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
Scale
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
