If you’re craving a sweet treat that feels like a warm hug from your childhood, this Classic Sugar Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need. These cookies strike the perfect balance between a tender crumb and just the right amount of sweetness, making them irresistible any time of year. Whether it’s a festive holiday gathering or an afternoon snack with a cup of tea, these sugar cookies bring simple, timeless joy in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Classic Sugar Cookies Recipe calls for just a handful of pantry staples, each playing a crucial role in creating the perfect cookie. Nothing fancy here, just classic ingredients that come together beautifully to deliver that soft, buttery texture and delicate vanilla flavor we all adore.
- Butter: Using unsalted butter ensures control over salt levels while adding rich creaminess to the dough.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar not only sweetens but also helps achieve that slight crispiness on the edges.
- Egg: The egg binds everything together and adds moisture, keeping the cookies soft and tender.
- Flour: All-purpose flour provides the structure and gives the cookies that classic melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Vanilla: Pure vanilla extract brings warmth and depth, elevating this simple cookie into something truly special.
How to Make Classic Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar
Start by beating softened butter and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the dough, resulting in cookies with a tender crumb and a slight lift. Take your time here to achieve the perfect creamy texture.
Step 2: Add Egg
Next, mix in the egg until it’s fully combined. The egg adds richness and helps bind all the ingredients together, ensuring your cookies hold their shape during baking.
Step 3: Incorporate Flour
Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the mixture and stir until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep your cookies soft rather than tough. The flour’s role here is crucial to provide that wonderful classic sugar cookie texture.
Step 4: Roll and Cut the Dough
Lightly flour your workspace and roll out the dough to about a quarter-inch thickness. Use your favorite cookie cutters to create fun shapes or stick with classic rounds for a simple, timeless look. This step is where you can get creative or keep it traditional!
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
Place your cutouts on a lined baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes, or until the edges just start to turn golden. Keep a close eye so they don’t overbake — you want them soft and slightly chewy inside with a delicate crisp on the outside.
How to Serve Classic Sugar Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these sugar cookies shine on their own, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate can add an elegant touch. For holiday occasions, colorful sprinkles or a thin glaze made with powdered sugar and milk make them festive and fun without overshadowing their lovely vanilla flavor.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a glass of cold milk, a cup of freshly brewed coffee, or a comforting mug of hot cocoa. The creamy beverages perfectly complement the cookies’ buttery sweetness and make snack time feel extra cozy.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn these cookies into beautiful gifts by stacking them in a cellophane bag tied with a ribbon or layering them in a decorative tin. You can even sandwich two cookies together with a layer of buttercream or jam for a delightful twist that everyone will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your classic sugar cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Layer them between sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking and preserve that perfect soft texture.
Freezing
You can freeze the cookie dough wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer bag for up to three months. When you’re ready to bake, thaw the dough in the fridge overnight and proceed as usual. If you have leftover baked cookies, freeze them in a sealed container for up to two months.
Reheating
If the cookies lose their fresh-baked warmth, pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. This gentle warming brings back that just-baked softness and aroma, making every bite feel like it just came out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter for this recipe?
Yes, but I recommend reducing any added salt or skipping it altogether since salted butter can sometimes overpower the subtle sweetness and vanilla notes in the cookie dough.
What’s the best way to avoid spreading during baking?
Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before rolling and cutting helps the cookies hold their shapes and prevents excess spreading in the oven.
Can I add flavors other than vanilla?
Absolutely! Almond extract or lemon zest add delightful twists, but keep in mind that vanilla is the classic choice that lets the buttery sweetness shine through perfectly.
How do I make these cookies crispier?
For a crispier texture, roll the dough thinner and bake the cookies a minute or two longer, watching carefully so they don’t burn.
Is this recipe suitable for decorating with icing?
Yes, these cookies are great for decorating since they have a sturdy base that holds up well to royal icing, buttercream, or glaze without becoming soggy.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a perfect Classic Sugar Cookies Recipe—simple ingredients coming together to create endless smiles. Whether you bake them for a special occasion or just because, these cookies bring comfort and sweetness in the best possible way. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and make these delightful cookies your new favorite go-to treat!
Print
Classic Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Classic Sugar Cookies are soft, buttery, and sweet treats perfect for any occasion. Made with simple ingredients like butter, sugar, egg, flour, and vanilla, these cookies are easy to prepare and bake to golden perfection. Their delightful texture and timeless flavor make them a favorite for holiday celebrations, parties, or everyday snacking.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt (optional)
Instructions
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes and is essential for a tender cookie texture.
- Add the Egg and Vanilla: Crack the egg into the creamed mixture and add the vanilla extract. Beat on medium speed until fully incorporated and smooth, ensuring the dough is moist and cohesive.
- Incorporate the Flour: Gradually add the all-purpose flour (and salt if using) into the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed or use a wooden spoon until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Roll the Dough: Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the dough to about ¼ inch thickness. If the dough is sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for 20 to 30 minutes before rolling to make handling easier.
- Cut the Cookies: Use cookie cutters of your choice to cut shapes from the rolled dough. Transfer the cut cookies onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
- Bake the Cookies: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes or until the edges just begin to turn golden. Remove from the oven and allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For a crispier texture, roll the dough thinner or bake a few minutes longer, watching closely to prevent burning.
- These cookies can be decorated with icing or sprinkles after cooling for festive occasions.
- Make sure butter is softened but not melted for proper creaming.
- If dough is too sticky, refrigerate it before rolling to ease cutting shapes.
- Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
