Best Easy Sugar Cookies Recipe
Imagine the irresistible aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through your kitchen, promising a treat that’s as comforting as it is nostalgic—these are the Best Easy Sugar Cookies you’ll come back to time and time again. Golden on the edges, soft in the center, and wonderfully simple to make, this classic recipe always delivers melt-in-your-mouth sweetness with the perfect hint of vanilla (and maybe a touch of almond, if you like!). Whether you’re baking for a party, a holiday, or just because you crave a little joy, these cookies never fail to bring smiles and the joy of sharing something homemade.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Best Easy Sugar Cookies is in the simplicity; each ingredient brings its own charm to the final result. Let’s take a quick look at what makes them so delicious, from the richness of butter to the sparkle of a sugar-coated top.
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure for the cookies, making them perfectly tender without crumbling apart.
- Baking soda: Adds just the right lift for a soft, thicker cookie rather than a flat or dense one.
- Baking powder: Works with the baking soda for extra puff and an irresistible texture.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out all the other flavors in the dough.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Gives richness and a creamy foundation, ensuring every bite is melt-in-your-mouth good.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and provides that classic sugary crunch on top when rolled before baking.
- Large egg: Adds moisture and binds the dough together for uniform cookies.
- Vanilla extract: Offers warm, classic flavor—don’t skip it for that authentic sugar cookie taste.
- Almond extract (optional): Just a touch elevates the flavor profile and adds a subtle, bakery-style twist.
- Milk (as needed): A splash or two makes the dough come together just right—soft but never sticky.
- Extra granulated sugar for rolling: Coating the dough balls ensures that signature glimmer and a bit of sparkle in every bite.
How to Make Best Easy Sugar Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), then line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This not only prevents sticking but also ensures even baking and easy clean-up. Lining the sheets is a tiny effort that makes a big difference!
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until everything is evenly combined. This quick step ensures the leaveners are spread throughout, so your Best Easy Sugar Cookies bake up fluffy and consistent every time.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
Now, in a large bowl, beat your softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and airy—this usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes. This creaming process is essential for that ultra-soft cookie texture and creates tiny air pockets for the perfect bite.
Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients
Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if you want a little extra depth). Make sure everything is fully combined—these ingredients help to bind and flavor your dough beautifully, bringing those cozy, home-baked aromas to life.
Step 5: Combine and Adjust the Dough
Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. If your dough is looking a bit dry or crumbly, drizzle in milk one tablespoon at a time until it’s smooth, soft, and easy to handle—but don’t let it get too sticky!
Step 6: Shape and Coat the Dough
Scoop out dough by the tablespoon, roll each into a ball, then give them a gentle toss in extra granulated sugar. This simple step adds a joyful sparkle and sets up those classic Best Easy Sugar Cookies’ crackly tops we all love.
Step 7: Flatten and Bake
Arrange your dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Use the bottom of a glass to flatten them slightly for even baking. Slide them into the oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes—edges should look just set, while the centers stay soft (resist that overbake temptation!).
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack to finish cooling completely. This resting time helps them set up perfectly, holding their soft, pillowy centers with those perfectly crisp edges. Then—dig in!
How to Serve Best Easy Sugar Cookies
Garnishes
The finishing touch for Best Easy Sugar Cookies could be as simple as a snow-like dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of icing, or a generous scatter of festive sprinkles, especially for holidays. Each topping adds extra sweetness and color, making your cookies as pretty as they are delicious.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk, a steamy mug of hot chocolate, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cookies’ buttery flavor is the perfect match for creamy beverages or frozen treats, making them the star of any dessert tray.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack them high in a glass jar for a rustic gift, arrange on a platter with fresh berries, or tie bundles with ribbon for party favors. You can even sandwich ice cream between two Best Easy Sugar Cookies for a fun, delicious twist everyone will adore!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Keep them shielded from moisture and air to preserve that soft, bakery-fresh texture. Pro tip: add a slice of bread to the container to help keep them extra tender!
Freezing
If you want to get ahead (or make a double batch!), these cookies freeze beautifully. Place cooled Best Easy Sugar Cookies in a single layer in freezer bags or airtight containers. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months, and you can even freeze the dough balls before baking—just add an extra minute to the bake time.
Reheating
To bring that “just-baked” warmth back, pop cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or refresh them in a 300°F oven for a couple of minutes. They’ll come out soft, fragrant, and just as delightful as day one.
FAQs
Can I make Best Easy Sugar Cookies without almond extract?
Absolutely! The almond extract is optional and just adds a hint of extra flavor. If you’re not a fan or don’t have it on hand, simply increase the vanilla extract a bit or leave it out altogether—your cookies will still be delicious.
Why do my cookies come out dry or crumbly?
If your dough is too dry, try adding milk a little at a time until it comes together smoothly. Over-measuring flour or overbaking can also cause dryness, so be sure to measure carefully and watch your bake time closely!
How do I make the cookies softer or chewier?
The secret to softer Best Easy Sugar Cookies is two-fold: avoid overbaking and don’t skimp on creaming the butter and sugar. Baking for just the minimum time keeps the centers tender, while thorough creaming adds fluffiness.
Can I decorate these cookies with royal icing?
Yes, these cookies make an excellent canvas for all your creative decorating ideas! Once fully cooled, drizzle or pipe with royal icing, then let them set—great for holidays, birthdays, or whenever you want to impress.
What if I don’t have parchment paper?
No worries! You can bake directly on a lightly greased baking sheet, though parchment paper does help prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier. Just be gentle when removing the cookies so they keep their shape.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about baking up a batch of Best Easy Sugar Cookies and sharing them with loved ones—or just savoring them while curled up with your favorite book. Give this simple, fail-proof recipe a try and discover how a handful of pantry staples can create pure cookie perfection. Happy baking!
Print
Best Easy Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Best Easy Sugar Cookies are a classic favorite that are soft, buttery, and perfect for any occasion. With a hint of vanilla and optional almond extract, these cookies are simple to make and delightful to enjoy. Roll them in sugar for a sweet finish!
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 3–4 tablespoons milk, as needed
- Extra granulated sugar for rolling
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Prepare dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract; mix well.
- Mix the dough: Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients until just combined. Add milk if needed for soft dough.
- Shape and bake: Scoop dough into balls, roll in sugar, place on baking sheets, flatten slightly, and bake for 8–10 minutes.
- Cool and enjoy: Cool on baking sheet, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Do not overbake—cookies will continue to firm up as they cool.
- You can add sprinkles to the dough or decorate with icing once cooled.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
