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
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 ยพ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ยผ 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 ยผ 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 350ยฐF (175ยฐC). 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.
