If you are craving a sweet treat that’s simple to bake and always brings a smile, this Easy Sugar Cookies Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. With buttery, tender cookies that have just the right amount of sweetness and a slightly crisp edge, these sugar cookies are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a casual snack or a festive celebration, this recipe is straightforward, foolproof, and so satisfying to make from scratch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are classic pantry staples that blend to create the perfect cookie base. Each one plays an important role: butter brings richness, sugar adds sweetness and crunch, and baking powder gives the cookies just the right lift.
- 1 cup butter or margarine, softened: Using softened butter helps cream easily with sugar, creating a fluffy texture.
- 1 cup sugar: Provides sweetness and helps the cookies get that light golden crust.
- 1 large egg: Binds all the ingredients together and adds moisture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses the dough with warm, comforting flavor.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: This gentle leavening agent ensures the cookies rise just enough without spreading too thin.
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour: The bulk of the dough, giving structure and chewiness to each bite.
How to Make Easy Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Surface
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it heats, line your baking sheets with parchment paper or lightly grease them to ensure your cookies won’t stick. This simple prep step saves you from any sticky mishaps later on.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key because it incorporates air, helping those sugar cookies become tender and soft rather than dense.
Step 3: Add the Egg and Vanilla
Now, mix in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is fully combined. This brings moisture and adds the classic inviting aroma that’s signature to sugar cookies.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients Separately
Whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking powder in a different bowl. This ensures the baking powder is evenly distributed throughout the flour, which helps your cookies rise evenly.
Step 5: Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add your dry flour mixture to the wet butter and sugar mixture. Stir gently until a soft dough forms that’s easy to handle but not sticky.
Step 6: Shape the Cookies
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. If you want, press them lightly with a fork or use cookie cutters to create fun shapes—both are great ways to personalize your batch.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 6 to 8 minutes, watching for just the right touch of light golden edges. Remember, pulling the cookies out when the centers still look a little soft gives you that melt-in-your-mouth texture once cooled.
Step 8: Cool and Decorate
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This initial cooling helps them set properly. When completely cooled, feel free to decorate with icing or sprinkles to make them extra festive and fun.
How to Serve Easy Sugar Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Simple powdered sugar dustings, rainbow sprinkles, or colorful icing are wonderful garnishes that add both visual charm and a pop of extra sweetness. You can also try crushing some festive candies on top for seasonal excitement.
Side Dishes
Pair these sugar cookies with a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of tea or coffee for the ultimate comfort combo. They also complement fruit salads or creamy yogurt for a balanced snack or dessert time.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your sugar cookies into delightful gift treats by stacking them in a jar with layers of colorful ribbons. Another idea is to use them to build cookie sandwiches filled with chocolate ganache or jam, making your Easy Sugar Cookies Recipe even more irresistible.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your baked 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 satisfy sweet cravings anytime.
Freezing
If you want to bake ahead or save some dough for later, freeze your shaped dough balls on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. You can also freeze fully baked cookies – just make sure they’re completely cooled first.
Reheating
Warm your cookies slightly in the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds or pop them in a low oven to bring back that fresh-baked aroma and softness. It’s like they were just pulled out of the oven again!
FAQs
Can I substitute margarine for butter in this Easy Sugar Cookies Recipe?
Yes, margarine is a fine substitute in this recipe and will still give you tasty cookies, though butter tends to add richer flavor and a slightly better texture.
How thick should the dough balls be before baking?
Rolling your dough into 1-inch balls works perfectly. Flatten a little with a fork or leave them round for a softer, puffier cookie.
Can I use this recipe to make cut-out cookies?
Absolutely! Just chill the dough before rolling it out to make sure it’s firm enough for clean shapes with cookie cutters.
How long do sugar cookies stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container, sugar cookies usually stay fresh for about 5 to 7 days at room temperature.
What’s the best way to decorate these sugar cookies?
Using simple royal icing or store-bought icing and sprinkles makes decorating quick and fun. You can also dip them in melted chocolate for extra indulgence.
Final Thoughts
There is something so special about homemade sugar cookies, especially when they are as easy and dependable as this Easy Sugar Cookies Recipe. They bring people together, can be customized in endless ways, and are perfect for any time you want to treat yourself to a bit of sweetness. I hope you enjoy baking and sharing these delightful cookies as much as I do!
Print
Easy Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Easy Sugar Cookies are a classic, buttery treat perfect for any occasion. Soft, chewy, and simple to make, this recipe yields tender cookies that are lightly golden on the edges with a sweet vanilla flavor. Ideal for baking with kids or decorating for holidays, they come together quickly with common pantry ingredients.
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 the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or grease them lightly to prevent sticking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar with an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating the base for a tender cookie.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking powder to evenly distribute the leavening.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Shape Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart to allow spreading. Optionally, flatten the balls with a fork or use cookie cutters to shape.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 6-8 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden, indicating they are cooked through but still soft inside.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool for 2-3 minutes on the baking sheet to set, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Decorate: Once cooled, decorate the cookies with icing, sprinkles, or your favorite toppings if desired.
Notes
- Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming and better texture.
- Do not overbake to maintain a soft center with slightly crisp edges.
- For festive occasions, use cookie cutters and decorate with colored icing or sprinkles.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- For a lighter flavor variation, you can substitute half the butter with margarine.
