Easy Sugar Cookie Recipe

There’s nothing quite like the classic taste of a Simple Sugar Cookie – soft, buttery, and just the right amount of sweet. This easy recipe requires only a handful of ingredients and comes together in no time, making it perfect for holidays, bake sales, or just satisfying a sweet craving. Whether you enjoy them plain or decorated with icing, these sugar cookies are always a crowd-pleaser.

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The first time I made these, I was thrilled by how quickly they became a family favorite. They’re easy enough for beginners but taste as delicious as bakery cookies. Let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love This Easy Sugar Cookie Recipe

This Easy Sugar Cookie Recipe is bound to become a go-to favorite, and here’s why:

• Quick and Simple: With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all levels. You’ll have cookies ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish!
• Soft and Chewy Texture: These cookies bake up with a soft center and slightly crisp edges, giving you that perfect sugar cookie texture that’s both chewy and tender.
• Customizable: Whether you want plain cookies, sprinkles, or frosted designs, this recipe is flexible and works beautifully with all your favorite toppings.
• Freezer-Friendly: Make a batch of dough and freeze it for future use, so you’re never far from freshly baked sugar cookies.

With these delicious qualities, this sugar cookie recipe is a timeless classic you’ll make again and again.

Ingredients Notes

Each ingredient in this Easy Sugar Cookie Recipe brings something essential to the flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need:

• All-Purpose Flour: This is the base of the cookies. Make sure to measure accurately by spooning the flour into your measuring cup and leveling it off – too much flour can make the cookies dense.
• Baking Powder: This leavening agent helps the cookies puff up just the right amount, keeping them soft without spreading too much.
• Butter: Use unsalted butter that’s softened to room temperature. Butter adds richness and flavor to the cookies, and using it at the right temperature ensures a smooth dough.
• Granulated Sugar: The sweetness and slight crunch of granulated sugar is key here. You can also roll the cookie dough balls in additional sugar for extra sparkle and texture.
• Egg: Eggs provide moisture and structure, helping the cookies stay tender and slightly chewy.
• Vanilla Extract: A generous splash of vanilla is essential for classic sugar cookie flavor. Use pure vanilla extract if possible for the best taste.

These ingredients come together for a simple, reliable sugar cookie recipe that’s perfect for every occasion.

How To Make This Easy Sugar Cookie Recipe

This recipe is as simple as mix, scoop, and bake. Here’s how to make these delicious sugar cookies:

1. Prepare the Dough: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add the egg and vanilla extract and mix until combined.
2. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.
3. Scoop and Shape: Scoop the dough into 1-inch balls and roll each one in additional granulated sugar if desired. Place the dough balls 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake the Cookies: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are just slightly underbaked. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool, so don’t overbake them if you want a soft texture.
5. Cool and Serve: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy them plain, or decorate with icing or sprinkles if desired.

In just a few simple steps, you’ll have a batch of delicious sugar cookies ready to enjoy!

Storage Options

These Easy Sugar Cookies store well, making them perfect for baking ahead or enjoying over several days:

• Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They’ll stay soft and delicious, especially if you add a slice of bread to the container to help retain moisture.
• Freezer: These cookies freeze beautifully! Store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. You can also freeze the dough – just scoop it into balls and freeze on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. Bake straight from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

With these storage options, you can enjoy fresh sugar cookies anytime you want.

Variations and Substitutions

This Easy Sugar Cookie Recipe is versatile and perfect for adding your personal touch. Here are a few variations to try:

• Lemon Sugar Cookies: Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest to the dough for a bright, zesty flavor. Lemon pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the cookies.
• Almond Sugar Cookies: Substitute ½ teaspoon of almond extract for some of the vanilla extract. Almond adds a subtle, nutty flavor that’s a delicious twist on the classic.
• Funfetti Sugar Cookies: Stir in ¼ cup of rainbow sprinkles to the dough for a colorful treat that’s perfect for birthdays or celebrations.
• Rolled and Cut-Out Cookies: Roll the dough to ¼-inch thickness and cut into shapes with cookie cutters. Decorate with icing, sprinkles, or royal icing for a festive, decorative touch.
• Chocolate-Dipped Sugar Cookies: After baking, dip half of each cookie into melted chocolate and let it set on parchment paper. It adds a touch of elegance and extra sweetness!

This sugar cookie recipe is flexible and foolproof, allowing you to experiment with different flavors and toppings to make each batch unique.

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