Best Easy Sugar Cookies Recipe

Introduction

These easy sugar cookies are a classic treat that’s both soft and slightly crisp on the edges. Perfect for any occasion, they come together quickly with simple ingredients you likely have on hand. Whether for snacking or decorating, this recipe delivers tender, flavorful cookies every time.

Ingredients

• 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

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using a hand or stand mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Step 3: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the dry ingredients.
5. Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until the dough comes together. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
6. Step 6: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. For a subtle sparkle, gently flatten each ball slightly using the bottom of a glass dipped in sugar.
7. Step 7: Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges begin to turn a light golden color.
8. Step 8: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving or storing.

Tips & Variations

• For added flavor, try substituting almond extract for half of the vanilla extract.
• Chill the dough for 30 minutes if it feels too soft; this helps maintain cookie shape during baking.
• Decorate with colored sugar or icing for festive occasions.

Storage

Store cooled sugar cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To keep them fresh longer, separate layers with parchment paper. Reheat briefly in a warm oven if you prefer them soft and warm.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, you can use salted butter, but reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to avoid over-salting the cookies.

How do I make these cookies crispier?

For crispier cookies, bake them a minute or two longer until golden brown at the edges, and let them cool completely on the baking sheet.

Best Easy Sugar Cookies Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 576 reviews

This Best Easy Sugar Cookies Recipe delivers classic, soft, and tender sugar cookies with a delicate vanilla flavor and a subtle sparkle on top. Perfectly simple to prepare, these cookies bake up light golden around the edges and are ideal for any occasion, from holiday celebrations to everyday treats.

• Author: lina
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Wet Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking and to ensure even baking.
2. Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, usually about 2-3 minutes. This step aerates the dough for tender cookies.
3. Add egg and vanilla: Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined, adding moisture and flavor to the dough.
4. Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to distribute the leavening agents and salt evenly.
5. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing just until the dough comes together. Be careful to avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
6. Shape the cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them approximately 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. For a decorative touch, gently flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass dipped in sugar to give the cookie tops a subtle sparkle.
7. Bake the cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until the edges begin to turn a light golden color, indicating they are perfectly baked but still soft inside.
8. Cool the cookies: Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheets for about 5 minutes to firm up. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving or storing.

Notes

• Do not overmix the dough to avoid tough cookies.
• Using parchment paper helps with even baking and easy cleanup.
• Flattening the dough balls with a sugar-dipped glass adds a pretty finish but can be skipped if preferred.
• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container for up to one week.
• You can add sprinkles or colored sugar for a festive touch before baking.

Keywords: sugar cookies, easy sugar cookies, vanilla sugar cookies, classic sugar cookies, soft sugar cookies, holiday cookies, cookie recipe