Name: Easy Sugar Cookie Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp salt

There’s nothing quite like a classic Easy Sugar Cookie – buttery, soft, and perfectly sweet. This recipe is a favorite in our household, especially around the holidays or anytime we want a fun baking activity. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, these sugar cookies come out perfectly every time, ready for decorating or enjoying plain.

I started making these with my family as a quick way to satisfy our cookie cravings, and they’ve become a staple in our dessert rotation. Let’s dive into these delightful, easy-to-make sugar cookies!

Why You’ll Love This Easy Sugar Cookie Recipe

This Easy Sugar Cookie Recipe is the perfect go-to for beginners and experienced bakers alike. Here’s why it’ll quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.

First, these cookies are quick and foolproof. With just a few ingredients and a short prep time, you can have a batch of fresh, homemade sugar cookies in under an hour.

Secondly, these cookies have a soft, chewy texture and a sweet, buttery flavor that makes them irresistible. They’re delicious on their own or with a little decoration.

They’re also versatile and perfect for decorating. These cookies hold their shape beautifully, making them ideal for cookie cutters and icing – perfect for holidays, birthdays, or any special occasion.

Lastly, this recipe uses pantry staples you likely already have on hand, so no need for fancy ingredients or equipment. Simple and classic, just the way sugar cookies should be.

Ingredients Notes

This Easy Sugar Cookie Recipe is made with basic ingredients that come together to create a perfect cookie. Here’s a quick look at each one:

Butter: Use softened, unsalted butter to create a rich, buttery flavor. Make sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing. Salted butter can work, but reduce the added salt by half if you do.
Granulated Sugar: Sugar gives these cookies their sweetness and helps create a chewy texture. Granulated sugar works best here for a classic sugar cookie texture.
Egg: The egg adds structure and moisture to the dough. For best results, use a large egg at room temperature.
Vanilla Extract: Vanilla adds warmth and a hint of sweetness that complements the buttery flavor. Use pure vanilla extract for the best taste.
All-Purpose Flour: All-purpose flour is ideal for this recipe. It provides just the right amount of structure without making the cookies too dense. Be sure to measure accurately by spooning the flour into your measuring cup and leveling it off.
Baking Powder and Salt: Baking powder gives these cookies a slight lift, while salt balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.

These simple ingredients come together to make a soft, delicious cookie that’s perfect every time.

How To Make This Easy Sugar Cookie Recipe

Making these Easy Sugar Cookies is a simple and rewarding process. Here’s how to make them from start to finish:

Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat 1 cup of softened butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar together with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This step is key to creating a soft, tender cookie.
Add the Egg and Vanilla: Add 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the bowl. Beat until well combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is mixed evenly.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.
Chill the Dough (Optional): For thicker, better-shaped cookies, chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. Chilling is optional, but it helps prevent spreading during baking.
Roll Out and Cut Shapes: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Roll the dough out to about ¼ inch thickness on a lightly floured surface. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes, then place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about an inch of space between each cookie.
Bake: Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. Be careful not to overbake – you want them to stay soft. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

With a prep time of about 15 minutes and a bake time of 10 minutes, you’ll have these cookies ready in no time!

Storage Options

These Easy Sugar Cookies are great for making ahead or storing for later.

Room Temperature: Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Keep layers of cookies separated by parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Freezer: You can freeze both the dough and the baked cookies. For the dough, shape it into a disc, wrap it in plastic, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before rolling out. For baked cookies, freeze in a single layer, then transfer to an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Variations and Decorating Ideas

These sugar cookies are perfect as they are, but you can easily customize or decorate them to make them extra special. Here are a few ideas:

Glazed Sugar Cookies: Whip up a simple icing by mixing 1 cup of powdered sugar with 1-2 tablespoons of milk and a splash of vanilla. Drizzle or spread over cooled cookies, and add sprinkles before the glaze sets.
Lemon Sugar Cookies: Add the zest of one lemon to the dough along with the sugar and butter for a refreshing citrus flavor.
Almond Sugar Cookies: Substitute almond extract for vanilla extract to give these cookies a delicious, nutty flavor. Almond and sugar make a lovely combination.
Chocolate-Dipped Sugar Cookies: Dip half of each cooled cookie into melted chocolate and let them set on parchment paper. Add chopped nuts, coconut, or sprinkles for extra flair.
Holiday Decorated Sugar Cookies: Use royal icing to create designs for special occasions – try red and green for Christmas, hearts for Valentine’s Day, or pastel colors for Easter.

These cookies are incredibly versatile, so feel free to experiment with flavors and decorations. However you enjoy them, this Easy Sugar Cookie Recipe is sure to bring a bit of sweetness to any occasion!