Sugar Cookies Recipe: Easy, Soft, and Delicious Homemade Cookies
Sugar cookies hold a special place in kitchens and hearts around the world. Soft, buttery, and slightly sweet, they have a comforting simplicity that makes them a timeless favorite.
From holiday celebrations to everyday indulgences, sugar cookies bring warmth, joy, and nostalgia to any table. Perfect for decorating, gifting, or simply enjoying with a cup of tea, sugar cookies are versatile and easy to make. Understanding the secrets behind the perfect texture and flavor can elevate even a basic recipe into something extraordinary. Crisp on the edges, soft in the center, and with a delicate sweetness that never overwhelms, sugar cookies are a treat that never loses appeal. Exploring the ingredients, techniques, and creative variations ensures that every batch you bake is memorable.
Ingredients Needed
The ingredients for sugar cookies are simple, yet selecting quality products ensures superior results. Each component contributes not just to flavor but also to texture and appearance. Here is a clear breakdown of the ingredients along with their approximate calorie content:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Calories (per quantity) |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 ¾ cups | 1200 |
| Granulated sugar | 1 cup | 770 |
| Unsalted butter | 1 cup (2 sticks) | 1600 |
| Eggs | 2 large | 140 |
| Vanilla extract | 2 teaspoons | 24 |
| Baking powder | 1 teaspoon | 2 |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon | 0 |
These ingredients form the foundation of classic sugar cookies. Using unsalted butter allows control over the overall saltiness, while fresh eggs contribute to texture and richness. Vanilla extract enhances the flavor, giving the cookies a warm, inviting aroma. Properly measuring flour ensures the dough is not too dry or too sticky, which is key for rolling and shaping.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Creating the perfect sugar cookie requires patience and precision. Following each step carefully ensures consistent results every time.
- Prepare the dough
Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until fully incorporated. - Chill the dough
Once the dough is formed, wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour. Chilling the dough firms it up, making it easier to roll out and preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking. - Roll and cut
Lightly flour a clean surface and roll the dough to a thickness of about ¼ inch. Use cookie cutters to create desired shapes, then transfer the cut dough to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between each cookie. - Bake
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8 to 12 minutes, or until the edges begin to turn a light golden color. Avoid overbaking, as sugar cookies continue to firm up after being removed from the oven. - Cool
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Cooling completely ensures they hold their shape and prevents sogginess. - Decorate (optional)
Once cooled, decorate with icing, sprinkles, or edible glitter if desired. Simple powdered sugar dusting also adds a touch of elegance.
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
Sugar cookies are a versatile canvas for creativity. Simple modifications can yield cookies with unique flavors, textures, and appearances.
- Add citrus zest: Incorporating lemon or orange zest into the dough adds a fresh, tangy flavor that balances the sweetness.
- Experiment with extracts: Almond, maple, or coconut extracts can create a unique taste profile.
- Incorporate mix-ins: Mini chocolate chips, crushed nuts, or dried fruit can enhance texture and flavor.
- Try brown sugar: Replacing part of the granulated sugar with brown sugar adds depth and chewiness.
- Decorating techniques: Royal icing, glaze, or colored sugar allow for professional-looking cookies suitable for any occasion.
- Adjust thickness: Rolling the dough thinner results in crispier cookies, while a slightly thicker dough yields soft, chewy centers.
Nutritional Information
Sugar cookies provide a sweet treat but should be enjoyed in moderation. A standard cookie made from this recipe contains approximately:
Nutritional content varies depending on size, ingredients, and decorations. Using high-quality butter, reducing sugar slightly, or incorporating whole wheat flour can make the cookies slightly healthier without compromising taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serving sugar cookies creatively enhances the enjoyment of this classic treat. They pair wonderfully with beverages and other desserts and can be incorporated into themed presentations.
- With drinks: Pair sugar cookies with tea, coffee, hot chocolate, or milk for a comforting snack.
- Gift giving: Place cookies in decorative boxes or jars for holiday gifts, birthdays, or special occasions.
- Party platters: Arrange cookies with other baked goods like brownies or cupcakes for visually appealing dessert spreads.
- Ice cream sandwiches: Sandwich a scoop of vanilla, chocolate, or fruit-flavored ice cream between two cookies for an indulgent treat.
- Festive decorations: Use icing and sprinkles to match seasonal or holiday themes, making cookies both tasty and visually striking.
Sugar Cookies Recipe: Easy, Soft, and Delicious Homemade Cookies
Course: Blog24
servings20
minutes10
minutes170
kcalIngredients
2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
Directions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, mixing until fully combined.
- Chill Dough: Wrap dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Chilling the dough helps the cookies keep their shape and prevents spreading.
Avoid overmixing flour to keep cookies soft and tender.
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
For extra flavor, try adding citrus zest or almond extract.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sugar Cookies
What makes sugar cookies soft?
The right balance of butter and eggs, along with proper baking time, ensures soft, tender cookies. Overmixing flour can make cookies tough, so mix just until combined.
Can I make sugar cookies without chilling the dough?
Skipping chilling is possible, but cookies may spread more and lose shape. Chilling firms the dough for easier cutting and better texture.
How should I store sugar cookies?
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze baked cookies for up to three months.
Can I freeze sugar cookie dough?
Yes, wrap the dough tightly and freeze for up to two months. Thaw in the refrigerator before rolling and baking.
How can I make sugar cookies more decorative?
Use royal icing, colored sugar, sprinkles, or edible markers. Templates and cookie cutters create professional-looking shapes for holidays and special events.
Conclusion
Sugar cookies are more than just a simple dessert. They embody comfort, creativity, and tradition, making them a staple in kitchens worldwide. Every batch offers the chance to explore flavors, textures, and decorations while providing a treat that delights every sense.
