Sugar Cookies Recipe
Today, I’m excited to share my favorite sugar cookies recipe with you! These cookies are soft, chewy, and perfectly sweet, making them a treat everyone will love.
Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a special occasion, or just a cozy afternoon snack, this easy to follow recipe will guide you to perfectly shaped cookies that are ready to enjoy or decorate.
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Why You’ll Love These Sugar Cookies
These soft and chewy sugar cookies are a timeless classic that everyone will enjoy! Tender in the center, lightly crisp on the edges, and perfectly sweet, they’re ideal for holidays, parties, or a cozy afternoon treat. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, even beginner bakers can create beautifully shaped cookies that are ready to decorate or enjoy plain.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 cup 225g unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup 220g granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 3 ½ cups 420g all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- Extra granulated sugar for rolling
Make Sugar Cookies From Scratch
Start by creaming together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a soft, pliable dough forms. For firmer dough, refrigerate for 1 hour.
Roll and Cut Sugar Cookie Dough
Lightly flour your work surface and rolling pin. Roll the dough to ¼–½ inch thickness, depending on your preference. Use cookie cutters to create fun shapes and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet 2 inches apart.
How Thick Do I Roll Sugar Cookies?
For soft and chewy cookies, roll dough ¼ to ½ inch thick. Thinner cookies will be crispier, while thicker cookies remain soft in the center. Always aim for uniform thickness to ensure even baking.
Bake a Soft Sugar Cookie
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake cookies for 9-11 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden. Avoid overbaking to keep the centers soft and chewy. Let cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet, then transfer to a wire rack.
Decorate Sugar Cookies
Once cooled, cookies can be decorated with royal icing, buttercream, chocolate drizzle, or sprinkles. For intricate designs, allow cookies to cool completely before adding frosting to prevent melting.
Storage
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 5-7 days. If you want to extend freshness, refrigerate for up to 2 weeks or freeze as mentioned above.
Sugar Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup 225g unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup 220g granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 3 ½ cups 420g all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- Extra granulated sugar for rolling
Instructions
- Prep the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until a soft, pliable dough forms.
- Chill (Optional): Cover the dough and refrigerate for 1 hour if you prefer a firmer dough that’s easier to shape.
- Shape the Cookies: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly flour your work surface. Scoop dough into 1 ½-inch balls, then roll in granulated sugar. Place on ungreased or parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing cookies about 2 inches apart.
- Bake: Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain soft. Avoid overbaking to keep the cookies chewy.
- Cool & Serve: Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve plain or decorate with icing as desired.
Notes
- For festive occasions, add colored sugar or sprinkles before baking.
- Lemon or almond extract can be used instead of vanilla for a unique twist.
- For extra soft cookies, slightly under bake by 1 minute.
