Easy Sugar Cookies Recipe
Classic sugar cookies bring warmth and nostalgia with every bite, evoking memories of cozy kitchens and cheerful gatherings. Their simplicity makes them perfect for bakers of all levels, while their versatility allows for countless customizations, from adding a hint of citrus zest to rolling in festive sprinkles. These cookies are equally delightful for everyday enjoyment or holiday festivities, offering a crisp edge and soft center that satisfies all tastes. With a straightforward approach and accessible ingredients, these cookies are a joy to make and share for any occasion.
Ingredients and Preparation Essentials
Every great recipe begins with quality ingredients, and this sugar cookie recipe is no exception. The right ingredients and a bit of preparation make all the difference in achieving cookies with just the right balance of sweetness and texture.
List of Ingredients
This recipe calls for simple, staple ingredients like butter, sugar, egg, vanilla extract, flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Choose unsalted butter to control the salt level in your cookies, and make sure it’s softened for a smoother mixing process. For the sugar, fine granulated white sugar works best as it dissolves easily, resulting in a tender cookie. Opt for pure vanilla extract for a deeper, richer flavor.
Preparation Tips
To prepare, set out the butter in advance to soften or microwave it briefly, but avoid melting it completely as this can affect the dough’s consistency. Accurately measure each ingredient, especially the flour, as too much can make the cookies dry and crumbly. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) so it reaches the right temperature before baking, ensuring an even bake and the perfect golden edge. Have baking sheets ready, ungreased, to prevent sticking and allow the cookies to bake evenly.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Creating these cookies is an easy, step-by-step process that guarantees delicious results.
Mixing the Dough
Begin by creaming the butter and sugar together. Using an electric mixer will make this process smoother and faster, helping the sugar dissolve into the butter for a creamy, fluffy mixture. Add the egg and vanilla extract, beating until fully incorporated for a uniform texture and flavor. Gradually add the dry ingredients — flour, baking soda, and baking powder — to the wet mixture. Mix in small amounts to avoid overmixing, which can make the cookies dense. The dough should come together smoothly, ready for shaping.
Shaping the Cookies
Roll the dough into balls about the size of a walnut, which yields the perfect cookie size for a balanced bite. Rolling each ball by hand ensures they bake evenly and achieve a soft, chewy texture. Place the dough balls 2 inches apart on an ungreased baking sheet to allow room for spreading as they bake, resulting in round cookies with beautifully golden edges.
Baking Tips
Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, keeping an eye on them to avoid overbaking. The edges should just begin to turn golden while the centers stay light, giving the cookies a slightly soft texture once cooled. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes to set, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step helps prevent the cookies from breaking and preserves their delicate texture.
Recipe Tips & Frequently Asked Questions
Achieving the Ideal Texture
For soft, chewy cookies, slightly underbake them, allowing residual heat to finish the bake. For a crisper cookie, let them bake until the edges are fully golden.
Flavor Variations
Enhance the classic taste by adding almond extract, a touch of lemon zest, or a sprinkle of cinnamon. For a festive look, roll the dough balls in colored sugar before baking.
Storage Suggestions
Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze the dough balls for later; simply place them on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.
Can I Use Salted Butter Instead of Unsalted?
Yes, you can use salted butter, but reduce the added salt to maintain the desired flavor balance.
How Do I Prevent Cookies from Spreading Too Much?
If your cookies are spreading more than desired, chill the dough for 20-30 minutes before baking to help it hold its shape.
Can I Make These Cookies Ahead?
Yes, the dough can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Let it come to room temperature before baking for even results.
What to Serve With This Recipe
Sugar cookies are versatile treats that pair well with a variety of drinks and can be accompanied by other desserts.
Pairing Suggestions
Serve these cookies with a cold glass of milk for a classic combination or a warm cup of coffee or tea for a cozy treat.
Complementary Treats
Create a dessert platter by pairing sugar cookies with brownies, chocolate chip cookies, or fresh fruit for added variety and flavor.
Customizing for Special Occasions
These cookies are ideal for adding personal touches, making them perfect for festive occasions and gifting.
Holiday Decorating Ideas
Decorate the cookies with colorful frostings, sprinkles, or edible glitter for holiday events. Consider pressing a fork into the dough balls for a crisscross pattern or using cookie cutters for fun shapes.
Gifting Tips
Pack these cookies in decorative tins or glass jars lined with parchment paper for a beautiful, homemade gift. Adding a ribbon and a handwritten label will make them feel even more special.
With a simple recipe and easy-to-find ingredients, these sugar cookies are a delightful treat to make and share. Their buttery, sweet flavor and soft texture make them universally loved, while the recipe’s flexibility allows for endless creativity. Share these cookies with family and friends, and enjoy the joy of homemade baking that brings warmth and sweetness to any occasion.
Ingredients
1 cup butter, softened
1 ½ cups white sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon baking powder
Instructions
Start by gathering all ingredients. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready when the dough is prepared.
In a small bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and baking powder, mixing thoroughly to blend the dry ingredients.
In a separate large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the butter and sugar together until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. This should take a few minutes. Add the egg and vanilla extract, beating until everything is fully incorporated.
Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, blending well after each addition until a smooth dough forms.
Roll the dough into small balls, about the size of a walnut. Place each ball 2 inches apart on an ungreased baking sheet to allow space for spreading as they bake.
Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges turn golden. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet briefly before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Easy Sugar Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter softened
- 1 ½ cups white sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
Instructions
- Start by gathering all ingredients. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready when the dough is prepared.
- In a small bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and baking powder, mixing thoroughly to blend the dry ingredients.
- In a separate large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the butter and sugar together until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. This should take a few minutes. Add the egg and vanilla extract, beating until everything is fully incorporated.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, blending well after each addition until a smooth dough forms.
- Roll the dough into small balls, about the size of a walnut. Place each ball 2 inches apart on an ungreased baking sheet to allow space for spreading as they bake.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges turn golden. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet briefly before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.