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Easy Sugar Cookies Recipe

4.8 from 137 reviews

These easy sugar cookies are classic, soft, and buttery treats perfect for any occasion. Lightly crisp on the edges and tender inside, they’re simple to make with basic pantry ingredients. Rolled in sugar for a delightful crunch and subtle sweetness, these cookies bake quickly in just 7-8 minutes and are perfect for sharing or enjoying with a cup of tea.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 3/4 cups (358g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 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

For Rolling

  • 1/4 cup sugar (additional for rolling)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and set aside.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, use a mixer to cream the unsalted butter with granulated sugar and light brown sugar on medium speed for 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture is light in color and fluffy.
  4. Add Egg: Beat in the large egg until fully incorporated to add moisture and richness to the dough.
  5. Add Vanilla Extract: Mix in the vanilla extract to enhance the flavor of the cookies.
  6. Combine with Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined to form a thick dough that is non-sticky but cohesive. Avoid over mixing to keep cookies tender. Use a rubber spatula to bring the dough together into a ball.
  7. Form Dough Balls: Scoop approximately 1 1/2 tablespoons of dough per cookie. Roll each portion gently into a smooth ball, then coat each ball in the additional 1/4 cup sugar to give a sweet, crunchy exterior.
  8. Bake: Place the sugar-coated dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets spaced apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 7 to 8 minutes. The cookies will spread and look soft in the center but should appear set. Remove immediately before the edges start to turn golden brown.
  9. Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 4 to 5 minutes to firm up. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely to avoid sogginess on the bottom.

Notes

  • Do not over bake to maintain a soft center; edges should just begin to turn golden.
  • Using room temperature butter is essential for proper creaming and texture.
  • Rolling dough balls in sugar adds a pleasant crunch and extra sweetness.
  • Cookies will be soft when removed from oven but will firm up as they cool.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.

Keywords: easy sugar cookies, classic sugar cookies, soft sugar cookies, homemade cookies, simple cookie recipe