Best Sugar Cookies Recipe
Introduction
These Best Sugar Cookies are soft, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Perfect for any occasion, they are easy to make and decorate to your liking.
Ingredients
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar using a hand mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Step 2: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Step 3: Gradually add the flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing.
- Step 4: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll the dough into small balls and place them on an ungreased baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Step 5: Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass or your palm.
- Step 6: Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden.
- Step 7: Remove from oven and allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of salt or a teaspoon of almond extract to the dough.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to help cookies keep their shape.
- Decorate with icing or sprinkles after cooling for a festive touch.
- Use powdered sugar instead of granulated sugar for a softer texture.
Storage
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze them in a sealed bag for up to three months. To enjoy, thaw at room temperature and warm slightly in the oven if desired.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but reduce or omit any added salt in the recipe to avoid making the cookies too salty.
Why are my sugar cookies spreading too much?
This can happen if the dough is too warm or the butter is too soft. Chill the dough before baking and avoid overcreaming the butter and sugar to help maintain the cookie shape.
PrintBest Sugar Cookies Recipe
This recipe for Best Sugar Cookies yields soft, buttery, and perfectly sweet cookies that are easy to make and ideal for any occasion. With simple ingredients like flour, butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla, these cookies come together swiftly and bake to a delicate golden perfection.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter with the granulated sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale, usually about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Mix Dough: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined. Gradually add the flour, baking powder, and salt, mixing on low speed until just incorporated to form a smooth dough.
- Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Bake: Scoop dough by tablespoonfuls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden but centers remain soft.
- Cool: Remove from oven and let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For even baking, make sure the butter is softened but not melted before creaming.
- If you prefer crisper cookies, bake an additional 1-2 minutes until edges are more browned.
- The dough can be chilled for 30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Optionally roll dough balls in sugar before baking for a sparkling finish.
Keywords: sugar cookies, easy sugar cookies, classic sugar cookies, butter cookies, vanilla cookies
