Sugar cookies have a way of making everything feel a little brighter. Their soft centers, crisp edges, and buttery vanilla flavor make them a timeless favorite. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a birthday party, or just a cozy day at home, sugar cookies are always a welcome treat.
This easy recipe will guide you through making the perfect sugar cookies from scratch—simple, delicious, and endlessly customizable.
What You’ll Need
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Optional for decorating:
- Sprinkles
- Colored sugar
- Royal icing or simple glaze
How to Make Sugar Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Cream the butter and sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This takes about 2–3 minutes and helps create a soft texture.
Step 3: Add egg and vanilla
Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined and smooth.
Step 4: Combine the dry ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mix to the wet ingredients and stir until a dough forms.
Step 5: Roll and cut the cookies
If making shaped cookies, lightly flour your surface and roll the dough to about 1/4 inch thick. Use cookie cutters to create your desired shapes. If making classic round cookies, roll the dough into 1-inch balls and gently flatten them with your hand or the bottom of a glass.
Step 6: Bake
Place cookies 2 inches apart on the baking sheet and bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden. Don’t overbake—soft cookies are key!
Step 7: Cool completely
Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool fully. This helps them set and keeps them from breaking.
Tips for Sweet Success
- If the dough is too soft to work with, chill it in the fridge for 30 minutes.
- For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of almond extract or a bit of citrus zest.
- To keep cookies uniform in thickness, use rolling pin guides or bands.
- Want crisper cookies? Bake a minute or two longer and roll the dough slightly thinner.
Serving Ideas and Fun Variations
Sugar cookies are perfect on their own, but here are a few ways to make them extra special:
- Decorate with royal icing and sprinkles for a festive touch.
- Dip one half of each cookie in melted chocolate and let it set.
- Sandwich two cookies with frosting or Nutella for a sweet surprise.
- Add colored sugar before baking for an easy pop of color.
There’s a reason sugar cookies have stood the test of time. They’re versatile, crowd-pleasing, and incredibly fun to make. Whether you enjoy them plain or all dressed up, this sugar cookie recipe is one you’ll come back to again and again. Happy baking!
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