There’s something magical about pulling a batch of warm, golden sugar cookies out of the oven. These classic treats are a perfect blend of soft and chewy with just the right amount of crispness around the edges. Not only are they incredibly easy to make, but they’re also the ideal canvas for a little holiday decorating or an afternoon treat with a cup of coffee.

I stumbled upon this recipe while searching for a quick, no-fuss dessert to make with my kids, and it’s now a family staple. Whether you’re a baking novice or a seasoned pro, these easy sugar cookies are guaranteed to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Easy Sugar Cookie Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with a recipe that’s both simple and satisfying. These sugar cookies are more than just sweet—they’re a versatile, crowd-pleasing treat.

First of all, they’re ridiculously easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients you likely already have on hand, you can whip these up in under 30 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for those last-minute dessert needs or a quick treat when a sugar craving hits.

They also have an incredibly soft and chewy texture. Each bite melts in your mouth, giving you that classic sugar cookie experience without any fuss. Plus, you can adjust the baking time slightly for a softer or crispier texture based on your preference.

These cookies are great for decorating too! If you’re in the mood for festive cookies, roll them in colored sugar or add a bit of icing. They make a fantastic base for holiday decorating with kids or adding a creative touch for a party.

Finally, they store beautifully, so you can bake a batch, keep them in an airtight container, and enjoy them for days. Now, let’s get into what makes these cookies shine!

Ingredient Notes

The beauty of this sugar cookie recipe lies in its simplicity. Every ingredient plays a key role in achieving that ideal texture and flavor.

Butter: Unsalted butter is best, as it allows you to control the saltiness of the cookies. Be sure to let it soften to room temperature before you start, making it easier to cream with the sugar and creating a lighter texture.
Sugar: Granulated sugar gives these cookies their signature sweetness. For an extra touch, you can roll the dough balls in sugar before baking for a sparkly, slightly crunchy finish.
Egg: The egg binds the dough together and adds a bit of structure. Make sure it’s at room temperature for easier mixing.
Vanilla Extract: Vanilla is key to that classic sugar cookie taste. Use high-quality pure vanilla extract if you can, as it makes a noticeable difference in the flavor.
All-Purpose Flour: All-purpose flour is the foundation of these cookies, providing the right balance of chewiness and crispness. Measure carefully to avoid a dense texture—too much flour can make the cookies dry.

No special equipment is required for this recipe, but a stand or hand mixer will make the creaming process quicker. Otherwise, a mixing bowl and a sturdy spoon will do just fine!

How to Make These Easy Sugar Cookies

Making these sugar cookies couldn’t be simpler. Follow these easy steps, and you’ll have warm cookies in no time!

Preheat and Prep: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures even baking and easy cleanup.
Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This step incorporates air, giving the cookies a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Add the Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to make sure everything is well combined.
Mix in the Dry Ingredients: Gradually add in the flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir just until the dough comes together. Avoid overmixing, as this can lead to tough cookies.
Form the Dough Balls: Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball. If desired, roll each ball in granulated sugar for a nice crunchy finish on the outside.
Bake to Perfection: Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. For softer cookies, bake closer to 8 minutes; for crisper cookies, bake for up to 10.

Once baked, let the cookies cool on the sheet for a couple of minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This cooling step helps them set while keeping the center soft.

Storage Options

These sugar cookies store wonderfully, making them ideal for baking ahead or keeping as a handy treat.

Room Temperature: Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Layer with parchment paper if you need to stack them, to avoid sticking.
Freezing: To freeze baked cookies, let them cool completely, then place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container. Once frozen, you can stack them with parchment paper in between. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months.
Freezing the Dough: For fresh-baked cookies anytime, freeze the unbaked dough balls on a tray until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Just bake from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.

To reheat, simply let the cookies come to room temperature, or warm them in a low oven for a few minutes.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this sugar cookie recipe is its versatility! Here are some fun ways to make it your own.

Citrus Twist: Add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the dough for a refreshing citrus flavor. Perfect for spring or summer gatherings!
Add-Ins: Mix in ½ cup of mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or sprinkles for a fun twist. These simple additions can change the cookie completely!
Gluten-Free Option: Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum to maintain the structure.
Holiday Decorating: After baking, let the cookies cool completely, then decorate with icing and sprinkles. You can even use cookie cutters to shape them before baking if you prefer a more festive look.

Experimenting with this recipe is half the fun, so feel free to get creative!

With their perfect balance of sweetness, simplicity, and classic flavor, these sugar cookies are sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or just because, each batch brings a bit of sweetness to any day. Enjoy!