There’s nothing quite like the smell of fresh-baked sugar cookies filling your kitchen. This easy sugar cookie recipe yields perfectly sweet, soft, and buttery cookies with a slightly crisp edge – a treat that’s great for both novice and seasoned bakers. I discovered this recipe while trying to create a quick dessert for a family gathering, and it’s now a go-to favorite for any occasion.
Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a special event, or just to satisfy a craving, these sugar cookies are sure to impress.
Why You'll Love This Easy Sugar Cookie Recipe
Get ready to add this easy sugar cookie recipe to your list of baking favorites. It’s simple to make, comes together quickly, and delivers delicious results every time.
First, the recipe uses basic pantry ingredients, so you probably already have everything you need on hand. No need to run to the store for specialty items; you can start baking whenever the mood strikes.
Secondly, the dough is versatile, making it perfect for cutting into shapes for special occasions or rolling into classic round cookies. Whether you want to make stars, hearts, or classic circles, this dough holds its shape beautifully.
Another great aspect is that these cookies don’t require any chilling, which means less waiting and more baking. Simply mix the dough, shape, bake, and enjoy.
Finally, these sugar cookies are customizable. Add a touch of vanilla or almond extract, decorate with sprinkles, or frost them once they’ve cooled for a truly festive treat. They’re easy enough for kids to help with, making them a fun family activity.
Ingredients Notes

These simple ingredients come together to make a cookie that’s tender on the inside, slightly crisp on the edges, and irresistibly sweet.
Flour – All-purpose flour is the backbone of this recipe. It provides structure to the cookies and ensures they hold their shape. Be sure to measure the flour accurately to avoid overly dense cookies.
Butter – Use unsalted butter at room temperature. Unsalted butter gives you control over the cookie’s flavor, allowing you to add just the right amount of salt. The butter should be soft enough to mix easily but not melted.
Sugar – Granulated sugar is perfect for this recipe, providing just the right amount of sweetness without overpowering. It also contributes to that slightly crisp texture on the outside.
Egg – The egg binds the ingredients and gives the cookies a soft and tender texture. Make sure it’s at room temperature for easy incorporation into the dough.
Vanilla Extract – Vanilla adds a warm, sweet depth to the cookies. Feel free to use almond extract instead if you prefer a nuttier flavor.
No special equipment is needed for this recipe – just a mixing bowl, a spoon or electric mixer, and a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. If you’re planning to cut shapes, grab a rolling pin and cookie cutters.
How To Make This Easy Sugar Cookie Recipe

Making these sugar cookies is a breeze! Let’s walk through each step to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly.
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup easy.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step is essential for creating a smooth, even dough. Use an electric mixer if you have one, but a wooden spoon works well too if you’re mixing by hand.
Next, beat in the egg and vanilla extract. These ingredients add moisture and flavor, making each bite soft and flavorful. Mix until fully combined.
Gradually add the flour to the wet ingredients, mixing just until incorporated. The dough should be soft but not sticky. If it feels too sticky, add a little extra flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the right consistency.
To shape the cookies, you have two options: roll the dough into small balls and flatten slightly for classic round cookies, or roll it out on a lightly floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness and use cookie cutters to create shapes. Either way, place the cookies about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. Be careful not to overbake – you want the centers to stay soft. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
This recipe makes about two dozen cookies, perfect for sharing or storing for a later treat.
Storage Options
These sugar cookies are great for making ahead and storing. Once completely cooled, you have several storage options to keep them fresh.
For short-term storage, keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and fresh for up to a week, making them a great option for meal prep or planning ahead for events.
If you want to store them longer, you can freeze both the dough and the baked cookies. To freeze the dough, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag. It will stay fresh for up to three months. When you’re ready to bake, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before shaping and baking.
Baked cookies can also be frozen. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for up to three months, and you can thaw them at room temperature whenever you want a sweet treat.
To reheat, just pop a cookie in the microwave for a few seconds, or enjoy them at room temperature.
Variations and Substitutions
This sugar cookie recipe is incredibly adaptable, allowing you to make it your own with just a few tweaks.
For an extra flavor boost, try substituting almond extract for vanilla. Almond extract adds a hint of nuttiness that pairs beautifully with the buttery flavor.
If you love citrus, add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the dough. It’ll give the cookies a fresh, slightly tangy taste that’s perfect for spring or summer.
For holiday flair, consider adding food coloring to the dough or decorating with colored sugar or sprinkles before baking. These little touches can make them festive and fun for different celebrations.
Looking to make these cookies gluten-free? Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Just be sure to choose one that contains xanthan gum for structure.
Experiment with frosting, glaze, or even a dusting of powdered sugar for a decorative finish. These cookies are a perfect canvas for creativity, and decorating them can be a fun activity with kids.
With this recipe, you’re just minutes away from warm, delicious sugar cookies that are sure to satisfy any sweet craving.
PrintEasy Sugar Cookie Recipe
This easy sugar cookie recipe is ideal for creating delicious, soft, and chewy cookies with a few simple ingredients. Perfect for holiday decorating or an anytime treat, these sugar cookies are a hit for all ages. With easy-to-follow instructions and minimal prep, enjoy bakery-quality cookies right at home. Keywords: easy sugar cookie recipe, classic sugar cookies, simple ingredients.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in egg, vanilla, and almond extract if using.
- Gradually blend in dry ingredients until just mixed.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized dough balls onto prepared baking sheets, 2 inches apart.
- Bake 8-10 minutes or until edges are golden. Let cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
Notes
- For festive decorations, add colored sugar sprinkles before baking or frost once cooled.
- To make ahead, freeze dough balls on a baking sheet, then transfer to a zip-top bag for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 85mg
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