Introduction

Sugar cookies are a classic, sweet treat loved by all ages. Their simple flavors and soft texture make them perfect for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to everyday snacks.

Classic Sugar Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

1 cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar
2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
Step 2: Gradually add the flour to the mixture, mixing until the dough forms and is smooth. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour.
Step 3: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll the chilled dough out on a lightly floured surface to about ¼ inch thickness.
Step 4: Use cookie cutters to cut shapes from the dough and place them on an ungreased baking sheet about 1 inch apart.
Step 5: Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until edges are just starting to turn golden. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or lemon zest to the dough.
Use colored sugar or sprinkles to decorate cookies before baking for a festive touch.
If dough is too sticky to roll, chill it longer or lightly flour your rolling surface.

Storage

Store sugar cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To keep them fresh longer, you can freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to soften before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, the dough can be prepared and refrigerated for up to 3 days before rolling and baking. This makes it convenient to bake fresh cookies whenever you like.

What can I use if I don’t have vanilla extract?

If you don’t have vanilla extract, you can substitute with an equal amount of almond extract or simply omit it. The cookies will still be delicious but with a slightly different flavor.

Classic Sugar Cookies Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 99 reviews

Classic sugar cookies featuring a buttery, sweet dough that is rolled out, cut into shapes, and baked to a perfect, lightly golden finish. This simple, timeless recipe yields tender cookies that are crisp on the edges and soft inside—perfect for any occasion or holiday treat.

Author: Cleo
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

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

Wet Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Prepare Dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Roll and Cut: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the dough to approximately 1/4 inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut the dough into your desired shapes, and place them onto an ungreased baking sheet, leaving space between them for slight spreading.
Bake Cookies: Bake the cookie cutouts in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.