If you have been searching for a sweet treat that’s as satisfying as it is simple, look no further than the Best Easy Sugar Cookies Recipe. These cookies achieve the perfect balance of a tender, buttery crumb with just the right amount of sweetness that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re baking for a casual snack or a festive occasion, this recipe will quickly become your go-to staple for creating delightful sugar cookies that everyone will love. The charm lies in its simplicity, along with the beautiful golden edges and that delicate vanilla aroma that fills your kitchen. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll see why it’s dubbed the best easy sugar cookies recipe around.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is built on a handful of pantry staples that, when combined just right, create the classic sugar cookie everyone adores. Each ingredient plays a crucial role — butter adds richness, sugar brings sweetness and texture, and vanilla enriches the flavor
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: The base of your dough that gives cookies a moist, tender texture.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: For sweetness and a slight crunch on the cookie edges.
- 1 large egg: Helps bind the ingredients and adds moisture.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Infuses the cookies with that warm, comforting flavor we love.
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure needed for perfect cookie shape and chew.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Gives the cookies a gentle lift and softness.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness beautifully.
How to Make Best Easy Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure your cookies bake evenly and come off easily without sticking. This simple setup step saves time and cleanup later.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy—this usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes if you’re using an electric mixer. This step is essential because it incorporates air into the dough, which helps create that tender texture.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until they’re well combined with the creamed butter and sugar. The egg adds moisture, while the vanilla boosts the cookie’s classic flavor profile, so don’t skip this step!
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately
In a different bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures that the leavening and seasoning are evenly distributed throughout the flour to avoid any clumping or uneven texture in the cookies.
Step 5: Combine Ingredients to Form Dough
Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and gently mix until just combined. Overmixing can make your cookies tough, so stop as soon as you see no streaks of flour.
Step 6: Shape and Flatten Dough Balls
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. For a charming finishing touch, dip the bottom of a glass in sugar, then gently press it down on each ball to slightly flatten it and add a bit of sparkle.
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden. Once baked, allow them to cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting period helps the cookies set perfectly.
How to Serve Best Easy Sugar Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
These sugar cookies are flawless on their own, but you can add simple garnishes like a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of melted chocolate, or even colorful sprinkles. These little touches can elevate the look and add extra flavor without overshadowing the cookie’s classic taste.
Side Dishes
Pair your sugar cookies with a warm cup of tea, a glass of cold milk, or even hot cocoa for a cozy, well-rounded snack experience. For a more festive spread, include fresh fruit or whipped cream for dipping to add some freshness and balance.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, use cookie cutters to shape your dough before baking, or sandwich two cookies together with your favorite jam or frosting. You could also stack them in elegant jars tied with ribbons for a delightful homemade gift.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover sugar cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh and chewy for up to a week, making them a perfect make-ahead treat that never loses its charm.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked sugar cookie dough rolled into balls or baked cookies in airtight containers or freezer bags. Dough balls can be frozen for up to three months, and baked cookies freeze well for about two months. Just thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating
To enjoy cookies warm, simply pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm them briefly in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5 minutes. This helps to revive their soft texture and delicious aroma.
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 balance the flavors and prevent the cookies from becoming too salty.
How do I keep my cookies from spreading too much?
Make sure your butter is softened, not melted, and chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking if your kitchen is warm. This helps the cookies hold their shape better while baking.
Can I add flavors or mix-ins to this recipe?
Absolutely! Try adding lemon zest, almond extract, or folding in mini chocolate chips, nuts, or sprinkles to customize the cookies to your taste.
Why do my cookies come out flat and crispy?
Flat cookies usually result from butter that’s too soft or dough that’s overmixed. Try chilling your dough and mixing just until combined for thicker, softer cookies.
What is the best way to store decorated sugar cookies?
For decorated cookies, wait until any icing or decoration is fully dry, then store in a single layer in an airtight container. You can separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you enjoy making and sharing this Best Easy Sugar Cookies Recipe as much as I do. It’s one of those timeless recipes that brings smiles with every bite, simple enough for a quick bake but special enough to turn any day into a treat. So go ahead, bake a batch today and watch your kitchen fill with sweet memories!
Print
Best Easy Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
Description
These best easy sugar cookies are soft, buttery, and lightly sweetened, perfect for any occasion. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have a batch of delightful cookies ready in under 30 minutes, making them an ideal treat for beginners and experienced bakers alike.
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 the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- 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, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes. This step helps to aerate the dough for tender cookies.
- Add egg and vanilla: Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined, incorporating moisture and flavor.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and salt through the flour.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing just until the dough comes together. Avoid overmixing to keep cookies tender.
- Shape the cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. For a decorative touch, gently flatten each ball slightly using the bottom of a glass dipped in sugar to give a subtle sparkle to the cookie tops.
- Bake the cookies: Place the baking sheets in the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges just start turning a light golden color, indicating they are perfectly baked but still soft inside.
- Cool the cookies: Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheets for 5 minutes to firm up. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving or storing.
Notes
- Make sure butter is softened, not melted, to get the best texture in your cookies.
- If you want thicker cookies, chill the dough before baking.
- You can customize by adding sprinkles or dipping the flat glass in colored sugar for extra fun.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- For a festive touch, frost or decorate cookies once cooled.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
