling, lightly flour your hands or the rolling surface.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
