If you’ve been on the hunt for a no-fuss dessert recipe that delivers big on flavor, these Easy Sugar Cookies are exactly what you need. They’re golden, soft, and melt-in-your-mouth good. The recipe’s simple ingredients and straightforward steps make it perfect for kids and adults who want to get creative in the kitchen. Whether you’re whipping up a sweet treat for a school event, a midnight snack, or the holidays, these sugar cookies are your go-to. Let BellRecipes guide you through making a batch that’s equal parts delicious and versatile!
Table of content
- About The Recipe
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Key Ingredients and Substitutions
- How to Make the Recipe(Step-by-Step)
- Expert Tips for Success
- Variations and Customizations
- Nutritional Information
- Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Recipe Card
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Comments & Reviews
- Social Sharing Options
About The Easy Sugar Cookies Recipe
Sugar cookies have been a timeless favorite for generations, and there’s a good reason for that. They’re basic enough to make with items you likely already have on hand but special enough to bring smiles to anyone who tries them. What makes this Easy Sugar Cookies recipe stand out? It’s the perfect balance of sweetness and a soft-but-not-too-soft texture. Plus, they’re an excellent blank canvas for decorations! I personally remember trying out sugar cookies with my grandmother, who let me add sprinkles (a little too liberally at the time!). Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, this recipe is beginner-friendly. And, trust me, your house will smell like absolute heaven while these bake. Warm cookies fresh out of the oven? No one says no to that. Let’s dive in!Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Beginner-friendly recipe with simple instructions.
- Made with basic pantry staples you likely already have.
- Perfect blend of soft and chewy texture.
- Ready in just 30 minutes, start to finish.
- A wonderful canvas for decorating creativity—think sprinkles, frosting, and more!
- Kid-approved for family baking fun.
- Great for every occasion, from holidays to quick sweet cravings.
Key Ingredients and Substitutions
- Flour: All-purpose flour works best, but you can opt for gluten-free flour as a substitution if needed.
- Sugar: Regular granulated sugar brings the sweetness, though raw cane sugar is a backup option.
- Butter: Unsalted, softened butter is ideal. You can try plant-based butter for a dairy-free version.
- Egg: This helps bind everything together. Use a flaxseed egg replacement for a vegan option.
- Vanilla Extract: For that signature homemade flavor. Almond extract can also boost the taste profile!
- Baking Powder: Ensures that fluffy, airy texture in each bite.
How to Make the Recipe (Step-by-Step)
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy—about 2-3 minutes.
- Step 3: Crack in the eggs and pour in the vanilla extract. Mix until everything is smoothly combined.
- Step 4: Separately, whisk together flour and baking powder. Slowly add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture, stirring until you have dough.
- Step 5: Scoop out spoonfuls of dough and roll them into small balls. Place them on the parchment-lined baking sheets about 2 inches apart.
- Step 6: Flatten each ball slightly with the back of a spoon or your palm for consistent shape.
- Step 7: Pop the tray into the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges look set and slightly golden.
- Step 8: Allow cookies to cool on the pan for about 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Expert Tips for Success
Use softened butter for easier creaming and better texture.
Chill the dough for 15 minutes if it’s too sticky to handle.
Underbake the cookies slightly; they’ll firm up as they cool down.
Don’t skip the parchment paper; it ensures easy removal.
For an extra flavor kick, sprinkle the dough balls with a pinch of sea salt before baking.
Variations and Customizations
Looking to add a personal twist? Try shaping these cookies into fun designs with cookie cutters. Love chocolate? Add mini chocolate chips to the dough. For a festive flair, top with colored sugar or drizzle melted white chocolate after baking. If you’re into zesty flavors, add some lemon or orange zest to the batter for a citrusy kick. If you’re baking with kids, let them decorate the cookies with sprinkles or edible glitter before popping them into the oven. Have fun with it—the possibilities are endless!
Nutritional Information
Each sugar cookie is estimated to have around 110 calories, made up of mostly carbohydrates from the sugar and flour. There’s about 2g of protein per cookie and 5g of fat owing to the butter. While these aren’t exactly low-sugar, they can be portioned to suit your dietary preferences. Stick to enjoying a couple, and remember to share the batch to spread the joy. Perfect when paired with a glass of milk!
Storage and Reheating Instructions
To store, keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll last for up to 3 months in the freezer. To reheat, pop a cookie in the microwave for 8-10 seconds—just enough to make them warm and soft again!
Recipe Card of Easy Sugar Cookies
Ingredients list
- 2.75 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 0.5 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1.5 cups white sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Gather all the ingredients and preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
- In a small bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and baking powder by stirring them together.
- Using an electric mixer, beat sugar and softened butter in a large bowl until you achieve a smooth mixture.
- Mix in the egg and vanilla extract into the butter mixture.
- Gradually incorporate the flour mixture into the wet ingredients, blending until well combined.
- Shape the dough into walnut-sized balls and arrange them 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes until the edges are golden. Allow them to cool briefly on the baking sheets before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Nutrition
All Your Questions About This Recipe
Can I freeze the dough instead of the baked cookies?
Absolutely! Scoop the dough into balls, freeze them on a tray, and then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes.
Do I have to use parchment paper?
While it’s not a must, parchment paper makes cleanup easier and prevents the cookies from sticking to the baking sheet.
What can I use if I don’t have vanilla extract?
Almond extract or even a hint of maple syrup can be great substitutes for vanilla flavoring.
Why are my cookies so flat?
Flat cookies could happen if the butter was too warm. Make sure the butter is just softened, not melted!
Are these cookies gluten-free?
Not by default, but you can make them gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.
These Easy Sugar Cookies were an absolute hit! I loved how quick and simple they were to make, and the buttery flavor with just a hint of vanilla was perfect. I might try adding a touch of lemon zest next time for a little zing! Thanks for sharing! 🍪😊