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
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 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.
