Print

Easy Sugar Cookies Recipe

4.8 from 60 reviews

These easy sugar cookies are soft, chewy, and perfect for any occasion. They feature a simple dough made with butter, sugar, and vanilla, rolled in extra sugar for a sweet, slightly crisp exterior. Ideal for beginners and seasoned bakers alike, this recipe yields classic, delicious cookies with a tender crumb and delightful flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Finishing

  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for rolling cookies in)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s at the right temperature when the cookies are ready to bake.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and baking powder until well combined. Set aside.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the unsalted butter and 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes and ensures the cookies will have a tender texture.
  4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the large egg and egg yolk to the butter-sugar mixture, then blend in the vanilla extract. Beat until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
  5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
  6. Prepare Cookie Dough Balls: Roll the dough into balls approximately 1 inch in diameter. Then, roll each ball in the 1/2 cup of granulated sugar to coat evenly. This sugar coating adds a slight crunchy texture to the cookies’ surface.
  7. Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the sugar-coated dough balls on an ungreased baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.
  8. Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are golden but the centers remain soft. Avoid overbaking to keep the cookies chewy.
  9. Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them set and prevents breaking.

Notes

  • For best results, use butter at cool room temperature—not too soft or melted—to achieve the ideal dough texture.
  • Do not overmix the dough as it can make the cookies tough.
  • Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can help reduce spreading, if desired.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
  • You can add sprinkles or colored sugar instead of plain granulated sugar for a festive touch.

Keywords: easy sugar cookies, classic sugar cookies, soft sugar cookies, homemade sugar cookies, vanilla sugar cookies