Name: easy sugar cookie recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar (Additional for rolling); 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt

Sugar cookies is one of those treats thats simple but still fun to make. You dont need fancy tools or loads of skill, just some basic stuff and a bit of time. They can be cut into any shapes you like or just scooped out for plain round cookies. Plus, you can change up the flavor or color and make every batch a little different—kids and adults both will love it.

Introduction

Sugar cookies are slow baked treats that taste sweet and buttery. You can roll them out flat and cut shapes for birthdays or holidays, or just drop spoonfuls onto a sheet for classic round cookies. The dough is easy, so even if you didnt bake much before you can still get great results. And if you want, add extracts or food coloring and lets your creativity run wild.

This recipe is perfect when you want something quick but still look be professional. It only takes a few ingredients, and you dont have to worry about any tricky steps. In less than an hour youll have fresh cookies that smell amazing and taste even beter.

Ingredients

Heres what you need to make a basic batch of sugar cookies:

All-purpose flour
Granulated sugar
Baking powder
Unsalted butter, softened
Egg
Vanilla extract
Salt

Optional add-ins if you want to switch things up:

Almond extract for a nutty taste
Food coloring for bright decorations
Confectioners’ sugar for icing

Equipment Needed

You dont need much, just the basics:

Baking sheet – to bake your cookies on
Mixing bowls – to mix stuff together
Whisk or electric mixer – to cream butter and sugar
Cookie cutters – if you wanna shape your cookies
Rolling pin – only if you roll out dough
Parchment paper or silicone mat – so cookies dont stick
Cooling rack – for letting cookies cool down

Step-by-Step Directions

Preheat the Oven

Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). This way by the time your dough is ready, the oven is hot and cookies bake evenly.

Prepare the Dough

In a bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. Use a mixer or whisk and beat it for about 2–3 minutes until light and fluffy. Then crack in the egg and pour the vanilla extract, mix again till it looks smooth. Gradually add the flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir gently till you get a dough. Dont overmix or cookies will be tough.

Chill the Dough

Wrap the dough in plastic wrap or press it into a disc. Put it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps keep the cookies from spreading too much while they bake.

Roll and Cut

After chilling, dust a clean surface with flour. Roll the dough about ¼-inch thick. Press out shapes with your cookie cutters and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Bake the Cookies

Slide the sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 8–10 minutes. Keep an eye on them—edges should just start to turn light gold. They still cook a bit after you take them out, so dont let them get too brown.

Cooling and Storing

Let the cookies sit on the baking sheet for a couple minutes, then move them to a cooling rack. Once totally cool, store in an airtight container at room temp for up to a week. You can also freeze them if you want them later.

Decorating Your Sugar Cookies

When cookies are cool, you can ice them or add sprinkles. Make a simple icing by mixing confectioners’ sugar with a little milk and vanilla. Spread it with a spoon or pipe it if you have a bag. Sprinkle colored sugar or edible glitter before the icing sets. If kids help, set out bowls of toppings and let them go wild.

Variations on the Basic Recipe

Try adding lemon zest or a few drops of lemon extract for a citrus twist. To make chocolate sugar cookies, mix in some cocoa powder. For gluten-free, swap the flour with a gluten-free blend. You can even cut back on sugar if you like less sweet treats.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If cookies spread too much, make sure dough was chilled long enough or your oven isnt too cool. If dough is sticky to handle, sprinkle in more flour. Overbaking makes them hard, so check them a minute or two early next time.

FAQs

What makes sugar cookies puff up?

Puffing is from the baking powder reacting with heat and moisture, creating little air pockets.

Can I use baking soda instead of baking powder?

You can, but you need an acid like cream of tartar or lemon juice to make it work the same way.

How do I make my sugar cookie dough less sticky?

Chill it longer or dust your counter and rolling pin with flour before rolling out the dough.

What can I use instead of eggs?

Try applesauce (¼ cup per egg), flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flax with 3 tablespoon water), or a commercial egg replacer.

How do I store sugar cookies for freshness?

Keep them in an airtight container at room temp. For longer storage, freeze them after they’re fully cool.

Conclusion

This sugar cookie recipe is foolproof and super fun. You get soft, tasty cookies fast and can make a bunch of cool variations. Share them with friends or save some for yourself—either way, you’ll end up with sweet memories and maybe a few crumbs left over!