If you have been on the lookout for a timeless classic that brings joy with every bite, you have to try this Best Sugar Cookies Recipe. These cookies deliver the perfect balance of tender crumb and buttery flavor, with just the right amount of sweetness to satisfy your cravings. Whether you’re rolling them into festive shapes or keeping them simple, these cookies always turn out soft, chewy, and utterly irresistible. They are truly a staple everyone will love and remember for years to come.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Best Sugar Cookies Recipe lies in its straightforward list of ingredients that really lets each element shine. Every ingredient plays a special role in crafting those soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookies that you won’t be able to get enough of.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled): Gives structure and the perfect texture to your cookies without weighing them down.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Just enough leavening to lift the cookies and keep them light and tender.
- 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature): Adds rich flavor and contributes to that delicate crumb you’re craving.
- 1 cup sugar: Sweetens the cookies beautifully, creating that classic sugar cookie taste.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
- 1 large egg: Provides moisture and helps bind all the ingredients together for a smooth dough.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Elevates the entire flavor profile and adds a warm aromatic note.
How to Make Best Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
The first step is simple but essential. Whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking powder in a medium bowl. This ensures the leavening is evenly distributed throughout the dough, which will help your cookies bake up perfectly even and tender.
Step 2: Cream the Butter, Sugar, and Salt
Next, in a large bowl or your stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream the room temperature butter with the sugar and salt on medium-high speed. Keep beating it until the mixture turns light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes. This step is the secret to those melt-in-your-mouth sugar cookies, creating air pockets that lighten the texture.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Once your butter and sugar blend is fluffy, beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is fully combined. These two ingredients bring moisture and flavor that make the dough smooth and deliciously fragrant.
Step 4: Gradually Incorporate the Flour
Now it’s time to add the dry ingredients. Gradually blend the whisked flour and baking powder mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep your cookies tender and soft rather than tough or dense.
Step 5: Form and Chill the Dough
Divide the dough into two equal parts. Shape each piece into a ball, then gently press down to form a thick, flat disk about an inch thick. Wrap each disk tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate them for at least 2 hours. Chilling helps develop the flavors and makes rolling the dough a breeze later.
Step 6: Roll and Cut the Dough
When you’re ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. Remove the dough from the fridge and let it rest for 20 minutes at room temperature to soften slightly. Lightly flour your surface and roll the dough out to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into your favorite shapes and arrange them evenly on the prepared baking sheets.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies one sheet at a time for 9 to 11 minutes. You’ll know they’re perfect when the edges just begin to turn a gorgeous golden brown. Be careful not to overbake to keep them tender and soft in the center.
How to Serve Best Sugar Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these sugar cookies are amazing on their own, adding a simple garnish can elevate their charm and flavor. Consider decorating with a light dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of melted chocolate, or colorful sprinkles before baking for a festive touch.
Side Dishes
If you’re sharing these delightful cookies at a gathering, pairing them with a fresh fruit platter or a hot cup of tea or coffee makes for a cozy combo. They also go wonderfully alongside homemade ice cream for a fun dessert duo.
Creative Ways to Present
The Best Sugar Cookies Recipe lends itself beautifully to creative presentation. Arrange them in a decorative tin filled with parchment paper as a heartfelt gift, or stack and tie them with a ribbon for a charming homemade treat. For holidays, use themed cookie cutters and add royal icing to match your celebration.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your sugar cookies, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. This keeps them soft and fresh for up to a week. You can also layer cookies with parchment paper to keep them from sticking together.
Freezing
This dough freezes beautifully! Wrap the dough disks tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before rolling and baking. You can also freeze baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
Reheating
If you want to enjoy your cookies warm, gently reheat them in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes. This brings back that fresh-baked softness without drying them out. Avoid microwaving, which can make them chewy or tough.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, you can, but reduce or omit the additional salt in the recipe to avoid over-seasoning. Unsalted butter gives you more control over the final flavor.
How thick should I roll the dough?
Rolling the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness gives the best texture — not too thick to be doughy, and not too thin to become crisp. It’s the perfect balance for soft sugar cookies.
Can I add food coloring to this recipe?
Absolutely! Add a few drops of your favorite food coloring when you mix in the wet ingredients to create colorful cookie dough for any occasion.
Why do I need to chill the dough?
Chilling the dough firms it up, making it easier to roll and cut into shapes. It also prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking, resulting in a perfect shape and great texture.
How long do sugar cookies last?
When stored properly in an airtight container, sugar cookies stay fresh and delicious for up to one week at room temperature, or you can freeze them for longer storage.
Final Thoughts
There is nothing quite like the joy of biting into a perfectly baked sugar cookie that’s soft, buttery, and full of classic flavor. This Best Sugar Cookies Recipe has quickly become a favorite for simple celebrations, cozy afternoons, or whenever you’re craving a sweet treat. I can’t recommend it enough — give it a try and watch it become a staple you’ll return to time and time again.
Print
Best Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 9-11 minutes per batch
- Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Best Sugar Cookies are a classic treat with a tender, buttery texture and a delicate vanilla flavor. Perfect for any occasion, this recipe yields soft cookies that hold their shape beautifully, making them ideal for decorating. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking powder until evenly combined. Set this mixture aside for later use.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the unsalted butter, sugar, and salt on medium-high speed for 2-3 minutes until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for your cookies.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract to the creamed butter mixture until fully incorporated, ensuring an even flavor spread throughout the dough.
- Combine Flour and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, blending well after each addition until the dough is fully formed and all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Shape Dough: Divide the dough into two equal portions. Shape each into a ball, then gently press down to create a thick, flat disk about 1 inch thick to facilitate easier chilling and rolling.
- Chill Dough: Wrap each dough disk tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to firm up the dough, which ensures better handling and prevents spreading during baking.
- Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
- Rest and Roll Dough: Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator and allow it to rest at room temperature for about 20 minutes to soften slightly. Roll the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness for perfect cookie texture.
- Cut Shapes: Use cookie cutters to cut the dough into your preferred shapes. Place the cutouts evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheets to allow room for slight spreading.
- Bake Cookies: Bake one sheet at a time in the preheated oven for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges just begin to turn golden brown, indicating they are perfectly baked but still tender inside.
Notes
- Ensure butter is at room temperature for easier creaming and a smoother dough.
- Chilling the dough is crucial to prevent excessive spreading while baking.
- Allowing the dough to rest before rolling helps to make the dough easier to handle and less sticky.
- For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of cinnamon or almond extract along with vanilla.
- Store baked cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to a week.
