Easy Sugar Cookies Recipe

Introduction

These easy sugar cookies are soft, chewy, and perfect for any occasion. With a simple blend of classic ingredients, they come together quickly and bake into delightful treats that everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 cup unsalted butter, at cool room temperature
• 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
• 1 large egg plus 1 large egg yolk
• 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar, for rolling cookies in

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Line a large baking sheet with a Silpat baking mat or parchment paper and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and baking powder. Set this mixture aside.
3. Step 3: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter on medium speed for 1 minute. Add 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar and beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes. Pause once to scrape down the sides of the bowl and continue mixing.
4. Step 4: Add the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Mix until well combined.
5. Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. The dough may look a bit crumbly at first but will come together.
6. Step 6: Place the remaining 1/2 cup granulated sugar in a small bowl. Shape the dough into balls, about 2 tablespoons each. Roll each ball in the sugar until well coated, then place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
7. Step 7: Bake the cookies for 10 to 14 minutes, or until the bottoms are light golden brown and the cookies start to crack. Check early since ovens vary. Take care not to overbake to keep them soft and chewy.
8. Step 8: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool on it for 5 minutes. Then transfer the cookies to a cooling rack and let them cool completely.

Tips & Variations

• For a flavor twist, add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest to the dough for a fresh citrus note.
• Use colored sugar or sprinkles for rolling to create festive, colorful cookies.
• Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking if you want thicker cookies.

Storage

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep them longer, freeze baked cookies in a freezer bag or container for up to 3 months. Reheat gently in a warm oven or microwave to refresh their softness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but reduce added salt in the recipe slightly to balance the flavor and avoid oversalting.

Why are my sugar cookies not soft?

Overbaking is the most common cause. Be sure to watch them closely and remove cookies when edges are set but centers still look slightly underbaked.

Easy Sugar Cookies Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 120 reviews

These Easy Sugar Cookies are classic, soft, and chewy treats perfect for any occasion. Made with simple ingredients like butter, sugar, and vanilla, these cookies are rolled in sugar for a delightful crunch on the outside while staying tender inside. They bake quickly and are ideal for sharing or storing for later enjoyment.

• Author: Amaya
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: About 24 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

Wet Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, at cool room temperature
• 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
• 1 large egg plus 1 large egg yolk
• 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract

For Rolling

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line a large baking sheet with a Silpat baking mat or parchment paper to prevent sticking and set aside.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and baking powder to evenly distribute the leavening agents and salt. Set this mixture aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the softened unsalted butter on medium speed for 1 minute until smooth. Add 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar and beat together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes. Stop once to scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula to ensure even mixing and continue beating.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the large egg and the additional egg yolk along with the pure vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Mix until all ingredients are well combined, resulting in a smooth batter.
5. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients and mix on low speed just until combined. The dough may appear crumbly at first, but will come together as you mix.
6. Form and Coat Cookies: Place the remaining 1/2 cup of granulated sugar in a small bowl. Using about 2 tablespoons of dough for each cookie, shape dough into balls and roll each ball in the sugar until well coated. Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet spaced about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
7. Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 14 minutes, or until the bottoms are light golden brown and the cookies begin to crack on top. Check often toward the end to prevent overbaking, which would make cookies less soft and chewy.
8. Cool: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes. Then transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Store: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze baked cookies in a freezer bag or container for up to 3 months.

Notes

• Use room temperature butter to ensure proper creaming with sugar for a lighter cookie texture.
• The dough may seem crumbly but will hold together once baked.
• Check cookies early when baking since oven temperatures vary, to avoid overbaking and maintain softness.
• For a festive touch, add sprinkles or colored sugars before baking.
• These cookies freeze well—freeze baked cookies in a single layer before stacking to avoid sticking.

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