If you’re on the hunt for a cookie that feels like a warm, sweet hug from your childhood, look no further than the Best Easy Sugar Cookies Recipe. These delightful treats boast a perfect balance of buttery richness, just the right amount of sweetness, and a tender crumb that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just craving a little homemade comfort, this recipe is foolproof and fast, making it an absolute staple in any kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is a breeze with this recipe because each one is straightforward yet essential. From the creamy butter that forms the base to the hint of vanilla that deepens the flavor, every component plays a crucial role in creating those tender, sweet cookies you’ll adore.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides a rich, creamy texture and the perfect flavor base.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough evenly and helps with the cookie’s texture.
- 1 large egg: Binds ingredients together and adds moisture for tenderness.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Infuses the dough with a warm, aromatic flavor.
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: Gives structure to the cookies, creating that lovely chewiness.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Lightens the dough so the cookies aren’t too dense.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all flavors.
How to Make Best Easy Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper. This simple step ensures your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick to the pan, making cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, typically 2 to 3 minutes. This step is key for that beautifully tender crumb and light texture that make these cookies so irresistible.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Next, beat in the egg and vanilla extract until they are fully incorporated. These ingredients add moisture and that subtle depth of flavor which transforms simple sugar cookies into something truly special.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients, mixing just until everything comes together. Overmixing can make cookies tough, so be gentle here.
Step 5: Shape and Decorate
Roll your dough into 1-inch balls and place them 2 inches apart on the lined baking sheets. Flatten each slightly using the bottom of a glass dipped in sugar for a cute, sparkling finish that adds just the right touch of crunch.
Step 6: Bake and Cool
Bake your cookies for 8 to 10 minutes, until their edges turn a delicate golden color. Let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to finish cooling. This helps the cookies set perfectly without breaking apart.
How to Serve Best Easy Sugar Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your sugar cookies with a sprinkle of colored sugar before baking or a drizzle of melted chocolate once cooled. Freshly grated zest of lemon or orange can also add a surprising zing to elevate this classic treat.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a tall glass of cold milk or a cozy mug of hot cocoa. For a grown-up twist, serve alongside a cup of coffee or your favorite tea to balance the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking your cookies in a pretty jar tied with a ribbon for a charming gift. Or arrange them on a festive platter with seasonal fruits and nuts for a crowd-pleasing dessert display that looks as good as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your sugar cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They stay fresh and chewy for up to a week, making them perfect for planned treats.
Freezing
You can freeze both the dough balls and the baked cookies. For dough, roll and freeze on a sheet before transferring to a sealed bag; bake directly from frozen adding a minute or two to the bake time. Frozen cookies keep their flavor and texture well for about 3 months.
Reheating
If you prefer your cookies warm, pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes or microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. This quick reheating revives their soft texture like fresh from the oven.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted in this sugar cookie recipe?
Yes, you can use salted butter if that’s what you have on hand, but reduce added salt slightly to prevent the cookies from tasting too salty.
What is the best way to make my sugar cookies thicker?
To get thicker cookies, chill your dough before baking and avoid flattening the balls too much. Also, slightly underbaking them helps keep the centers soft and tall.
Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or sprinkles?
Absolutely! Chocolate chips, sprinkles, or even chopped nuts can be stirred into the dough for a fun twist on the classic Best Easy Sugar Cookies Recipe.
How do I prevent my sugar cookies from spreading too much?
Chilling the dough before baking and avoiding too much butter will help your cookies keep their shape better and not spread excessively in the oven.
Are these sugar cookies suitable for frosting or decorating?
Yes, these sturdy yet tender cookies hold up well to frosting and decorating. After they cool completely, you can add icing, sprinkles, or any decoration you like to make them festive.
Final Thoughts
I can’t encourage you enough to dive into this Best Easy Sugar Cookies Recipe because once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without having these sweet little treasures in your life. They come together quickly, taste incredible, and are absolutely perfect for sharing with friends and family or savoring solo. So grab your ingredients and bake up some smiles today!
Print
Best Easy Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Best Easy Sugar Cookies recipe offers a simple yet delicious treat perfect for any occasion. With a rich buttery flavor and a tender, soft texture, these cookies are easy to prepare with basic pantry ingredients. They bake up beautifully golden with a slight crisp on the edges and a melt-in-your-mouth center, ideal for decorating or enjoying plain.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract until everything is fully combined, creating a smooth dough base.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Shape Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Flatten each ball slightly using the bottom of a glass dipped in sugar to add a decorative sparkle and a slight crunch on top.
- Bake: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges turn a light golden color, indicating doneness.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving or decorating.
Notes
- For softer cookies, do not overbake; remove them when edges are just golden.
- If you prefer firmer cookies, extend baking time by 1-2 minutes but watch carefully to avoid overbaking.
- You can chill the dough for 30 minutes before shaping for thicker cookies.
- Use parchment paper or silicone baking mats for best non-stick results.
- Add sprinkles or colored sugar on top before baking for a festive touch.
