Name: Best Easy Sugar Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional); 3 tablespoons milk; additional granulated sugar for rolling

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If there’s one classic treat that never loses its charm, it’s these Best Easy Sugar Cookies. They’re soft in the center, lightly crisp at the edges, and sparkling with a sugary coating that practically begs you to dive in for “just one more.” With a handful of pantry staples and straightforward steps, you’ll soon be savoring cookies that are just as magical for holiday trays as they are for spontaneous weekend baking. Trust me, after one bite, you’ll understand why these Best Easy Sugar Cookies are an absolute must in every baker’s repertoire!

Best Easy Sugar Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The secret to unforgettable Best Easy Sugar Cookies is all in the balance of simple, high quality ingredients. Each one plays a special part, from contributing to that velvety bite to deepening the flavor or giving those edges their signature golden hue.

All-purpose flour: Provides structure and gives your cookies that classic, tender crumb everyone loves.
Baking soda: Ensures just enough lift, resulting in cookies that are soft but never cakey.
Baking powder: Helps give the cookies a subtle puff and delicate texture.
Unsalted butter, softened: Adds rich flavor, perfectly melds with sugar, and is essential for chewy, melt-in-your-mouth centers.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and creates that irresistible sparkling finish when you roll the dough balls before baking.
Large egg: Brings moisture and helps bind everything together so your cookies don’t crumble.
Vanilla extract: Provides warm, inviting aroma and the classic sugar cookie flavor.
Almond extract (optional): Adds a delicate, nutty note that takes your Best Easy Sugar Cookies up a notch (highly recommended for extra depth!).
Milk: Keeps the dough soft so the cookies bake up beautifully tender.
Additional granulated sugar for rolling: Coats each dough ball for a sweet, sparkly crunch on every bite.

How to Make Best Easy Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pans

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready to go when your dough is. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cookie removal and perfectly golden bottoms every time. While the oven works its magic, you can mix the dough without rushing.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and baking powder. This guarantees every bite of your Best Easy Sugar Cookies is light, tender, and evenly risen. Making sure these dry ingredients are well-combined now saves you from overmixing later!

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream your softened butter and sugar together until the mixture looks light and fluffy—about 3 minutes with a hand mixer. This step is key for those soft, pillowy centers, as it incorporates air and helps the sugar dissolve right into the butter.

Step 4: Add Egg and Extracts

Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract if using. The egg brings everything together, while the extracts infuse each cookie with classic bakery-style aroma and richness.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry

Gradually add the dry mixture to your creamed butter and sugar, mixing on low just until it’s combined—no need to overdo it! Then, stir in the milk. Your dough should look soft, tender, and just slightly tacky, perfect for rolling.

Step 6: Shape and Sugar-Coat

Using a tablespoon, scoop out even portions of dough and gently roll them into balls. Roll each one through the extra granulated sugar and line them up on your prepared baking sheet, keeping about two inches between each. Press them gently with the bottom of a glass to flatten just slightly—this ensures even baking and pretty, bakery-style rounds.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake your Best Easy Sugar Cookies for 8-10 minutes, watching carefully for edges that are just starting to turn golden while the centers remain pale and soft. That’s the secret for the ultimate texture. Allow them to cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then move to a wire rack to finish cooling. Try to resist snatching one too soon—though I know it’s tough!

How to Serve Best Easy Sugar Cookies

Garnishes

Take your Best Easy Sugar Cookies from simple to show-stopping by sprinkling with colored sanding sugar before baking for festive flair, or dusting with powdered sugar after cooling for an elegant touch. For extra fun, layer on a bit of buttercream frosting or drizzle white chocolate for a bakery look.

Side Dishes

Pair your cookies with a glass of icy-cold milk for tradition, or set out with fresh berries, vanilla ice cream, or even a warm mug of tea or coffee. Their delicate flavor makes them the perfect companion to just about any sweet (or even slightly savory) treat on your table.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack them in cellophane bags tied with cheerful ribbons for homemade gifts, arrange in a tiered platter with other colorful cookies, or use as a custom base for ice cream sandwiches or edible place cards. Best Easy Sugar Cookies shine at bake sales, holiday swaps, and family parties—let your creativity run wild!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Best Easy Sugar Cookies soft and fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They retain their pure vanilla flavor and tender bite for up to one week—you might be surprised they last that long!

Freezing

For future cravings, freeze baked cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to three months. You can also freeze the unbaked dough balls (already sugar-rolled and slightly flattened) for effortless, freshly-baked cookies anytime.

Reheating

To refresh cookies that have been stored or frozen, pop them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for just a few minutes. They’ll regain that just-baked aroma, and any edges that have softened will crisp up again nicely.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Absolutely! If you only have salted butter, simply reduce the added salt in the recipe or omit it altogether. Your Best Easy Sugar Cookies will still be delicious, though the flavor will be just a hint saltier.

What does the almond extract add?

Almond extract gives your cookies a subtle, nutty complexity that rounds out the sweetness and vanilla. It’s optional, but if you love bakery-style sugar cookies, I highly recommend giving it a try!

How do I keep the cookies from spreading too much?

If your dough is very warm (from a hot kitchen or overworking), you can chill it for 15-30 minutes before rolling. Also, ensure your baking soda and baking powder are fresh for the perfect rise in your Best Easy Sugar Cookies.

Can I decorate these cookies after baking?

Definitely! Once your cookies have cooled, they’re fantastic canvases for icing, sprinkles, melted chocolate, or even a swipe of homemade jam. Decorating makes them perfect for holidays and special occasions.

Are these cookies soft or crisp?

These Best Easy Sugar Cookies have irresistibly soft centers with lightly crisp edges. If you prefer a crunchier cookie, bake them a minute or two longer; if you prefer extra soft, check them earlier and pull them out at the first hint of golden edges.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something truly joyful about sharing (and eating!) a batch of Best Easy Sugar Cookies. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or a cozy night in, this simple recipe guarantees cookies everyone will adore. Give them a try—you may just discover your new favorite sweet tradition!

Best Easy Sugar Cookies Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 8 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Best Easy Sugar Cookies are a classic favorite, perfect for any occasion. Soft and buttery with just the right amount of sweetness, these cookies are sure to be a hit with everyone.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder

Wet Ingredients:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
3 tablespoons milk
additional granulated sugar for rolling

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
Add wet ingredients: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract if using.
Combine ingredients: Add the dry ingredients gradually, mixing until just combined. Stir in the milk until the dough comes together and is soft but not sticky.
Shape and bake: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll into balls, coat in sugar, and place on the baking sheet. Flatten slightly with a glass. Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are golden.
Cool and store: Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Enjoy as is or decorate for extra festive fun!