Easy Sugar Cookies Recipe

I absolutely love this Easy Sugar Cookies Recipe because it’s one of those classic treats that never fail to bring joy, whether it’s for a holiday, a casual afternoon snack, or just because you want a little homemade sweetness. When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how simple it was to make such perfectly soft and flavorful cookies with just a handful of pantry staples.

You’ll find that this recipe is incredibly forgiving, making it perfect if you’re new to baking or just want a reliable crowd-pleaser without the fuss. Plus, with just about 30 minutes from start to finish, these cookies are a fantastic go-to for last-minute cookie cravings or when guests pop in unexpectedly.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Easy Sugar Cookies Recipe plays a vital role in creating that satisfying texture and buttery flavor. When shopping, look for good-quality butter and fresh vanilla extract to really boost the taste.

• All-purpose flour: The base for the dough, it provides structure while keeping cookies tender.
• Baking soda: Helps give the cookies a little lift and keeps them from being too dense.
• Baking powder: Works alongside baking soda for a light, fluffy texture.
• Butter: Use softened, not melted, so it creams well with sugar and gives richness.
• White sugar: Sweetens and helps create that classic sugar cookie crisp on the edges.
• Egg: Binds everything together and adds moisture for softness.
• Vanilla extract: Boosts the flavor with a warm, fragrant note that makes these cookies irresistible.

Variations

I love playing around with this Easy Sugar Cookies Recipe to suit different occasions or moods. Whether you want to keep it classic or add a twist, these variations are easy and fun to try.

• Sprinkles galore: Adding colorful sprinkles before baking instantly makes these cookies party-ready — my kids always beg for this one.
• Lemon zest: Stir in some lemon zest to the dough for a fresh, slightly tangy flavor boost that feels so bright and summery.
• Chocolate-dipped: After baking, dip half the cookie in melted chocolate for an indulgent combo I can’t resist.
• Gluten-free: Swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend; just be sure to check the blend works well for baking.

How to Make Easy Sugar Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and baking powder in a small bowl. This ensures the leavening agents are evenly distributed, helping your cookies bake evenly. I like to set this bowl aside while I move on to the wet ingredients so everything’s ready to combine quickly.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using an electric mixer, beat together the softened butter and white sugar in a large bowl until smooth and fluffy. I discovered this step is key because proper creaming builds a light texture and keeps your cookies tender. It usually takes about 2-3 minutes at medium speed—don’t rush it!

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Beat in one egg and the vanilla extract until the mixture is well combined. This is where the dough starts coming together, so mix until the ingredients are smoothly blended and you don’t see any streaks of egg white. This step always makes the kitchen smell heavenly.

Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the butter-sugar mixture, blending slowly so the flour doesn’t fly everywhere. Mix just until combined; overmixing can make the cookies tough, and you want them soft and tender. The dough will be soft but firm enough to scoop.

Step 5: Roll and Bake

Roll the dough into walnut-sized balls and place them about 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets. This spacing is important because the cookies will spread slightly, and this keeps them from sticking together. Bake in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 8 to 10 minutes or until the edges just start to turn golden. Don’t overbake—you want them soft, not crunchy.

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes to firm up before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This step helps them set without breaking and keeps their soft texture intact. I love sneaking a warm cookie right off the rack—so good!

How to Serve Easy Sugar Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep things simple and just dust the warm cookies lightly with sugar or add sprinkles before baking for a fun pop of color. Sometimes I frost them with a thin layer of vanilla or cream cheese icing for special occasions, which everyone loves. Fresh lemon zest on top also adds a bright twist if you want something a bit different.

Side Dishes

These sugar cookies are great alongside a hot cup of tea or a cold glass of milk — the classic pairing that never fails. For brunch or dessert trays, pair them with fresh fruit, yogurt, or even some chocolate-covered nuts to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays, I like to shape the dough with cookie cutters and decorate with royal icing and edible glitter—makes the cookies look like little pieces of art! Another favorite is stacking them in a jar tied with ribbon; it’s an easy, beautiful gift idea for friends and neighbors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature, where the cookies stay soft and fresh for up to a week. I learned that layering them between sheets of parchment prevents sticking and keeps them looking great.

Freezing

If you want to freeze the dough, roll into balls and flash-freeze on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. This way, you can bake just a few fresh cookies any time you want. Baked cookies can also be frozen in airtight containers for up to 3 months—I did this once for a party, and they tasted just as good after thawing!

Reheating

When I reheat leftover cookies, I pop them in the oven at 300°F for 5 minutes to warm through and soften back up. Microwave reheating makes them a little chewy, but the low oven heat helps maintain that fresh-from-the-bakery texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Easy Sugar Cookies Recipe is a genuine keeper in my kitchen — every batch brings back happy memories of baking with family and sharing smiles over a sweet treat. I hope you’ll enjoy making these as much as I do, creating your own little moments of joy, one cookie at a time. Give it a try; I promise it’s as simple and satisfying as it sounds!

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