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Ultimate Easy Sugar Cookies Recipe
These classic sugar cookies are simple, buttery, and wonderfully tender with lightly crisp edges. They come together with everyday ingredients and make a cheerful treat for holidays, parties, cookie exchanges, or an afternoon dessert.
Prep Time: Not provided
Cook Time: 8 to 10 minutes
Total Time: Not provided
Servings: Not provided
Why Make This Recipe
- Simple ingredients: This recipe uses pantry staples and does not require complicated techniques.
- Buttery, rich flavor: Softened butter, vanilla, and almond extract give these cookies a deliciously fragrant taste.
- Easy to customize: Add sprinkles, colored sugar, or a simple icing to match any occasion.
- Crowd-pleasing texture: Flattening the dough before baking helps create cookies with lightly crisp edges and a tender center.
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups white sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
How to Make It
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Allow the oven to fully preheat so the cookies begin baking at the correct temperature.
In a bowl, mix together flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Stir the dry ingredients until they are evenly combined. This helps distribute the leavening ingredients throughout the flour.
In a separate bowl, cream together butter and sugar until smooth. Beat the softened butter and white sugar until the mixture looks creamy and well blended.
Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Add these ingredients to the butter mixture and mix until smooth and evenly incorporated.
Gradually blend the dry ingredients into the creamed mixture. Add the flour mixture in stages, mixing just until a soft cookie dough forms. Avoid overmixing.
Roll rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls, and place onto ungreased pans. Leave space between the dough balls so the cookies have room to spread as they bake.
Flatten each ball with the bottom of a glass, and sprinkle with sugar. Press each dough ball gently and finish with a light sprinkle of sugar.
Bake 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until golden. Watch the cookies closely near the end of baking so they do not become too dark.
Let cool on wire racks. Allow the cookies to cool on wire racks before serving so they can set while remaining tender.
How to Serve It
- Serve the cookies with coffee, tea, hot chocolate, or a glass of cold milk.
- Add colorful sugar or sprinkles before baking for birthdays, holidays, and celebrations.
- Pair them with fresh berries, whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a simple dessert plate.
How to Store It
Store cooled sugar cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. Separate layers with parchment paper if needed to help prevent sticking.
For longer storage, place the cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze them. Let them thaw at room temperature before serving. To refresh their texture, warm them briefly in a low oven, taking care not to overheat or dry them out.
Helpful Tips
- Use softened butter rather than melted butter so the dough creams properly with the sugar.
- Mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture gradually and stop as soon as the dough comes together.
- Bake the cookies until they are just golden. Overbaking can make sugar cookies dry or overly crisp.
- Use the bottom of a flat glass to press the dough evenly so the cookies bake at a similar rate.
- Let the cookies cool on wire racks before storing them to prevent trapped steam from making them soft.
Optional Variations
- Citrus sugar cookies: Add a little finely grated lemon or orange zest for a bright flavor.
- Holiday cookies: Sprinkle the flattened dough with colored sugar or festive sprinkles before baking.
- Vanilla-forward cookies: Omit the almond extract and use additional vanilla extract for a softer, classic vanilla flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare the dough, cover it well, and chill it until you are ready to shape and bake the cookies. Chilled dough may be firmer and easier to handle.
Why are my sugar cookies spreading too much?
The butter may have been too warm, or the dough may have been overmixed. Make sure the butter is softened but not melted, and blend the ingredients only until combined.
Can I use salted butter?
Yes, but the added salt may slightly change the flavor. If using salted butter, consider reducing the 3/4 teaspoon salt.
How do I keep the cookies soft?
Avoid overbaking them and store them in an airtight container once completely cooled.
Can I decorate these cookies?
Yes. You can add sugar or sprinkles before baking, or decorate the cooled cookies with icing.
Classic Sugar Cookies
These classic sugar cookies are simple, buttery, and wonderfully tender with lightly crisp edges, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Use softened butter, not melted.
- 1 1/2 cups white sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix together flour, baking soda, and baking powder until evenly combined.
- In a separate bowl, cream together butter and sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until smooth.
- Gradually blend in the dry ingredients, mixing just until a soft cookie dough forms.
Baking
- Roll rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls and place on ungreased pans.
- Flatten each ball with the bottom of a glass and sprinkle with sugar.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until golden.
- Let cool on wire racks before serving.
Notes
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer storage, freeze them and let them thaw at room temperature before serving.
