Easy Sugar Cookie Recipe

There's nothing like the smell of freshly baked sugar cookies filling your home. This easy recipe is perfect for satisfying those sweet cravings without too much fuss. These cookies are soft, buttery, and just the right amount of sweet, making them a go-to for holidays, special occasions, or anytime you need a sweet treat.

I first discovered this recipe when I was looking for a no-fail dessert that didn’t require fancy ingredients or extensive prep. It quickly became a family favorite, and now it's a staple in my cookie-baking rotation!

Why You'll Love This Easy Sugar Cookie Recipe

Get ready to fall head over heels for these sugar cookies. They’re quick to make, absolutely delicious, and require minimal ingredients. Here’s why this recipe is a winner:

First, it’s incredibly simple. With just a few common pantry ingredients, you can whip up a batch in less than 30 minutes. No special tools or skills are needed, which makes it ideal for bakers of all levels.

These cookies are versatile. You can keep them plain for a classic look or add a sprinkle of colored sugar on top for festive occasions. You can even dip them in chocolate or add a glaze if you’re feeling fancy!

The recipe is family-friendly. This is a great baking project to enjoy with kids, as they’ll love rolling the dough into little balls and adding sugar on top.

Best of all, they’re irresistible! Soft and slightly chewy with a light crisp edge, these cookies strike the perfect balance of sweetness and texture. They’re guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of these sugar cookies lies in their simplicity. Each ingredient has an important role in creating the perfect texture and flavor.

• Butter: For that rich, buttery flavor, make sure to use real unsalted butter. It helps create a soft, tender cookie. Let it soften at room temperature for easy mixing.
• Granulated Sugar: This is the star of the show and provides the sweetness we all love. Rolling the dough in extra sugar before baking adds a lovely sparkle and crunch.
• Egg: Essential for binding the ingredients together, the egg also contributes to the cookies' soft and chewy texture. Use a large egg for the right balance.
• Vanilla Extract: A high-quality vanilla extract adds depth and a warm, comforting flavor to the cookies. Don’t skip this, as it’s a key ingredient!
• All-Purpose Flour: Standard all-purpose flour works perfectly here, creating a dough that holds its shape without being too stiff. Just be sure to measure it accurately for the best results.

No special equipment is required for this recipe. A mixing bowl, spatula, and baking sheet are all you need to get started!

How To Make This Easy Sugar Cookie Recipe

Making these sugar cookies is a breeze. Just follow these steps for perfect cookies every time.

1. Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup and even baking.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving that soft, tender texture. It usually takes about 2-3 minutes with a hand mixer.
3. Add the Wet Ingredients: Crack in the egg and pour in the vanilla extract, mixing until well combined. Make sure everything is fully incorporated before adding the dry ingredients.
4. Incorporate the Flour: Gradually add the flour, mixing just until the dough comes together. Be careful not to over-mix, as this can make the cookies tougher.
5. Shape and Roll: Scoop about a tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball. Roll each dough ball in granulated sugar to coat, then place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space for spreading.
6. Bake to Perfection: Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking – they should be soft in the center.

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This recipe yields about two dozen cookies, ready to enjoy!

Storage Options

These sugar cookies store beautifully, making them perfect for baking ahead or enjoying over a few days.

For room temperature storage, place the cookies in an airtight container and store them for up to a week. They’ll stay soft and flavorful without any refrigeration needed.

If you want to keep them even longer, you can freeze them. Place the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer them to a zip-top freezer bag. They’ll last up to 3 months in the freezer.

To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to soften them up. Frozen cookies taste as fresh as the day they were baked!

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is incredibly adaptable, so don’t hesitate to get creative with your sugar cookies.

For a lemon twist, add a teaspoon of lemon zest and a dash of lemon extract to the dough. It’ll give the cookies a refreshing citrusy note.

If you’re a fan of spice, add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough. These warm spices pair beautifully with the buttery sweetness of the cookies.

To make chocolate-dipped sugar cookies, melt some chocolate chips and dip half of each cookie in the melted chocolate. Let them cool on parchment paper until set.

For a holiday touch, roll the dough balls in colored sugar sprinkles instead of plain sugar. They’ll look festive and add a fun crunch!

With such a simple recipe, you can experiment freely and create a version of these sugar cookies that’s uniquely yours. Whether you keep it classic or add your own twist, you’ll love the results!

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