Sugar Cookies

Highlighted under: Sweet Baking Recipes

Delightful and soft, these sugar cookies are perfect for any occasion.

Emily Carter

Created by

Emily Carter

Last updated on 2025-12-01T20:30:44.299Z

These sugar cookies are a classic treat that everyone loves. Soft, sweet, and easy to make, they're perfect for decorating or enjoying plain.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Buttery sweetness that melts in your mouth
  • Simple ingredients for a quick bake
  • Perfect for decorating with icing or sprinkles

Perfect for Every Occasion

Sugar cookies are a classic treat that never goes out of style. Whether you're planning a birthday party, holiday celebration, or just a casual get-together, these delightful cookies are sure to please everyone. Their simple flavor and soft texture make them versatile enough to be enjoyed on their own or dressed up with colorful icing and festive sprinkles.

What makes these sugar cookies even more appealing is their adaptability. You can easily customize them to fit any theme or occasion. From Halloween shapes to Christmas stars, the possibilities are endless. This recipe serves as a great base for your creativity, allowing you to create cookies that not only taste amazing but also look stunning on any dessert table.

Baking Tips for Success

To achieve the best results with your sugar cookies, ensure that your butter is softened to room temperature. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect creamy consistency when creaming the butter and sugar together. If your butter is too hard, it won’t mix well, resulting in a denser cookie.

When measuring your flour, be sure to spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife. Avoid scooping directly from the bag, as this can lead to compacted flour and overly dry cookies. For best results, consider using a kitchen scale for precision, as baking is often a science that requires exact measurements.

Storing and Freezing

Once your sugar cookies are baked and cooled, you may want to store them for later enjoyment. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them fresh for a longer period, consider freezing them. Simply layer the cookies between sheets of parchment paper in an airtight container and store them in the freezer for up to three months.

If you decide to freeze your cookies, it’s best to underbake them slightly. This way, when you reheat them, they will come out perfect and soft. Just pop them in the oven for a few minutes at 350°F (175°C) to warm them up. Your freshly baked cookies will taste just as good as the day they were made!

Ingredients

For the Sugar Cookies

  • 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
  • 3/4 cup white sugar for decoration

Make sure to gather all ingredients before starting.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, stir together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder.

Cream Butter and Sugar

In a separate bowl, cream together the butter and 1 1/2 cups of sugar until smooth.

Add Egg and Vanilla

Beat in the egg and vanilla until well combined.

Combine Mixtures

Gradually blend the dry ingredients into the creamed mixture.

Shape the Cookies

Roll rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls, and place them onto ungreased cookie sheets.

Flatten and Decorate

Flatten each ball with the bottom of a glass, and sprinkle with the remaining sugar.

Bake

Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until golden.

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Decorating Ideas

One of the best aspects of sugar cookies is their ability to be beautifully decorated. Use royal icing for a smooth finish that hardens, allowing you to create intricate designs. You can also opt for buttercream frosting for a softer, creamier texture. Get creative with food coloring to match any theme or occasion.

For an extra touch of fun, consider adding sprinkles, edible glitter, or even chocolate chips to your icing. Not only do these additions enhance the visual appeal, but they also add delightful texture and flavor. Let your imagination run wild and create cookies that are as unique as your celebrations!

Serving Suggestions

These sugar cookies are perfect on their own, but they can also be paired with various beverages for a delightful treat. Serve them alongside a glass of cold milk, a warm cup of coffee, or even a sweet tea. The buttery sweetness of the cookies complements these drinks beautifully, making for a comforting snack any time of day.

Consider serving your sugar cookies at events with a variety of toppings and dips. Create a cookie bar with different icing, sprinkles, and toppings where guests can decorate their cookies. This interactive experience adds an element of fun to your gatherings, making your sugar cookies not just a treat, but a memorable activity!

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I freeze sugar cookie dough?

Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the refrigerator before use.

→ How do I store sugar cookies?

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.

→ Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Yes, margarine can be used, but it may change the texture slightly.

→ What can I use to decorate sugar cookies?

You can use icing, sprinkles, or colored sugar to decorate your cookies.

Sugar Cookies

Delightful and soft, these sugar cookies are perfect for any occasion.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration10 minutes
Overall Time25 minutes

Created by: Emily Carter

Recipe Type: Sweet Baking Recipes

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 24 cookies

What You'll Need

For the Sugar Cookies

  1. 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  2. 1 teaspoon baking soda
  3. 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  4. 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  5. 1 1/2 cups white sugar
  6. 1 egg
  7. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  8. 3/4 teaspoon salt
  9. 3/4 cup white sugar for decoration

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 02

In a bowl, stir together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder.

Step 03

In a separate bowl, cream together the butter and 1 1/2 cups of sugar until smooth.

Step 04

Beat in the egg and vanilla until well combined.

Step 05

Gradually blend the dry ingredients into the creamed mixture.

Step 06

Roll rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls, and place them onto ungreased cookie sheets.

Step 07

Flatten each ball with the bottom of a glass, and sprinkle with the remaining sugar.

Step 08

Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until golden.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 120 kcal
  • Total Fat: 6g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 20mg
  • Sodium: 50mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 16g
  • Dietary Fiber: 0g
  • Sugars: 8g
  • Protein: 1g