Introduction

These easy sugar cookies are soft, buttery, and perfectly sweet, making them a timeless treat for any occasion. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, they are perfect for home bakers looking for a quick and delicious cookie recipe.

The image shows several round sugar cookies placed on a cooling rack. Each cookie is light golden-yellow in color with a soft and slightly cracked texture. The cookies have a slightly raised center and a smooth outer ring, giving them a layered look with one main layer of cookie dough. The surface of the cookies is sprinkled with fine granulated sugar that adds a subtle sparkle. The cooling rack is positioned over a white marbled surface, with some sugar granules scattered around the edges. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 3/4 cups (358g) all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup (224g) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 cup + 2 tbsp (233g) granulated sugar
2 tbsp (28g) light brown sugar
1 large egg
2 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup sugar (additional for rolling)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Set aside.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the room temperature butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar on medium speed until the mixture is light in color and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
Step 4: Add the egg to the butter and sugar mixture and mix until fully incorporated.
Step 5: Stir in the vanilla extract until well combined.
Step 6: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix just until the dough comes together into a thick, non-sticky ball. Avoid overmixing. Use a rubber spatula if needed to help form a cohesive dough ball.
Step 7: Scoop about 1 1/2 tablespoons of dough per cookie. Roll each portion gently into a ball, then roll it in the additional 1/4 cup sugar until coated. Place the sugar-coated dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets.
Step 8: Bake for 7 to 8 minutes. The cookies will spread and the centers will appear soft but set. Remove the cookies from the oven just before the edges start turning golden to avoid overbaking. They will look slightly puffed and will settle as they cool.
Step 9: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 4 to 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips & Variations

For a festive touch, try rolling the dough balls in colored sugar before baking.
Make sure the butter is fully softened at room temperature for easier creaming and a better texture.
Add finely chopped nuts or white chocolate chips to the dough for extra flavor and texture.
If you prefer crispier cookies, bake for an additional 1–2 minutes but watch closely to prevent burning.

Storage

Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To keep them fresh longer, you can freeze the baked cookies in a sealed container for up to three months. Reheat briefly in a warm oven or let thaw at room temperature before serving for the best texture.

How to Serve

A close-up image shows a row of soft, light yellow cookies with a sugar-coated texture, arranged neatly in a lined white cloth inside a black wire basket. The cookies have a slightly cracked surface and a round shape, with some cookies visible in the blurred background on the right side. The whole scene is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I substitute the butter with margarine or oil?

Butter is preferred for its flavor and texture in sugar cookies, but you can substitute margarine in equal amounts. Using oil, however, will change the texture and may make the cookies less firm and spread more.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Chilling the dough can help prevent excessive spreading and develop deeper flavor.