Sugar cookies are the kind of treat that never tries too hard. No fancy fillings. No heavy flavors. Just soft, buttery sweetness that melts gently in your mouth. They’re the cookies you make when you want something comforting, familiar, and satisfying without turning baking into a stressful project.
This sugar cookie recipe is classic, beginner-friendly, and beautifully simple. The kind of recipe where someone stands beside you in the kitchen and says, “Just do it like this, you’ll be fine.” Whether you’re baking for tea time, holidays, guests, or just a quiet snack moment, sugar cookies always show up and do their job.
Ingredients
- ½ cup butter (softened, not melted)
- ¾ cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Optional Extras
- Sprinkles
- Cinnamon sugar
- Chocolate chips
Kitchen Tools
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or spoon
- Baking tray
- Parchment paper (optional but helpful)
- Oven
How to Prepare Sugar Cookies (Step-by-Step)
1. Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line your baking tray with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a bowl, mix the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step helps give the cookies their soft texture.
Tip: If the butter is too cold, let it sit out for a few minutes. Soft butter blends better.
3. Add the Egg and Vanilla
Crack in the egg and pour in the vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture becomes smooth and well combined.
4. Add the Dry Ingredients
Gradually mix in the flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir gently until a soft dough forms. The dough should feel soft and easy to handle, not sticky or dry.
5. Shape the Cookies
Scoop small portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the baking tray, leaving space between each one.
Lightly flatten the tops using your palm or the back of a fork.
6. Bake
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden while the center still looks soft. Don’t wait for them to turn brown, sugar cookies firm up as they cool.
7. Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the tray for a few minutes before transferring them to a plate or rack.
Tips for Soft, Perfect Sugar Cookies
- Don’t overbake. Slightly underbaked cookies stay soft and tender.
- Soft butter is key. Melted butter changes the texture completely.
- Give cookies space. They spread slightly while baking.
- Use consistent sizes. This helps them bake evenly.
Easy Variations to Try
Cinnamon Sugar Cookies
Before baking, sprinkle cinnamon mixed with sugar on top of each cookie for a warm, cozy flavor.
Holiday Sugar Cookies
Add colorful sprinkles on top before baking, perfect for celebrations and gift boxes.
Chewy Sugar Cookies
Swap white sugar for brown sugar to get a softer, chewier texture.
Chocolate Chip Sugar Cookies
Fold in chocolate chips for a sweeter, more indulgent twist.
Sugar cookies are flexible, once you understand the base, you can experiment freely.
How to Serve Sugar Cookies
- With tea, coffee, or milk
- As a simple dessert snack
- Packed in lunch boxes
- Shared with friends or guests
- Wrapped as a homemade gift
Sugar cookies prove that simple doesn’t mean boring. With just a few basic ingredients, you get a treat that’s comforting, familiar, and always welcome. No stress. No drama. Just classic sweetness done right.
Once you master this sugar cookie recipe, it becomes a foundation, something you can tweak, dress up, or keep plain depending on your mood. And honestly, that’s the beauty of it.
