If you’re searching for a lovable, timeless treat to brighten any moment, the Best Easy Sugar Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need. This recipe delivers soft, buttery cookies with just the right amount of sweetness and a melt-in-your-mouth texture that will have you coming back for more. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or a cozy snack, these sugar cookies manage to feel both special and effortless. They’re a crowd-pleaser everyone can enjoy, from kids decorating at the kitchen table to adults sneaking one with their afternoon tea.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Best Easy Sugar Cookies Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and that classic light golden color. You probably already have these pantry staples on hand, which makes this recipe even more approachable.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides richness and a tender crumb, ensuring the cookies melt in your mouth.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens while also helping create a slight crispness on the outside edges.
- 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 flavor that defines sugar cookies.
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: Offers structure and the perfect amount of chewiness without weighing them down.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: A gentle leavening agent that keeps the cookies light and fluffy.
- 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
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper. This step ensures the cookies bake evenly and don’t stick, making cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture turns light and fluffy—this takes about 2 to 3 minutes. This creaming process is key, as it incorporates air, helping the cookies have a soft texture with a slight crisp on the edges.
Step 3: Add the Egg and Vanilla
Mix the egg and vanilla extract into the butter-sugar mixture until everything is well combined. The egg adds moisture and structure, while the vanilla brings that iconic, comforting aroma and flavor to your dough.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, gently mixing until just combined. Overmixing can develop gluten, making the cookies tough, so keep it light.
Step 5: Shape the Dough
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and space them about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets. For a lovely finishing touch, gently flatten each ball with the bottom of a glass dipped in sugar. This adds a subtle sparkle and a charming texture on top.
Step 6: Bake and Cool
Bake your cookies for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges turn just lightly golden. After removing them from the oven, let the cookies sit on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This little cooling period helps them set perfectly.
How to Serve Best Easy Sugar Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies shine on their own, going the extra mile with garnishes can make them even more special. Sprinkle a pinch of colored sanding sugar or add a drizzle of melted chocolate once cooled to impress both the eyes and taste buds.
Side Dishes
Pair your sugar cookies with a cold glass of milk for that nostalgic combo, or serve alongside a hot cup of coffee or spiced tea to balance sweetness with warm, comforting contrast. They also complement fruit salads and light creams beautifully if you’re serving dessert after a meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking these cookies with layers of whipped cream and fresh berries for a fun twist, or use cookie cutters to shape the dough before baking for seasonal or themed occasions. Adding a personal touch to presentation makes every bite feel celebratory.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cooled, store your sugar cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to a week, keeping their delightful softness and flavor intact.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked dough balls or baked cookies. For dough, arrange the balls on a tray and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Freeze baked cookies in an airtight container layered with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Reheating
To enjoy the cookies just-baked warm, pop them in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes or microwave for about 10 seconds. This refreshes their softness and enhances the buttery flavor, making them taste as if fresh from the oven.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, you can use salted butter, but it’s best to reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to avoid an overly salty taste. Unsalted butter gives you better control over seasoning.
How do I make these cookies crispier?
For crispier sugar cookies, bake them a couple of minutes longer and flatten the dough balls more before baking. Keep an eye on the edges to avoid burning.
Can I add sprinkles or colored sugar before baking?
Absolutely! Adding sprinkles or colored sugar right after flattening the dough adds fun texture and color, perfect for holidays or kids’ parties.
Is it possible to make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that’s designed for baking. You might notice a slight texture difference, but they remain delicious.
What’s the best way to keep cookies soft longer?
Store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread or an apple wedge to maintain moisture for several days without becoming hard.
Final Thoughts
There is something wonderfully comforting about the Best Easy Sugar Cookies Recipe that makes it a true classic in any baker’s repertoire. From the simple ingredients to the satisfying, buttery result, this cookie recipe is a total win every time. I truly hope you enjoy making and sharing these cookies as much as I do—they’re perfect for any occasion or just a sweet little treat to brighten your day.
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
Description
These Best Easy Sugar Cookies are classic, soft, and chewy treats perfect for any occasion. Made with simple ingredients like butter, sugar, and vanilla, they come together quickly and bake into perfectly golden edges with a tender center. Ideal for decorating or enjoying plain, these cookies are a timeless favorite in any cookie jar.
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 the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote 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, approximately 2-3 minutes. This step helps create the perfect texture.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract into the creamed butter and sugar until well incorporated, ensuring a smooth and consistent batter.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 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.
- Shape Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Slightly flatten each ball with the bottom of a glass dipped in sugar to add a decorative sugary crust.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden. This ensures the cookies are cooked through but remain soft inside.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, which helps prevent breaking.
Notes
- For softer cookies, avoid overbaking and remove them as soon as edges turn golden.
- Make sure butter is softened to room temperature for proper creaming.
- Use parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent burning and facilitate easy cleanup.
- Cookies can be decorated with icing or sprinkles once cooled for festive occasions.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
