Easy Sugar Cookie Recipe: Classic Treats Everyone Will Love

Sweet memories often bloom around a classic easy sugar cookie recipe that whispers comfort from every golden-edged morsel.

Childhood kitchens come alive with nostalgic aromas wafting through familiar spaces.

Baking these delightful treats connects generations through simple ingredients and shared moments of joy.

Crisp edges and soft centers promise pure happiness in each bite.

Minimal effort yields maximum deliciousness with this straightforward approach to creating perfect cookies.

Flour, butter, and sugar dance together into a magical symphony of sweetness.

Sprinkle some love, and you’ll craft cookies that spark smiles and warm hearts.

Keep Sugar Cookies Soft And Oven-Ready

• Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container, layered between wax paper, and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Keep cookies in a sealed container at room temperature for 3-4 days, maintaining their soft texture.
• Warm cookies briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated 300°F oven for 2-3 minutes to restore their fresh-baked taste.

Sugar Cookies: What Complements Them Best

• Pair Sugar Cookies with Creamy Beverages: Indulge in rich hot chocolate or smooth vanilla latte that complement the cookie's sweet, buttery texture.
• Upgrade with Refreshing Tea Combinations: Steep Earl Grey or chamomile tea to balance the cookie's sweetness and provide a delightful afternoon treat.
• Match with Dessert Wine Elegance: Select a light moscato or sweet riesling that enhances the subtle almond and vanilla notes in the sugar cookies.
• Create Playful Milk Pairings: Enjoy classic cold milk or try flavored milk like strawberry or caramel to add an extra layer of deliciousness to your cookie experience.

Sugar Cookies with Colorful Frosting and Mix-Ins

• Gluten-Free Cookies: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free blend, ensuring a soft texture for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegan Sugar Cookies: Swap butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine, use a flax egg instead of chicken egg, and select vegan-friendly sugar to create plant-based treats.
• Lemon Zest Cookies: Add fresh lemon zest to the dough and replace almond extract with lemon extract for a bright, citrusy flavor profile that refreshes the classic recipe.
• Chocolate Chip Version: Fold in mini chocolate chips into the dough before rolling, creating a sweet chocolatey addition to the traditional sugar cookie.

FAQs

• Can I make these cookies without almond extract?

Yes, simply omit the almond extract. The cookies will still taste delicious with just vanilla extract.

• How do I ensure my cookies are soft and chewy?

Don’t overbake them. Remove the cookies from the oven when the edges are lightly golden, and they’ll stay soft. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes to maintain moisture.

• What type of sugar works best for rolling the cookies?

Granulated sugar is perfect for rolling. It creates a nice sweet coating and gives the cookies a slightly crisp exterior.

• Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Absolutely! Roll the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag. You can bake them directly from frozen, just add 1-2 extra minutes to the baking time.

Sugar Cookies That Are Always A Win

• Quickest Crowd-Pleaser: Whip up these sugar cookies in under 30 minutes, making them perfect for spontaneous baking sessions or last-minute dessert needs.
• Foolproof Baking: Beginner-friendly recipe with simple ingredients and straightforward steps, ensuring success even for novice bakers who want to impress family and friends.
• Kid-Friendly Kitchen Fun: Engaging recipe that allows children to help roll dough balls and coat them in sugar, creating a delightful bonding activity while learning basic cooking skills.
• Versatile Treat Option: Adaptable cookies that work for multiple occasions like birthday parties, holiday gatherings, or casual weekend snacks, satisfying sweet cravings with minimal effort.

Sugar Cookie Component Breakdown

• All-Purpose Flour: A key base that provides structure and texture to the cookies.
• Baking Soda: Helps cookies rise and spread evenly during baking.
• Baking Powder: Adds extra lift and ensures a soft, light cookie texture.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness.

• Unsalted Butter: Softened butter creates a rich, smooth cookie dough with tender crumb.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a crisp cookie exterior.
• Large Egg: Binds ingredients together and adds moisture to the dough.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds classic, warm flavor to the cookies.
• Almond Extract: Optional ingredient that provides a subtle, nutty undertone.

• Extra Sugar: Used for rolling the cookies before baking, creates a sparkly, sweet exterior.

Easy Sugar Cookie Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Baking Space

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cookie removal.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a mixing bowl.

Whisk thoroughly to distribute ingredients evenly and eliminate any lumps.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a separate large bowl, blend softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer.

Beat until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and creates a smooth consistency.

Step 4: Add Liquid Ingredients

Incorporate egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if desired) into the butter-sugar mixture.

Mix until the ingredients are fully integrated and create a uniform texture.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients.

Stir gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix the dough.

Step 6: Shape Cookie Balls

Roll the dough into small spheres, each approximately 1 inch in diameter.

Generously coat each ball by rolling in additional granulated sugar.

Step 7: Arrange and Flatten Cookies

Place sugar-coated dough balls on prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Gently press down on each ball using the bottom of a glass to create a slightly flattened shape.

Step 8: Bake and Cool

Bake cookies for 8-10 minutes until the edges turn a light golden brown.

Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.

Sugar Cookies – Tips For Soft Bakes And Crisp Edges

• Leave butter out at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before creaming to achieve a light, fluffy texture without melting.
• Mix dry ingredients just until combined to avoid overworking the dough, which can make cookies dense and chewy.
• Roll cookies in fine granulated sugar for a sparkling, crisp exterior that adds extra sweetness and crunch.
• Swap almond extract with other extracts like orange or lemon zest to create unique, personalized cookie profiles.
• Use exact measurements and level off dry ingredients with a knife for consistent, perfectly textured sugar cookies every time.

Easy Sugar Cookie Recipe

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• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Sweet magic happens when classic Sugar Cookies meet simple ingredients and effortless technique. Crisp edges, tender centers, and pure buttery comfort invite bakers of all skill levels to create delightful treats you’ll savor with every delicious bite.

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Ingredients

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Primary Ingredients:

• 2 3/4 cups (330 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (227 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups (300 grams) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg

Leavening Agents:

• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

Flavor and Seasoning:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Finishing:

• Extra sugar for rolling

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 350°F and lining baking sheets with parchment paper for optimal cookie performance.
2. Sift together the dry ingredients – flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt – ensuring a smooth, lump-free mixture that will contribute to the cookie’s delicate texture.
3. In a separate spacious mixing bowl, transform butter and granulated sugar into a creamy, aerated mixture by vigorously beating until the consistency becomes light and voluminous.
4. Incorporate the egg, pure vanilla extract, and optional almond extract into the butter-sugar blend, mixing until the liquid ingredients are fully integrated and the mixture appears silky and uniform.
5. Gently fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring minimally to prevent overworking the dough, which could result in tough cookies.
6. Shape the cookie dough into uniform 1-inch spheres, then generously coat each ball with a layer of granulated sugar for a sparkling, crisp exterior.
7. Arrange the sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, maintaining sufficient spacing to allow for slight spreading during baking, and delicately flatten each ball using the bottom of a glass.
8. Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, watching for a subtle golden rim that indicates perfect doneness, then allow them to rest briefly on the baking sheet before transferring to a cooling rack to achieve a complete crisp texture.

Notes

• Ensure butter is softened at room temperature for smoother creaming and better cookie texture.
• Avoid overmixing the dough to prevent tough, dense cookies that lack tenderness.
• For gluten-free variation, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to maintain similar texture and taste.
• Experiment with different extracts like orange or lemon to create unique flavor profiles that complement the classic sugar cookie.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 132
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 60 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 16 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 1.5 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg