Short Description

Experience the timeless delight of sugar cookies—simple to prepare, irresistibly buttery, and perfectly sweet. These delightful treats are ideal for satisfying a craving, decorating for any occasion, or sharing with loved ones.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Every bite of these sugar cookies melts in your mouth with just the right balance of sweetness and gentle crispiness. The texture is tender yet holds shape for creative decorating. Whether you’re baking with kids, preparing for a holiday, or craving something cozy, this recipe brings warmth and nostalgia right to your home.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour
Granulated sugar
Unsalted butter
Eggs
Vanilla extract
Baking powder
Salt

Directions

Prepare Dough: In a large bowl, cream together room-temperature unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until well combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until a soft dough forms.
Chill Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes to make it easier to roll.
Shape Cookies: Preheat your oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the dough to about ¼‑inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to shape the cookies and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Bake: Bake the cookies for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. Rotate the baking sheet halfway through for even baking.
Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and timing

Yield: Approximately 24 medium-sized cookies (depending on cookie cutter size).
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Bake Time: 8–10 minutes
Total Time: Around 55 minutes

Variations

Flavor Twists: Add a pinch of almond extract or a sprinkle of lemon zest for a subtle, bright flavor.
Decorating: Roll the dough in colored sugar before baking or frost with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.
Mix-Ins: Drop mini chocolate chips, sprinkles, or finely chopped nuts onto the dough before baking for extra treat appeal.

storage/reheating

Storage: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Freeze baked cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe container. After they’re frozen, separate with parchment layers and freeze up to 3 months.
Reheating: To refresh, warm cookies in a 300 °F (150 °C) oven for 5–7 minutes or microwave briefly (about 10 seconds) until just warm.

FAQs

1. How do I make sugar cookies soft vs. crispy?

Use a bit more flour and bake slightly longer for crispier texture; reduce baking time and remove while still pale for softer cookies.

2. Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Butter gives the best flavor and texture, but margarine may be used in a pinch—just expect subtle changes in taste and structure.

3. Why chill the dough?

Chilling firms up the butter, preventing excessive spreading and helping cookies maintain their shape during baking.

4. Can I roll the dough thinner or thicker?

Yes! Thinner cookies become crisp, while thicker ones stay more tender and cake-like. Baking time may need adjustment.

5. How do I know when cookies are done?

Look for just barely golden edges and set centers—the cookies will firm up as they cool.

6. Can I roll and bake immediately after chilling?

Yes. If dough is too stiff, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before rolling to avoid cracking.

7. Is confectioners’ sugar a good substitute for granulated sugar?

Granulated sugar gives the ideal crunch; powdered sugar would create a softer, more cake-like result and slightly different texture.

8. Can I freeze the dough instead of baked cookies?

Absolutely! Freeze shaped cookies between layers of parchment, then bake from frozen—add 2–3 minutes to the baking time.

9. What’s the best way to store leftover cookies?

Use an airtight container and separate with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Keep at room temperature.

10. How can I color the dough naturally?

Use natural extracts or zest (like lemon or orange), or a small amount of food-grade beet powder or cocoa powder to add color.

Conclusion

This easy sugar cookie recipe hits all the right notes: tender, flavorful, and totally customizable. Perfect for decorating, sandwiching with jam or icing, or savouring just as they are—these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your baking rotation. Enjoy and happy baking!

Easy Sugar Cookies