Why You’ll Love Sugar Cookies Recipe
These sugar cookies are delightfully tender on the inside with lightly crisp edges, making them the perfect blank canvas for decoration or delicious enough to enjoy plain. The dough is easy to roll and shape, holds its form during baking, and doesn’t require chilling. Whether you frost them, sprinkle with sugar, or enjoy them straight from the oven, they never disappoint.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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All-purpose flour
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Baking powder
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Salt
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Unsalted butter, softened
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Granulated sugar
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Egg
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Vanilla extract
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Milk (optional, to adjust dough consistency)
Directions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
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In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
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Add the egg and vanilla extract and beat until well combined.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms. If the dough feels too dry, add a splash of milk.
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Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness.
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Cut out shapes using cookie cutters and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
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Bake for 8–10 minutes or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden.
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Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before decorating or serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes approximately 24 sugar cookies, depending on the size of your cookie cutters.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Cooling time: 15 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Variations
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Frosted Sugar Cookies: Top cooled cookies with buttercream or royal icing.
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Sprinkle Sugar Cookies: Add sprinkles to the dough or on top before baking for festive flair.
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Lemon Sugar Cookies: Add lemon zest to the dough for a citrus twist.
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Gluten-Free Sugar Cookies: Substitute a gluten-free 1:1 flour blend.
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Almond-Flavored Sugar Cookies: Replace vanilla extract with almond extract for a nuttier flavor.
Storage/Reheating
Store sugar cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a sealed bag for up to 2 months. To refresh cookies, warm them in a 300°F oven for 3–5 minutes. Avoid reheating decorated cookies with frosting or icing.
FAQs
How do I keep sugar cookies soft?
To keep sugar cookies soft, avoid overbaking and store them in an airtight container. Adding a slice of bread to the container can also help retain moisture.
Can I freeze sugar cookie dough?
Yes, sugar cookie dough freezes well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before rolling and baking.
Why did my sugar cookies spread too much?
Cookies often spread if the dough is too warm or if there’s too much butter. Try chilling the dough before baking or double-checking your ingredient measurements.
Can I decorate these cookies?
Absolutely. These sugar cookies are perfect for decorating with icing, sprinkles, or colored sugar once they’ve cooled completely.
Do I have to chill the dough?
This recipe doesn’t require chilling, but if your kitchen is warm or your dough is sticky, chilling for 15–30 minutes can help make rolling and cutting easier.
Can I use salted butter?
Yes, but omit or reduce the added salt in the recipe to avoid over-salting the dough.
How thick should I roll the dough?
Roll the dough to about 1/4 inch thick. This ensures the cookies bake evenly and retain a soft center.
Are these cookies good for cut-out shapes?
Yes, this dough is ideal for cut-out cookies. It holds its shape well in the oven, making it great for holiday or themed cookie cutters.
How can I make the cookies more flavorful?
Enhance the flavor by adding a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon, or by using a high-quality vanilla extract.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, this recipe can be easily doubled for larger batches. Just be sure to divide the dough for easier handling.
Conclusion
These classic sugar cookies are a must-have in any baker’s recipe collection. With their simple ingredients, reliable results, and endless decorating possibilities, they’re perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking with kids, prepping for a party, or just treating yourself, sugar cookies are always a sweet success.
Sugar Cookies
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Classic sugar cookies with a soft, chewy center and lightly crisp edges. Perfect for decorating or enjoying plain, these cookies are easy to make with simple pantry staples.
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (optional, to adjust dough consistency)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add egg and vanilla extract; mix until well combined.
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a soft dough forms. Add milk if dough is too dry.
- Roll dough on a lightly floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness.
- Cut out shapes with cookie cutters and place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes, until edges are lightly golden.
- Cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before decorating or serving.
Notes
- Do not overbake; cookies should remain soft in the center.
- For best results, roll dough evenly to ensure uniform baking.
- Dough can be chilled for easier handling if too soft.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Dough and baked cookies freeze well for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
