If you have ever craved the comforting sweetness of a homemade treat that’s both simple to make and irresistibly delicious, you’re going to adore this Best Easy Sugar Cookies Recipe. These cookies are tender with just the right hint of vanilla, boasting a soft texture that melts in your mouth while offering a delightfully crisp edge. Whether you’re baking for a festive occasion or just a cozy afternoon snack, this recipe promises perfect results every time with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients is the first step to cookie bliss. Each one plays a crucial role: from the buttery richness and sweetness to the slight lift and perfect crumb structure that make these sugar cookies so dreamy.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Using softened butter helps achieve that soft, tender crumb without greasiness.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Essential for sweetness and creating a delicate crispy edge once baked.
- 1 large egg: Binds everything together and adds moisture for a soft bite.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Infuses the dough with that classic warm and aromatic flavor we all love in sugar cookies.
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for that soft yet sturdy cookie base.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Just enough leavening to give a slight lift and tender texture.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors beautifully.
How to Make Best Easy Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper. This not only prevents sticking but also ensures even baking and easy clean-up, setting the stage for perfect cookies.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
Take your softened butter and granulated sugar into a large bowl, and beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process incorporates air which leads to a soft and tender cookie, so don’t rush it—about 2 to 3 minutes should do!
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Next, beat in the egg and vanilla extract until they’re fully combined. This adds moisture and infuses the dough with the warm, familiar flavor that makes these sugar cookies so comforting.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Adding these dry ingredients gradually to the wet mixture ensures everything blends evenly without overmixing, which could toughen the cookies.
Step 5: Shape the Dough
Roll the cookie dough into 1-inch balls and space them about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets. For an elegant touch, gently press each ball with the bottom of a sugar-dipped glass. This step not only flattens the cookies to bake evenly but also adds a subtle sparkle on top.
Step 6: Bake and Cool
Pop your trays in the oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges just start turning golden. Avoid overbaking to keep the centers soft. Once done, let them cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience here pays off with perfectly textured cookies.
How to Serve Best Easy Sugar Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
To add a bit of flair when serving these sugar cookies, consider sprinkling a pinch of colored sanding sugar or delicate sprinkles on top before baking. For an indulgent touch, drizzle some melted chocolate or spread a thin layer of frosting as they cool.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a tall glass of cold milk, a cup of warm tea, or your favorite coffee blend. The classic combination elevates the cookie experience and is perfect for sharing with friends or kicking back solo.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress at a party or holiday gathering? Arrange your cookies on a beautiful platter with fresh berries and edible flowers for a stunning presentation. Or, sandwich them with jam or chocolate ganache for a delightful twist everyone will remember.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover sugar cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, and they’ll keep fresh for up to a week. Layering them with parchment paper prevents sticking and helps retain their soft texture.
Freezing
If you want to make these cookies ahead for a future occasion, consider freezing the dough balls. Place them on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a sealed freezer bag. When ready, bake straight from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.
Reheating
To refresh stored cookies, warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes. This will revive their soft, just-baked texture without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, you can, but you might want to skip adding extra salt or reduce it slightly since salted butter already contains salt. This adjustment helps keep the overall flavor balanced.
What if I don’t have vanilla extract?
If you don’t have vanilla extract on hand, you can substitute it with an equal amount of almond extract or leave it out altogether, but vanilla really enhances the cookie’s classic flavor.
Can I decorate these cookies with icing?
Absolutely! These sugar cookies provide the perfect canvas for royal icing, buttercream, or even simple glaze. Just be sure the cookies are completely cooled before decorating to avoid melting the icing.
Is this recipe suitable for making cut-out cookies?
This dough is a bit softer and more ideal for rolled balls, but if you refrigerate it well, you can roll it out to make cut-out cookies. Just handle the dough gently and chill it before cutting shapes.
How do I make the cookies crispier?
For a crisper result, bake the cookies a minute or two longer until the edges turn a deeper golden, but watch closely to prevent burning. Alternatively, reducing the butter slightly can also help achieve a firmer texture.
Final Thoughts
This Best Easy Sugar Cookies Recipe is the kind of baking joy that fills your kitchen with warmth and your heart with happiness. It’s simple, reliable, and absolutely delicious—perfect for whipping up a batch anytime you crave a sweet treat. I can’t wait for you to try it and make these irresistible cookies a beloved staple in your home too!
Print
Best Easy Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Best Easy Sugar Cookies are classic, buttery treats perfect for any occasion. Soft in the center with slightly crisp edges, they come together quickly with simple ingredients and are great 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 even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This step incorporates air for tender cookies.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract until the ingredients are thoroughly combined and smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Form Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass dipped in sugar for a pretty, textured finish.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden but the centers remain soft.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes after removing from the oven. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving or decorating.
Notes
- For softer cookies, do not overbake; remove from oven as soon as edges are lightly golden.
- You can add sprinkles or colored sugar on top before baking for a festive touch.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- For a different flavor, try adding almond extract instead of vanilla.
- If dough is too sticky to handle, chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before rolling.
