There’s something undeniably nostalgic about sugar cookies — their buttery aroma, soft centers, and crisp edges have a way of bringing back sweet memories. But these classic treats are more than just a holiday favorite. From creative decorating ideas to secret ingredients that elevate their flavor, discover why sugar cookies deserve a permanent spot in your baking rotation.
| Servings: | 24 |
| Prep Time: | 25 minutes |
| Cook Time: | 10 minutes |
| Total Time: | 35 minutes |
| Serving Size: | 1 cookie |
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 pure vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- 3 tablespoons milk
- Additional granulated sugar for rolling
Equipment
- Large mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Electric mixer or stand mixer
- Rubber spatula
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
- Cooling rack
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutters if desired
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. A lined tray ensures the bottoms of the cookies stay golden, not brown.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Mixing your dry ingredients ahead keeps the batter smooth and even.
- Step 3: In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer. This step takes about 2 to 3 minutes, and you will know it is ready when the mixture looks pale and fluffy. Creaming properly gives the cookies their lift and subtle crispness.
- Step 4: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. I love almond for a bit of nostalgic bakery-style flavor, but you can skip it if you prefer all-vanilla.
- Step 5: Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix on low speed just until the dough begins to come together. Overmixing here can make the cookies tough.
- Step 6: Drizzle in the milk a tablespoon at a time while mixing. The dough should be soft and pliable but not stick to your fingers. If yours feels crumbly, add an extra splash of milk.
- Step 7: Scoop about a tablespoon of dough and roll between your palms. If you like, roll the balls gently in a bit of sugar for a sparkly, crunchy finish.
- Step 8: Place the rounds on your prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Flatten each one slightly using your palm or the bottom of a glass. Uniformity means even baking.
- Step 9: Bake for 8 to 10 minutes. Keep a close eye—remove them when the edges just begin to turn golden and the centers no longer look wet. Overbaking will make them crisp instead of soft.
- Step 10: Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before decorating or storing. Warm cookies are delicate, so be gentle with them at first.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 160 |
| Protein | 2 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 22 grams |
| Fat | 7 grams |
| Sugar | 12 grams |
| Fiber | 0 grams |
| Sodium | 65 milligrams |
Description
Soft, buttery, and perfectly sweet, these classic sugar cookies evoke the warmth of childhood afternoons spent baking with loved ones. Each bite offers a delicate crunch on the outside, tender softness within, and a rich vanilla essence that melts in your mouth. Whether decorated with colorful icing or enjoyed plain with a glass of milk, these cookies are timeless treasures that never go out of style.
Their simple beauty makes them ideal for any occasion. From holiday cookie swaps to rainy-day baking sessions with the kids, sugar cookies are culinary comfort in its purest form. The aroma alone—sugar and butter slowly caramelizing in the oven—wraps the home in a cozy blanket of nostalgia. Once cooled, they become the perfect canvas for personalization or simply a gleaming golden treat to savor just as they are.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This sugar cookie recipe is wonderfully adaptable and incredibly easy to make. Using just a handful of pantry-staple ingredients, you will be amazed at how quickly you can create bakery-quality cookies at home. The dough rolls out like a dream, holds its shape while baking, and makes for stunning cutouts that remain soft yet sturdy.
Whether you are a beginner baker or a seasoned pro, this recipe delivers consistent results. It is also a great way to involve kids in the kitchen or personalize treats for special events, parties, or holidays. With its balanced sweetness and signature vanilla flavor, these cookies pair beautifully with coffee, tea, or your favorite frosting.
Serving and Storage Tips
These sugar cookies are best served within a day or two of baking for the freshest texture and flavor. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you plan to frost them, allow the cookies to cool completely before decorating.
To freeze, place unbaked dough rounds or shaped cookies on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. You can also freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving. The dough can be made up to 2 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator, tightly wrapped in plastic wrap.
Course, Cuisine, Keywords
Dessert, American, sugar cookies, butter cookies, holiday cookies, cut-out cookies, classic cookies
Servings, Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Serving Size
Servings: 24
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Serving Size: 1 cookie
Recipe Notes
For extra depth of flavor, try adding a pinch of sea salt on top before baking or finish with a vanilla glaze after cooling. The dough can also be tinted with food coloring for themed cookie variations.
FAQ
Can I use cookie cutters with this dough?
Yes. This dough rolls out wonderfully and holds its shape during baking. If it gets too soft to work with, pop it into the fridge for 15 to 30 minutes before rolling and cutting.
How do I make these cookies crisp instead of soft?
To achieve a crispier cookie, bake them slightly longer until the edges are deeper golden. You can also omit the milk for a firmer dough that spreads less and bakes drier.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, just use a one-to-one gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Make sure the product contains xanthan gum or a similar stabilizer to help keep the cookie structure.
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Classic Soft Sugar Cookies
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 pure vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- 3 tablespoons milk
- Additional granulated sugar for rolling
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until the dough comes together.
- Add the milk one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough is soft but not sticky.
- Scoop or roll dough into balls about 1 tablespoon each. If desired, roll in additional granulated sugar for a sparkling finish.
- Place cookie dough balls on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart. Flatten slightly with the bottom of a glass or the palm of your hand.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until the edges are just golden and the centers look set. Do not overbake.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting or storing.
