There’s nothing quite as timeless and comforting as a sugar cookie recipe. These classic cookies are soft in the center, lightly crisp at the edges, and perfect for decorating with icing or sprinkles. Whether you’re baking them for holidays, birthdays, or just a sweet afternoon treat, sugar cookies never go out of style. Loved for their buttery flavor and beautiful versatility, this recipe is one you’ll come back to again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Sugar Cookie Recipe
- Beginner-friendly: Simple steps and basic ingredients make this recipe foolproof, even if you’re new to baking.
- Customizable: Cut into any shape and decorate with icing, sprinkles, or colored sugar.
- Perfect texture: Soft, tender centers with slightly crisp edges.
- Great for any occasion: Ideal for Christmas, Valentine’s Day, birthdays, or a cozy weekend bake.
Ingredients Needed for Perfect Sugar Cookie Recipe
- Butter – Adds rich flavor and creates a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Sugar – Sweetens the dough and helps with light caramelization on the edges.
- Eggs – Bind the dough and provide structure while keeping the cookies soft.
- Flour – The base that forms the perfect, sturdy cookie dough for rolling and cutting.
- Vanilla extract – Adds warmth and enhances the sweet, buttery flavor.
- Baking powder – Gives the cookies just the right lift without making them cakey.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Sugar Cookie Recipe
- Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This creates the perfect base for soft cookies.
- Add eggs and vanilla to enrich the flavor and bind the dough.
- Mix in dry ingredients (flour and baking powder) until just combined—avoid overmixing.
- Chill the dough for at least 1 hour to prevent spreading and make rolling easier.
- Roll out dough on a floured surface and cut into your favorite shapes.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) until the edges are lightly golden, about 8–10 minutes.
- Cool completely before decorating with royal icing, glaze, or sprinkles.
Expert Tip: For uniform cookies, roll the dough to the same thickness (about ¼ inch). This ensures even baking.
Recipe Tips & Variations
- Flavor twist: Add almond extract or lemon zest for a unique flavor.
- Festive touch: Use colored sugars or themed cookie cutters for holidays.
- Gluten-free option: Swap all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
- Extra soft cookies: Remove them from the oven just as the edges set for a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
How to Store & Reheat
- Store: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- Freeze: Freeze baked cookies or unbaked dough for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Warm cookies in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to bring back that fresh-from-the-oven softness.
Similar Recipes You Will Love
If you enjoyed this sugar cookie recipe, you’ll definitely want to try some other classic cookies that are just as delicious. For a chewy, comforting treat packed with flavor, don’t miss this Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Recipe. If you’re craving a timeless favorite, the Toll House Cookie Recipe is a must-bake for perfect chocolate chip cookies. And for a warm, spiced option that’s perfect around the holidays, try the Gingerbread Cookie Recipe
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can refrigerate the dough for up to 3 days before rolling and baking.
How do I keep sugar cookies from spreading?
Chill the dough well before baking, and avoid over-creaming the butter and sugar.
What icing works best for decorating sugar cookies?
Royal icing gives a smooth, professional finish, while simple powdered sugar glaze is quick and beginner-friendly.
Do I need parchment paper when baking?
Yes, parchment helps prevent sticking and ensures evenly baked bottoms.
This sugar cookie recipe is the perfect balance of buttery, soft, and sweet. Whether you enjoy them plain or decorated with colorful icing, they’ll quickly become a family favorite. Give this recipe a try, share your creations, and don’t forget to save it for your next celebration. Happy baking!
Sugar Cookie Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup 226g unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup 200g granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups 310g all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a dough forms.
- Divide dough in half, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll dough on a floured surface to ¼-inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes.
- Place on prepared baking sheets and bake 8–10 minutes, until edges are just golden.
- Cool completely before decorating with icing or sprinkles.