If you’re searching for a classic treat that delivers both melt-in-your-mouth tenderness and just the right amount of sweetness, Sugar Cookies are a true joy to bake (and eat!). They’re simple to whip up, absolutely irresistible dipped in a glass of milk, and the perfect blank canvas for festive decorations or elegant finishing touches. Whether you’re baking with loved ones or simply indulging a craving, Sugar Cookies strike that ideal balance of nostalgia and pure delight.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of kitchen staples, you’ll be amazed at the magic that emerges from your oven. Each ingredient plays a starring role in delivering that signature taste and silky crumb Sugar Cookies are famous for.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation for structure and a light, delicate crumb.
- Baking soda: Gives your Sugar Cookies just the right lift so they’re fluffy but never cakey.
- Baking powder: Provides an extra gentle puff for those perfect edges.
- Salt: A tiny pinch unlocks all the other flavors and keeps things balanced.
- Unsalted butter (softened): The buttery richness guarantees a tender texture and amazing flavor.
- Granulated sugar: The star of the show, lending the cookies their sweetness and signature sparkle.
- Large egg: Binds everything together and makes your cookies chewy instead of dry.
- Vanilla extract: Adds that comforting, inviting aroma and warm depth.
- Almond extract (optional): For a subtle, nutty twist that takes classic Sugar Cookies to the next level.
- Extra granulated sugar: Rolling each dough ball gives them that gorgeous, glittering finish.
How to Make Sugar Cookies
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper—this keeps your Sugar Cookies from sticking and helps them bake up evenly with golden bottoms and soft centers.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Grab a medium bowl and whisk together your flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This step ensures the leavening agents and salt are evenly distributed, so every cookie puffs up just right and tastes consistently delicious in every bite.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together for about 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. Don’t rush this step—creaming the butter and sugar gives your Sugar Cookies their tender texture and delicate crumb.
Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients
Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and, if you’re feeling a little fancy, a splash of almond extract. The wet ingredients help bind the dough together and the extracts make your kitchen smell absolutely heavenly.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add your dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Avoid over-mixing here; stop as soon as there are no more streaks of flour—overworking dough can make Sugar Cookies tough instead of tender.
Step 6: Portion and Shape the Cookies
Using a tablespoon or a small cookie scoop, portion out the dough and roll each piece into a ball with your hands. Roll the balls in extra granulated sugar until sparkly on all sides, then place them on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
Step 7: Flatten and Bake
Use the bottom of a glass to gently flatten each dough ball—this helps them bake up with a perfect, even thickness. Bake for about 8 to 10 minutes, just until the edges are starting to turn golden and the centers look barely set. They’ll continue to cook slightly as they cool.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them firm up, so they won’t fall apart. Once cool, your Sugar Cookies are ready to enjoy or decorate however your heart desires!
How to Serve Sugar Cookies
Garnishes
For a finishing touch, sprinkle your Sugar Cookies with colored sanding sugar before baking for a festive twist, or drizzle with a simple glaze once they’re cool. A dusting of powdered sugar always adds a touch of elegance and whimsy for special occasions.
Side Dishes
Pair your cookies with a chilled glass of milk, steaming mug of cocoa, or an afternoon cup of tea. For parties, plate alongside other classic cookies or fruit slices for a cheerful, crowd-pleasing dessert platter.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack Sugar Cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with a ribbon for a sweet homemade gift, or arrange them in decorative tins for easy sharing around the holidays. They’re beautiful on their own, but also the perfect edible canvas for edible markers, royal icing, or playful sprinkles.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any extra Sugar Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature; this helps them stay soft and fresh for up to a week. If your kitchen gets warm, consider a cool (not refrigerated) spot to prevent melting or staleness.
Freezing
You can freeze baked Sugar Cookies or the unbaked dough for later. Stack cooled cookies in freezer-safe bags with parchment between layers, or freeze dough balls and bake fresh when cravings strike—just add a minute or two to the baking time straight from the freezer.
Reheating
If you love that just-baked warmth, pop a cookie or two in the microwave for 10 seconds. They’ll taste as soft and fragrant as the day you made them—just be careful not to overheat and dry them out.
FAQs
Why do my Sugar Cookies spread too much in the oven?
Spreading can happen if your butter was too warm or if you used too little flour. Measuring accurately and making sure your butter is just softened (not melted) will help keep your cookies thick and soft.
Can I decorate Sugar Cookies with royal icing?
Absolutely! These cookies hold their shape well and their surface takes well to royal icing, making them ideal for beautiful, personalized decorations during holidays or parties.
What’s the best way to make these cookies extra soft?
Creaming your butter and sugar well and avoiding overbaking are both essential. Pull the cookies when the edges are just golden but the centers seem slightly underdone for that ultra-soft texture.
Can I double or halve the recipe easily?
Yes! This recipe doubles or halves with no trouble, so you can make a big batch for a crowd or a small batch for a cozy night in. Just adjust your bowl size and baking sheets as needed.
How do I add flavors or mix-ins?
You can add citrus zest, swap in other extracts, or even fold in mini chocolate chips or sprinkles. For a new twist, try rolling the dough in cinnamon sugar before baking.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about homemade Sugar Cookies—each batch is a little act of joy and generosity. I hope you’ll whip these up soon, savoring their buttery aroma and sharing the sweetness with everyone you love!
Print
Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 36 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These classic sugar cookies are a must-have for any holiday baking session. With a hint of vanilla and the option to add almond extract for extra flavor, these cookies are perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- Extra granulated sugar for rolling
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using).
- Combine and Form Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Roll rounded tablespoons of dough into balls and coat with granulated sugar.
- Bake: Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, flatten slightly with a glass, and bake for 8 to 10 minutes until edges are golden.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For extra festive cookies, sprinkle colored sugar before baking.
- Store in an airtight container for up to one week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
