There’s just something magical about baking cookies, isn’t there? The smell of buttery goodness wafting through the house, the excitement of waiting for them to cool just enough to take that first bite—ah, pure bliss! Today, I’m sharing my absolute favorite easy sugar cookies recipe, which is perfect for anyone, whether you’re a baking newbie or a seasoned pro. These cookies are soft, chewy, and just sweet enough to satisfy your cravings without being overwhelming. Plus, they come together so quickly! Trust me, once you try these, you’ll find yourself making them for every occasion, from cozy nights in to festive gatherings. Let’s dive into this delightful baking adventure together!
Ingredients for Easy Sugar Cookies Recipe
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
How to Prepare Easy Sugar Cookies
Prepping the Oven and Mixing Dry Ingredients
First things first, let’s get that oven preheated to 375°F (190°C). It usually takes about 10-15 minutes to heat up, so you can use that time wisely! While the oven’s warming up, grab a bowl and mix together 2 3/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder. This is your dry mix, and it’s super important for creating the perfect cookie texture!
Creaming Butter and Sugar
Next, let’s move on to creaming the butter and sugar. In another bowl, combine 1 cup of softened unsalted butter with 1 1/2 cups of sugar. Use an electric mixer (or a good old-fashioned whisk, if you’re feeling strong!) to beat them together for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial, as it helps incorporate air into the dough, giving your cookies that delightful soft and chewy texture.
Incorporating Wet Ingredients
Now it’s time to add in the fun stuff! Crack in 1 egg and pour in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix everything together until just combined. You want that lovely vanilla flavor to blend in perfectly, but don’t overdo it—just enough until it’s all smooth and homogeneous!
Combining Ingredients
Here comes the magic! Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. I usually do this in three parts, mixing gently until everything is just combined. You don’t want to overmix—this will keep your cookies tender and delicious. Just keep folding until you see no more floury bits! If the dough feels too sticky, don’t worry; it’s supposed to be a little soft!
Shaping and Baking the Cookies
Now, let’s shape those cookies! Use a rounded teaspoon to scoop out the dough and roll it into balls. Place them onto ungreased cookie sheets, giving them some space to spread out. Now for the fun part—flatten each ball gently with the bottom of a glass. This will give them that classic cookie shape we all love! Pop them in the oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges are golden and the centers look slightly underbaked. Trust me, as they cool, they’ll firm up just right!
Tips for Success with Easy Sugar Cookies
Want to take your cookies to the next level? Here are my top tips for success! First, make sure your butter is truly softened, not melted. This will ensure that your cookies stay tender and don’t spread too much. Second, don’t skip chilling the dough for 30 minutes if it feels too sticky—this helps with shaping and prevents them from spreading too much while baking. Also, keep an eye on the baking time; every oven is different! If you want a softer cookie, pull them out right when the edges turn golden. And finally, have fun with toppings! Add colorful sprinkles before baking or drizzle melted chocolate on top once they’ve cooled. You’ll impress everyone, trust me!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your delicious cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and chewy for up to a week—if they last that long! If you want to keep them longer, you can also freeze the cookies. Just wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply thaw them at room temperature. If you prefer them warm, pop the cookies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. They’ll taste just like they came out of the oven!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Just a quick note on the nutritional information: it can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so keep that in mind! The values provided here are typical estimates and may not be exact. Generally speaking, you can expect each cookie to contain around 120 calories, with varying amounts of fat, protein, and carbohydrates. If you’re watching your intake, feel free to adjust ingredients accordingly to suit your dietary needs. Happy baking and enjoy those delicious cookies!
FAQ Section on Easy Sugar Cookies Recipe
Got questions? I’ve got answers! Let’s tackle some common ones about these easy sugar cookies.
Can I use a different type of flour?
Absolutely! You can substitute some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor, but I recommend sticking to mostly all-purpose for that classic cookie texture.
What if I don’t have unsalted butter?
No worries! You can use salted butter, just reduce the added salt to 1/4 teaspoon to keep the flavor balanced.
Can I chill the dough overnight?
Yes! Chilling the dough overnight can enhance the flavor and make it easier to handle. Just let it sit at room temperature for a bit before shaping if it’s too firm.
How should I store leftover cookies?
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for about a week. If they start to harden, just pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to soften!
Can I add mix-ins?
Definitely! Feel free to fold in chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit for a delicious twist. Just keep the total mix-ins to about 1 cup so they bake evenly.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Quick preparation—whip up a batch in just 25 minutes!
- Soft, chewy texture that melts in your mouth.
- Versatile for any occasion—decorate with sprinkles or enjoy plain!
- Perfect for baking with kids—everyone can join in the fun!
- Great for gift-giving; they look adorable in festive boxes.
- Easy to customize; add chocolate chips, nuts, or your favorite flavorings.
- Simple ingredients you probably already have at home!
Easy Sugar Cookies Recipe: 7 Steps to Pure Bliss
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This is an easy sugar cookies recipe that yields soft and chewy cookies.
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
- In another bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla.
- Gradually blend the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
- Roll rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls and place onto ungreased cookie sheets.
- Flatten each ball with the bottom of a glass.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until golden.
- Let cool on wire racks.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- You can add sprinkles for decoration.
- Adjust baking time for softer or crunchier cookies.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: easy sugar cookies recipe