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.
