Sugar cookies have always been my top pick for sweet treats. As a home baker, I’ve worked hard to make a simple sugar cookie recipe that always turns out great.
This recipe is great for any time, whether it’s holidays, snacks, or just when you need something sweet. It’s perfect for both new and experienced bakers. These cookies will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.
My recipe uses classic ingredients and easy techniques to make cookies that are soft and delicious. The key is finding the right mix of ingredients and baking methods.
Key Takeaways
- Beginner-friendly sugar cookies recipe
- Soft and chewy texture guaranteed
- Perfect for multiple occasions
- Quick and easy preparation
- Adaptable to different flavor variations
- Requires minimal baking experience
Introduction to My Favorite Sugar Cookie Recipe
My journey to find the perfect sugar cookie recipe was fun. This homemade recipe is a standout, making delicious treats easy to make.
This basic sugar cookie recipe is loved for its simplicity and versatility. It’s been tested many times, always delivering great results with little effort.
Why I Love This Recipe
This sugar cookie recipe has qualities that make it a favorite:
- No chilling required – mix, roll, and bake in just 30 minutes
- Perfectly balanced sweetness that isn’t overwhelming
- Soft and chewy texture with crisp edges
- Minimal sugar cookie recipe ingredients needed
Perfect for Any Occasion
This recipe is great for any time. It’s perfect for:
| Occasion | Decoration Idea |
|---|---|
| Christmas | Red and green sprinkles, festive shapes |
| Valentine’s Day | Heart-shaped cookies with pink frosting |
| Birthday Parties | Colorful decorative icing |
This recipe is perfect for getting creative. You can easily customize these cookies to match any theme or celebration. They’re always a hit, whether simple or decorated.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Sugar Cookies
To make the perfect sugar cookie, you need the right ingredients. I’ll guide you through what you need for delicious cookies that will wow everyone.
Essential Ingredients for Your Sugar Cookie Dough Recipe
Every great sugar cookie starts with the right ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- All-purpose flour (2¼ cups)
- Granulated sugar (¾ cup)
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, room temperature)
- Large eggs (2)
- Pure vanilla extract (1 teaspoon)
- Baking powder (½ teaspoon)
- Salt (¼ teaspoon)
Optional Add-Ins for Enhanced Flavor
Looking to make your cookies even better? Try these exciting add-ins:
- Flavor extracts: Almond, lemon, or maple
- Ground cinnamon or nutmeg
- Chocolate chips
- Finely chopped nuts
Essential Tools and Equipment
For a successful cookie, you’ll need these tools:
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Large mixing bowl | Combining ingredients |
| Electric mixer | Creaming butter and sugar |
| Rolling pin | Flattening dough |
| Cookie cutters | Shaping cookies |
| Baking sheets | Baking cookies |
| Parchment paper | Preventing sticking |
Pro tip: Always use room temperature ingredients for the best texture and consistent results in your sugar cookie recipe!
Step-by-Step Instructions for Baking
Making the perfect sugar cookie recipe for decorating is all about precision and love. I’ll guide you through each step to make sure your cookies are delightful every time.
Preparing the Dough
Start with a no-chill sugar cookie recipe by creaming softened butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy. Using an electric mixer is key to getting the right consistency. My favorite rolled sugar cookie recipe suggests beating the butter and sugar for about 3 minutes.
- Use room temperature butter for smooth mixing
- Mix eggs and vanilla extract thoroughly
- Gradually incorporate dry ingredients
Rolling and Cutting the Cookies
To get the best cut out sugar cookie recipe, roll your dough to a consistent 1/4-inch thickness. Pro tip: Lightly dust your surface with flour to prevent sticking. Choose festive cookie cutters to make your sugar cookie recipe for cutouts truly special!
- Dust work surface with flour
- Roll dough evenly
- Use sharp cookie cutters
- Transfer carefully to baking sheet
Baking and Cooling
Preheat your oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Bake for 11-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack.
Tips for Perfect Sugar Cookies Every Time
Making great sugar cookies is more than just a recipe. I’ve picked up key techniques to make sure your cookies are perfect every time. These tips cover storage and decorating, helping you become a pro at making sugar cookies.
Keeping Cookies Fresh and Delicious
For keeping sugar cookies fresh, I use an airtight container at room temperature. They stay delicious for up to 3 days. When you’re making a sugar cookie with icing, let the frosting dry completely before storing to avoid smudges.
Exciting Decorating Techniques
Turning simple sugar cookies into beautiful treats is fun and easy. I enjoy trying out different icing recipes for colorful designs. Royal icing is great for detailed work, while buttercream frosting adds a creamy touch. Sprinkles, colored sugars, and glitter can make your cookies even more special.
Solving Common Baking Challenges
Even skilled bakers face issues with sugar cookies. To stop spreading, chill the dough before baking. If cookies bake too fast, try lowering the oven temperature and keep an eye on them. Texture problems often come from wrong measurements, so always use a kitchen scale.
FAQ
You can keep my sugar cookies fresh for 5-7 days in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months. Use parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Yes, you can! Use a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for the best texture. You might need to adjust the liquid to get the right cookie consistency.
Make sure your butter is at room temperature but not melted. Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Avoid warm baking sheets.
Soft sugar cookies come from not overbaking. Take them out of the oven when edges are just golden, around 8-10 minutes. Brown sugar helps keep them moist and soft.
Yes! Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and then in a freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before baking.
Use royal icing for detailed decorations. It’s made with powdered sugar, meringue powder, and water. For quick decorating, a basic glaze with powdered sugar and milk works well.
How do I get clean, sharp edges when cutting out shapes?
Use sharp, well-floured cookie cutters. Roll the dough to 1/4-inch thickness and chill it before cutting. If it warms up, refrigerate it for 10-15 minutes.
My recipe has eggs, but you can replace them with applesauce, mashed banana, or egg replacers. This might change the texture and flavor a bit.
Yes! Try vanilla, almond, or lemon extracts. Spices like cinnamon or nutmeg can add seasonal flavors. Just add them in moderation to keep the classic taste.
Use butter that’s softened but cool, around 65-70°F. It should be soft enough to cream with sugar but not melted. It should hold its shape and not be greasy.
Easy Sugar Cookie Recipe: Perfect Soft & Chewy Cookies Every Time
- Total Time: 27
- Yield: 24 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Perfect sugar cookies that are soft, chewy, and ready in just 30 minutes with no chilling required. This beginner-friendly recipe delivers consistent results every time.
Ingredients
2¼ cups all-purpose flour
¾ cup granulated sugar
1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
½ teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper
2. Cream softened butter and sugar with electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes
3. Beat in eggs and vanilla extract until thoroughly combined
4. Gradually mix in flour, baking powder, and salt until just combined
5. Roll dough to ¼-inch thickness on floured surface
6. Cut into desired shapes using cookie cutters
7. Transfer to prepared baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart
8. Bake for 11-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden
9. Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack
Notes
Use room temperature ingredients for best texture
Don’t overbake – cookies continue cooking on hot pan
Store in airtight container for up to 7 days
Can be frozen for up to 3 months
Perfect for decorating with royal icing or simple glaze
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 12
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 145
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 65mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg