There's nothing quite like biting into a soft, buttery sugar cookie with that classic sweet flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture. These cookies are a family favorite, perfect for everything from holiday baking marathons to a quick weeknight treat that’s sure to satisfy. Best of all, this Easy Sugar Cookie Recipe requires just a few pantry staples, making it incredibly convenient whenever the cookie craving strikes.

I first perfected this recipe during a holiday baking session, and it was an instant hit. The simplicity and deliciousness of these cookies made them a go-to for birthdays, bake sales, and lazy weekends ever since. Ready to dive into this easy and irresistible recipe? Let’s get started.

Why You'll Love This Easy Sugar Cookie Recipe

Get ready to fall head over heels for these sugar cookies! Not only are they a breeze to make, but they’re packed with that sweet, nostalgic flavor everyone loves.

First off, these cookies come together in just 20 minutes, making them perfect for when you’re short on time. The ingredients are likely ones you already have at home, so there’s no need for an extra trip to the store.

Plus, this recipe yields cookies with a soft, slightly chewy texture that’s hard to resist. They’re perfect for decorating, too—add a little icing, sprinkles, or colored sugar for an extra pop!

Finally, they’re incredibly versatile. Whether you want a classic, no-fuss cookie or you’re looking to add in your favorite flavors, these cookies can easily be customized to suit your taste.

Ingredients Notes

The simplicity of these cookies is what makes them so appealing, but every ingredient has a role in creating the ideal sugar cookie. Here’s a breakdown of the main ingredients and their purposes:

Butter: This is the base for our cookies and gives them that rich, buttery flavor. I recommend using unsalted butter, so you have full control over the salt level in the dough.
Sugar: Granulated sugar not only sweetens but also helps create that crispy edge and chewy center. Don’t skimp here—this is where the sweetness comes from!
Egg: Just one large egg binds the ingredients together and adds moisture, contributing to the cookie's soft texture. If you're making a double batch, try to use eggs that are at room temperature for better consistency.
Vanilla Extract: A must-have for that classic sugar cookie flavor. Feel free to add a splash of almond extract if you love a little extra dimension in your cookies!
All-Purpose Flour: The structure of the cookie comes from all-purpose flour. Be sure to measure it accurately to avoid dry, crumbly dough.
Baking Powder: This is our leavening agent, giving the cookies just a bit of lift. It helps them stay soft and slightly puffy as they bake.

For equipment, you’ll need a mixing bowl, hand mixer or stand mixer, and a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

How To Make This Easy Sugar Cookie Recipe

Making these sugar cookies is a straightforward process that anyone can follow, even if it’s your first time baking cookies!

Prep Your Ingredients: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup easier.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat together 1 cup of unsalted butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is essential, as it incorporates air into the mixture, resulting in a softer cookie.
Add Egg and Vanilla: Crack in 1 large egg and add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix well until the egg is fully incorporated and the mixture looks smooth and creamy.
Add Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon of baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.
Shape and Bake: Scoop about a tablespoon of dough, roll it into a ball, and place it on the baking sheet. Press down lightly with your fingers to flatten slightly. Bake for 8-10 minutes, until the edges are just beginning to turn golden. Allow cookies to cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

In no time at all, you’ll have a batch of warm, freshly baked sugar cookies ready to enjoy. The whole process should take about 20 minutes from start to finish, perfect for those last-minute dessert needs!

Storage Options

To keep these cookies fresh and delicious, you’ll want to store them properly.

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Just layer them with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
Freezing the Dough: If you want to prepare the dough in advance, you can freeze it. Simply roll it into balls, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until firm. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to three months, and you can bake them directly from frozen—just add an extra minute or two to the bake time.
Freezing Baked Cookies: You can also freeze the baked cookies for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature for about 15 minutes, and they’re ready to eat!

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this sugar cookie recipe is how adaptable it is! Here are some fun ways to make it your own:

Add a Splash of Almond Extract: Adding just a ½ teaspoon of almond extract along with the vanilla will give these cookies a subtle, nutty sweetness.
Try Lemon or Orange Zest: For a citrusy twist, add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the dough. It’s a refreshing variation that brightens up the flavor.
Make it Festive with Sprinkles: Roll the dough balls in colored sugar or sprinkles before baking for a fun, decorative look that’s perfect for holidays or special occasions.
Chocolate-Dipped: Once baked and cooled, dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate and let it harden. You’ll have an elegant chocolate-sugar cookie combo that’s perfect for gifting.
Add a Glaze: Make a simple glaze with powdered sugar and a splash of milk, and drizzle over the cooled cookies. For an extra touch, add a drop of food coloring to match any theme or holiday!

This sugar cookie recipe is endlessly adaptable, so feel free to experiment and find your favorite twist. Happy baking!