Name: Easy Sugar Cookies: A Complete Guide
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour (sifted); 1 teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon baking powder; 1 cup unsalted butter (softened); 1 ½ cups granulated sugar; 1 large egg (room temperature); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional); 3 tablespoons milk; Extra granulated sugar (for rolling)

Few desserts are as classic and comforting as a sugar cookie. With their buttery flavor, soft texture, and delicate sweetness, sugar cookies have become a staple for holidays, birthdays, and everyday treats. They are simple enough for beginner bakers yet versatile enough to decorate beautifully for special occasions. Best of all, sugar cookies can be made with pantry staples and don’t require complicated techniques.

This recipe for Easy Sugar Cookies delivers perfectly tender cookies with crisp edges and a melt-in-your-mouth center. With step-by-step instructions, practical storage tips, and creative variations, you’ll be able to whip up a batch of cookies that taste as good as they look.

Ingredients

Here are the exact measurements you’ll need:

2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour (sifted for accuracy)
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon baking powder
1 cup unsalted butter (softened to room temperature)
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
1 large egg (room temperature)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon almond extract (optional, for depth of flavor)
3 tablespoons milk
Extra granulated sugar (for rolling cookies before baking)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
Set aside to incorporate later.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. This step takes about 2–3 minutes.
Proper creaming is essential—it adds air to the dough and ensures cookies rise evenly.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Beat in the egg until well combined.
Mix in vanilla extract and almond extract (if using).
Stir in the milk, which helps create a smooth dough consistency.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture.
Mix until just combined. Overmixing can toughen the cookies.
The dough should be soft but not sticky. If too sticky, add 1–2 tablespoons of flour.

Step 5: Shape the Cookies

Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball.
Roll each dough ball in granulated sugar.
Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing cookies about 2 inches apart.

Step 6: Bake

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake cookies for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are set and slightly golden.
Remove from oven and let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.

Conservation and Storage

Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Place parchment between layers to prevent sticking.
Freezer (Dough): Roll cookie dough into balls, freeze on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Store for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to bake time.
Freezer (Baked Cookies): Freeze fully cooled cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Variations

Flavor Variations

Lemon Sugar Cookies: Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to the dough.
Cinnamon Sugar Cookies: Mix 1 teaspoon cinnamon into the sugar used for rolling.
Brown Sugar Cookies: Replace half the white sugar with light brown sugar for a caramel-like flavor.

Texture Variations

Soft and Chewy: Slightly underbake and remove cookies when the centers still look pale.
Crispy: Bake 2–3 minutes longer until edges are golden brown.

Decorative Variations

Frosted Sugar Cookies: Top cooled cookies with buttercream or royal icing.
Holiday Sugar Cookies: Tint dough with food coloring or add sprinkles before baking.
Cut-Out Sugar Cookies: Chill dough for 1 hour, roll to ¼-inch thickness, and cut with cookie cutters.

Serving Suggestions

With Coffee or Tea: A perfect pairing for a light afternoon treat.
For Kids’ Parties: Serve plain or decorated with colorful sprinkles.
As Holiday Gifts: Stack cookies in cellophane bags or boxes tied with ribbon.
Ice Cream Sandwiches: Place a scoop of vanilla ice cream between two cookies for a refreshing dessert.

Tips for Perfecting the Dish

Use room temperature butter and egg for smoother mixing and better texture.
Do not overmix dough after adding flour, or cookies will turn dense.
Chill dough (optional) for 30 minutes if cookies spread too much during baking.
Rotate pans halfway through baking for even browning.
Experiment with sugar coating—try raw sugar or colored sanding sugar for sparkle.

Conclusion

Easy Sugar Cookies prove that simple ingredients can create something timeless and delicious. With their buttery flavor, crisp edges, and tender centers, these cookies never fail to satisfy. They’re versatile enough to adapt with flavors, toppings, and decorations, making them ideal for holidays, celebrations, or everyday snacking. Once you master this recipe, you’ll have a go-to cookie that delights in any setting.

Save

Easy Sugar Cookies: A Complete Guide

Author: hafsahafsa
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: About 30 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Classic Easy Sugar Cookies with buttery flavor, crisp edges, and tender centers. Simple to make, versatile for decorating, and perfect for holidays, birthdays, or everyday snacking.