Easy Sugar Cookies
There’s something truly magical about a warm batch of homemade sugar cookies. It’s one of those recipes that never fails to brighten my family’s day. I started making these cookies because, as a mom, I’m always on the lookout for treats that are as easy to prepare as they are delicious. These sugar cookies have become a staple in our home, and they’re so versatile! Whether we’re celebrating a holiday or just indulging in a little weekday sweetness, they fit the bill perfectly. The simplicity of this recipe means I can whip it up on a whim, and the ingredients are things I usually have on hand.
One of my favorite things about these cookies is how customizable they are. My kids love helping cut out different shapes, and sometimes we add sprinkles or frosting to make them even more fun. There’s something special about seeing their faces light up when they taste the first bite—they’re sweet but not overly so, with just the right amount of crunch on the outside and a soft, tender middle. Every bite reminds me why this recipe has become a go-to for our family. I’ve tried a lot of sugar cookie recipes over the years, but this one stands out for its ease, flavor, and the pure joy it brings to our home.
Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe:
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can! The dough can be made a day in advance and kept in the fridge. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes so it’s easier to roll out.
Do I need any special tools?
A rolling pin and cookie cutters are ideal, but if you don’t have cutters, you can use a glass to make simple round shapes.
Can I freeze these cookies?
Absolutely. They freeze well, both as dough and after baking. Just make sure they’re in an airtight container.
What’s the best way to keep them fresh?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for up to a week!
What You Need to Make Easy Sugar Cookies:
Ingredients:
2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon baking powder
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 ½ cups white sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon almond extract (optional, but adds great flavor)
1 tablespoon milk
Tools & Equipment:
Mixing bowls
Hand mixer or stand mixer
Rolling pin
Cookie cutters (any shape you like)
Baking sheet and parchment paper
How to Make It:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Mix the dry ingredients: In a bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside.
Cream the butter and sugar: In a separate large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until smooth and creamy. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) and mix until well combined.
Combine the mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Add the milk to help the dough come together.
Roll out the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about ¼ inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
Bake and cool: Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips:
Chill the dough if needed: If your dough is too soft, pop it in the fridge for 10-15 minutes. This helps prevent spreading and makes it easier to cut out shapes.
Use a mix of extracts: Adding a touch of almond extract alongside vanilla gives a wonderful depth of flavor. If you don’t have almond, feel free to add a bit of lemon or orange zest for a fruity twist!
Prevent sticking: Lightly flour your surface and rolling pin to avoid the dough sticking, but don’t overdo it, as excess flour can make the cookies dry.
Adjust thickness to preference: For a softer cookie, roll the dough a bit thicker; for a crisper cookie, go thinner.
Latest Reviews:
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 “These cookies were a hit with my kids! So easy to make, and they loved helping with the cookie cutters. Definitely making this again!”
🌟🌟🌟🌟 “Perfect for a quick treat. I love that I didn’t have to buy any fancy ingredients. Next time, I’ll add a little more almond extract for an extra kick!”
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 “I made these for a bake sale, and they sold out fast! Everyone kept asking for the recipe. Thanks for such a simple and delicious recipe!”
🌟🌟🌟🌟 “Tasted great, but I think I rolled them too thin. They came out crispier than I’d like. Will roll thicker next time!”
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 “Super easy to make, and my whole family loved them. I even froze a batch for later, and they tasted just as good after baking!”
Printable Recipe:
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Easy Sugar Cookies
Soft and buttery with a hint of vanilla, these Easy Sugar Cookies are perfect for any occasion. They’re simple to make, require basic ingredients, and are perfect for baking with kids. Whether you’re enjoying them plain or adding frosting and sprinkles, these cookies are sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face!
Ingredients
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups white sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional, but adds great flavor)
- 1 tablespoon milk
- Tools & Equipment:
- Mixing bowls
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutters (any shape you like)
- Baking sheet and parchment paper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside.
- Cream the butter and sugar: In a separate large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until smooth and creamy. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) and mix until well combined.
- Combine the mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Add the milk to help the dough come together.
- Roll out the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about ¼ inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake and cool: Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
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