The Easiest Sugar Cookie Recipe for Irresistible Sweet Treats

Sugar cookies spark joy in every kitchen, and this easy sugar cookie recipe promises pure delight with minimal effort.

Bakers of all skill levels can master these delectable treats in no time.

Crisp edges and soft centers characterize these classic cookies that melt in your mouth.

The simple ingredients come together quickly, creating a sweet canvas for creativity.

Sprinkles, frosting, or a dusting of powdered sugar can elevate these cookies from basic to beautiful.

Each bite delivers a nostalgic comfort that connects you to cherished baking memories.

Whip up a batch and watch smiles spread across faces as these irresistible cookies disappear.

What Makes Sugar Cookies Special

• Quick Kitchen Magic: Whip up these sugar cookies with minimal ingredients and basic baking skills, perfect for novice bakers wanting to create delicious treats.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Adaptable recipe that works for family gatherings, holiday parties, or casual weekend baking, appealing to all ages with its simple, sweet charm.
• Stress-Free Preparation: Minimal steps and straightforward technique make this recipe accessible, allowing even busy home cooks to enjoy homemade cookies without complicated processes.
• Customizable Delight: Easily modify the recipe by adding sprinkles, changing extract flavors, or decorating with frosting to match any celebration or personal taste preference.

Sugar Cookie Ingredients at a Glance

• All-Purpose Flour: A key ingredient that provides structure and texture to the sugar cookies.
• Baking Soda, Baking Powder: Leavening agents that help the cookies rise and become light and fluffy.

• Butter: Adds rich flavor and helps create a tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookie texture.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with the cookies' golden brown color.
• Egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture to the dough.

• Vanilla Extract, Almond Extract: Adds depth and complexity to the cookie's flavor profile.
• Milk: Helps adjust the dough's consistency for easy rolling and shaping.

Steps for Perfect Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to 350°F and grab a baking sheet.

Lay down a sheet of parchment paper to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Grab a medium bowl and whisk together flour, baking soda, and baking powder until they’re perfectly blended.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar until they transform into a light, fluffy cloud-like mixture.

Crack in the egg and pour in vanilla and almond extracts.

Mix until everything is smooth and dreamy.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.

Stir gently until just combined.

If the dough seems too stiff, splash in a bit of milk to create the perfect texture.

Step 5: Shape the Cookies

Roll the dough into adorable little balls, each about the size of a walnut.

Place them on the prepared baking sheet, giving each cookie some breathing room – about 2 inches apart.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes.

Look for those beautiful golden edges that signal your cookies are ready.

Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few moments before transferring to a wire rack to finish cooling.

Sugar Cookie Tips for Success

• Let butter sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before creaming to ensure smooth, even mixing without overmixing.
• Mix dry ingredients gently and stop stirring as soon as flour is incorporated to maintain a tender, delicate texture.
• Refrigerate dough for 30 minutes before rolling to prevent spreading and help cookies maintain clean, crisp edges.
• Use a small cookie scoop or tablespoon to create consistent, evenly-sized cookies that bake at the same rate.
• Reduce sugar by 2-3 tablespoons for a less sweet version or use half brown sugar for deeper, caramel-like flavor notes.

Ways to Customize Sugar Cookies

• Gluten-Free Cookies: Swap all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free blend for celiac or wheat-sensitive individuals. Maintain same measurements and baking process.
• Vegan Sugar Cookies: Replace butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine. Use flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) instead of regular egg. Ensure vanilla extract is alcohol-free.
• Low-Sugar Option: Substitute white sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia blend. Reduce total sugar quantity by half to create a less sweet, more health-conscious cookie. Add extra vanilla for enhanced flavor depth.

Presenting Sugar Cookies to Guests

• Sweet Holiday Platter: Arrange cookies on a festive ceramic plate with sprinkled powdered sugar and small candy canes for a Christmas-themed display.
• Dessert Pairing Perfection: Serve alongside hot cocoa, vanilla latte, or creamy chai tea to complement the sugar cookie's delicate sweetness.
• Decorative Delight: Use royal icing, colorful sprinkles, or edible glitter to transform plain cookies into personalized treats for birthdays, weddings, or seasonal celebrations.
• Gift Packaging Charm: Stack cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with ribbon, creating adorable homemade gifts for neighbors, teachers, or party favors.

Store Sugar Cookies with Ease

• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container lined with parchment paper. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, separating layers with wax paper to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual cookies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
• Warm cookies on a microwave-safe plate for 10-15 seconds. Check frequently to avoid overheating and maintain softness.
• Preheat oven to 300°F. Place cookies on a baking sheet and warm for 3-5 minutes to restore original texture and warmth.

FAQs

• Why use both baking soda and baking powder in this recipe?

Both ingredients help the cookies rise and create a softer, more tender texture. Baking soda neutralizes acid and helps spread the cookies, while baking powder provides additional lift.

• Can I substitute almond extract with another flavoring?

Yes, you can use vanilla extract exclusively or try other extracts like lemon or rum extract. Each will give a unique flavor to your sugar cookies.

• How do I know when the cookies are perfectly baked?

Look for lightly golden edges and a slightly set center. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet, so avoid overbaking.

• What's the purpose of adding milk to the dough?

Milk helps adjust the cookie dough consistency, making it easier to roll and preventing the cookies from becoming too dry or crumbly.

Easy Sugar Cookie Recipe

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4.6 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Delightful Sugar Cookie magic brings sweet memories of grandma’s kitchen to life. Crisp edges, buttery centers, and a sprinkle of joy make this classic treat irresistible for you to savor and share.

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Ingredients

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Main Dry Ingredients:

• 2 3/4 cups (344 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

Wet Ingredients:

• 1 cup (227 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups (300 grams) sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon milk

Flavor Enhancers:

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

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking station by heating the oven to 350°F and lining sheet pans with parchment paper for optimal cookie release.
2. Combine flour, baking soda, and baking powder in a mixing bowl, whisking thoroughly to ensure even distribution of leavening agents.
3. Using an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar until the mixture becomes pale and airy, creating a smooth base for the cookies.
4. Incorporate egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract into the butter mixture, blending until the ingredients are fully integrated and fragrant.
5. Slowly fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently to prevent overmixing and maintain a tender cookie texture.
6. Adjust dough consistency by adding milk, creating a smooth and pliable mixture that can be easily shaped.
7. Form uniform dough balls approximately 1-inch in diameter, carefully placing them on prepared baking sheets with adequate spacing.
8. Bake cookies for 8-10 minutes, watching for subtle golden edges that indicate perfect doneness and delicate crispness.
9. Allow cookies to rest on baking sheets for initial cooling, then transfer to wire racks to complete cooling and maintain their delicate structure.

Notes

• Adjust milk carefully to prevent overly sticky or dry dough, adding just enough for smooth consistency.
• Chill dough for 30 minutes before rolling to prevent spreading and maintain cookie shape during baking.
• Try different extracts like orange or lemon for unique flavor variations and personalized touch.
• Use gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version without compromising soft, tender cookie texture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 130 kcal
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 70 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 1.5 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg