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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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://foodbylina.com/best-easy-sugar-cookies-recipe/