Classic Sugar Cookies Recipe: Sweet, Simple, and Delicious

By: Racha.W

Sugar cookies are a timeless treat, perfect for any occasion from holidays to everyday snacks. These cookies are known for their soft, buttery texture and their delightful sweetness, which makes them a favorite for both kids and adults alike. Best of all, sugar cookies are incredibly versatile — you can decorate them for special events or enjoy them plain with a cup of tea. This classic sugar cookie recipe is simple, easy to follow, and requires only basic ingredients, making it a go-to for both beginner bakers and seasoned pros.

How to Make Classic Sugar Cookies

Crafting the perfect sugar cookie is all about mastering the balance between flavor, texture, and appearance. These cookies should be soft but slightly crispy at the edges, with just the right amount of sweetness. The key to this recipe is using high-quality butter and ensuring that you chill the dough to prevent spreading in the oven.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Prepare the dough: Start by creaming together the butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This creates the foundation for the perfect sugar cookie texture.
  2. Mix the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agent.
  3. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the creamed butter and sugar, mixing until just combined.
  4. Chill the dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour. This step is crucial to firm up the dough, making it easier to roll out and cut into shapes.
  5. Roll and cut: Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about ¼ inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to create your desired shapes.
  6. Bake: Place cookies on a lined baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden.
  7. Cool and decorate: Let the cookies cool completely before decorating with icing, sprinkles, or enjoying them plain.

What You’ll Need

To create these delightful sugar cookies, you’ll need a handful of basic ingredients. Below is a list of all the ingredients required, along with some potential substitutions for dietary preferences.

Ingredients:

  • 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon milk

Substitutions:

  • Gluten-free option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour in place of all-purpose flour.
  • Dairy-free option: Substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative like margarine, and use almond or oat milk in place of regular milk.
  • Egg-free option: You can use a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons of water) as a replacement for the egg.

Ingredient Breakdown: What Makes Sugar Cookies Special

cookies sugars ingredients

Understanding the role of each ingredient helps in crafting the best sugar cookie possible:

  • Butter: Provides richness and the melt-in-your-mouth texture. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the salt level in the recipe.
  • Sugar: Granulated sugar not only sweetens the cookies but also contributes to their slight crispness. For a softer texture, you can mix in some brown sugar.
  • Egg: Binds the ingredients and helps the cookies rise slightly. It also adds a bit of tenderness.
  • Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, aromatic flavor. You can experiment with other extracts like almond or lemon for a different twist.
  • Flour: The structure of the cookie. All-purpose flour is ideal, but alternatives like whole wheat or gluten-free flour can be used for dietary needs.
  • Baking powder: Helps the cookies rise and creates a lighter texture.

Complete Recipe

Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the recipe with precise measurements, cooking times, and detailed instructions for making your own sugar cookies at home:

Ingredients:

  • 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon milk

Directions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
  3. Add the egg and vanilla: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and milk, mixing until smooth.
  4. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
  5. Chill the dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight).
  6. Roll and cut: On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about ¼ inch thick. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes.
  7. Bake: Arrange cookies on the prepared baking sheets and bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
  8. Decorate (optional): Once cooled, decorate with icing, sprinkles, or enjoy them plain.

Serving and Storage Tips

 

Serving Suggestions:

Sugar cookies are incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways:

  • For a festive occasion: Decorate with royal icing and sprinkles to match the theme.
  • Pair with beverages: Serve alongside a cup of coffee, hot chocolate, or a glass of milk for a delightful treat.
  • Ice cream sandwiches: Sandwich two sugar cookies with a scoop of ice cream in the middle for an indulgent dessert.

Storage:

  • Room temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
  • Freeze the dough: You can freeze the cookie dough for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the fridge before rolling out and baking.
  • Freeze baked cookies: If you want to freeze the baked cookies, layer them with parchment paper in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some common mistakes people make when preparing sugar cookies and how to avoid them:

  • Skipping the chilling step: If you don’t chill the dough, your cookies may spread too much in the oven and lose their shape.
  • Overmixing the dough: Overmixing can result in tough, dense cookies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
  • Baking too long: Sugar cookies should be slightly soft when they come out of the oven. If you bake them until they are fully hard, they will be too crispy once cooled.

Tips and Tricks

  • Rolling out the dough: Roll the dough between two sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure an even thickness.
  • Even baking: For uniform cookies, rotate the baking sheets halfway through the baking time.
  • Flavor variations: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest or a hint of almond extract for a subtle twist on the classic flavor.

FAQ

Can I make these cookies without a cookie cutter?

Yes! You can simply roll the dough into balls and flatten them slightly with a glass for round cookies.

How do I make these sugar cookies softer?

To make softer sugar cookies, slightly underbake them. Pull them out of the oven when the edges are set but the center is still soft.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Yes, margarine can be used in place of butter, but the flavor will be slightly different, and the cookies may spread a bit more.

Other Similar Recipes

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Conclusion

Sugar cookies are a classic recipe that is easy to make, delicious, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a party, or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, these cookies are sure to be a hit. Try this recipe and let us know how they turned out by sharing your photos or leaving a comment below. Enjoy!

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