A perfect sugar cookie is a masterpiece of simplicity—a soft, buttery treat with a delicate vanilla flavor and just the right amount of sweetness. This recipe focuses on achieving a texture that is tender in the center with a slight crispness at the edges. Whether you are making them for a holiday cookie swap or a simple afternoon treat, these easy and best sugar cookies are the ultimate base for any decoration or simply delicious on their own.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Perfect for Holiday Baking
Sugar cookies are the quintessential holiday activity. They are easy for kids to help with and provide endless opportunities for creative decoration with icing and sprinkles. This dough is stable and easy to work with, making it perfect for using cookie cutters.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla.
- Whisk dry ingredients and gradually add to the butter mixture.
- Roll into balls or cut into shapes. Place on parchment-lined sheets.
- Bake at 350°F for 8-10 minutes until edges are just golden.
- Cool on the sheet for 5 mins, then transfer to a wire rack.
Buttery & Vanilla Highlights
The use of high-quality butter and a generous amount of pure vanilla extract ensures these cookies have a rich, nostalgic flavor. The balance of sugar and flour creates a melt-in-your-mouth texture that is hard to beat.
Ingredient Highlights & Substitutions
Essential Ingredients
Unsalted butter at room temperature is the most important ingredient for the correct texture. All-purpose flour provides the structure, and a combination of baking powder and a pinch of salt ensures a light rise and balanced flavor.
Smart Substitutions
For a different flavor profile, you can swap the vanilla for almond extract. For a gluten-free version, use a high-quality 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. If you want a more festive look, you can add citrus zest (like lemon or orange) to the dough.
| Ingredient | Role | Pro Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Butter | Flavor/Fat | Use European-style for more richness |
| Sugar | Sweetness/Texture | Cream well with butter for light cookies |
| Vanilla | Aroma | Use real extract, not imitation |
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prep Phase
Preheat your oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes. Add the egg and vanilla extract, beating until well combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Cooking Phase
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets, or roll out the dough and use cookie cutters for shapes. Bake for 8-10 minutes until the edges are just barely golden. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Pro Tips for Perfect Results
Technique Secrets
The “Room Temperature” secret: Ensuring your butter and eggs are at room temperature is essential for creating a smooth, emulsified dough that won’t separate. Another secret is to not overbake; these cookies should look slightly underdone when you take them out of the oven to ensure they stay soft and tender.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t skip the creaming step. Properly beating the butter and sugar incorporates air, which is what makes the cookies light. Also, avoid over-mixing the dough once the flour is added, as this will result in tough, dry cookies.
Serving Ideas & Pairings
Presentation & Plating
Serve these cookies on a beautiful platter, either plain or decorated with a simple royal icing or a dusting of colored sugar.
Pairing Suggestions
These cookies are the perfect accompaniment to a cold glass of milk or a hot cup of tea. For a complete dessert spread, pair them with The Best Ever Chocolate Chip Cookies for a variety of classic treats.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I freeze the dough?
Yes! Wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before rolling and baking.
Q2: How do I get my cookies to stay soft?
Store them in an airtight container with a slice of white bread; the cookies will absorb the moisture from the bread.
Q3: Can I use this for cut-out cookies?
Yes, but chill the dough for at least 1 hour before rolling it out to make it easier to handle.
Conclusion
This easy and best sugar cookie recipe is a celebration of classic, simple flavors. By focusing on quality ingredients and proper creaming, you create a cookie that is both nostalgic and perfect. It is a reliable recipe that will bring joy to your kitchen and anyone lucky enough to taste them.
