There’s something so nostalgic about a warm batch of sugar cookies. These sweet, buttery treats are perfect for any occasion—whether you're whipping up a holiday dessert or just indulging a weekday craving. This easy sugar cookie recipe has become a staple in my kitchen, especially when I need a crowd-pleaser in a pinch. The best part? You can make them in under 30 minutes with simple pantry ingredients.
With a few tips and tricks, you’ll have soft, chewy sugar cookies that are practically irresistible. Let's dive into what makes this sugar cookie recipe so fantastic.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Sugar Cookie Recipe
Get ready to meet your new go-to cookie recipe! These sugar cookies are simple, delicious, and a breeze to make.
The beauty of these sugar cookies is their simplicity. With just a handful of basic ingredients, you can create a batch of cookies that taste bakery-fresh. This recipe calls for ingredients you probably already have, so there’s no need for a special trip to the store.
These cookies have a soft and chewy texture that melts in your mouth. Unlike some sugar cookies that can turn out dry or crumbly, this recipe guarantees cookies that stay soft for days.
They’re also versatile! You can easily customize this recipe with sprinkles, frosting, or even a dash of almond extract for extra flavor. From holiday shapes to classic round cookies, this dough is perfect for rolling, cutting, or decorating any way you like.
Best of all, this recipe is kid-friendly. The simple steps make it a fun and easy activity to share with little ones, and they’ll love helping out, especially with the decorating.
Ingredients Notes

This easy sugar cookie recipe relies on just a few basic ingredients to achieve the perfect flavor and texture. Let’s take a closer look at each one.
Butter: For that rich, buttery taste, you’ll need unsalted butter. Make sure it’s softened to room temperature so it mixes smoothly with the other ingredients. If you only have salted butter on hand, just reduce the additional salt in the recipe.
Sugar: Granulated sugar is the star here, providing the sweetness and that classic sugar cookie texture. You can sprinkle a little extra on top of the cookies before baking for added sparkle and crunch.
Egg: A single egg adds moisture and helps bind the dough together, creating a tender cookie that holds up well. Make sure it’s at room temperature for best results.
Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract brings out the sweetness in these cookies and adds warmth to the flavor. For an even richer flavor, try adding a splash of almond extract as well.
All-Purpose Flour: Basic all-purpose flour gives these cookies their structure. Be sure to measure your flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off with a knife to avoid dense cookies.
You won’t need any special equipment for this recipe, just a mixing bowl, an electric mixer (or some elbow grease), and a baking sheet.
How To Make This Easy Sugar Cookie Recipe

Making these sugar cookies is as easy as it gets. Let’s break it down into a few simple steps so you’ll have perfect cookies in no time.
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures the cookies bake evenly and don’t stick to the pan. While your oven is heating, gather your ingredients.
In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This step is crucial for a light, airy texture, so don’t rush it! You want the butter-sugar mixture to be pale in color and slightly creamy.
Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, and continue mixing until everything is well combined. The dough should be smooth and creamy at this stage.
Now it’s time to add the flour and salt. Gently fold them into the wet ingredients, mixing just until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough. The dough should be soft but not sticky.
Scoop out about 1-2 tablespoons of dough per cookie, rolling each portion into a ball. Place them on the baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie for spreading. For a little extra sparkle, sprinkle some granulated sugar on top of each cookie.
Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, just until the edges are set and the tops look slightly underbaked. This will ensure a soft, chewy center. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
In less than 30 minutes, you’ll have a batch of irresistible sugar cookies that everyone will love!
Storage Options
These sugar cookies are perfect for making ahead and storing for later enjoyment. Here’s how to keep them fresh.
Store your cooled sugar cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and fresh for up to 5 days. Just be sure to keep them away from humidity, which can make them stale.
For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, where they’ll keep for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature for about 20 minutes.
If you’d like to freeze the dough instead, simply roll the dough into balls and freeze them unbaked. You can bake them directly from frozen—just add an extra minute or two to the baking time.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about this sugar cookie recipe is how versatile it is. Here are a few ideas to make it your own.
For a festive touch, roll the dough in colored sugar or sprinkles before baking. It’s a simple way to add color and texture, perfect for holidays or special occasions.
If you love citrus flavors, add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the dough. This gives the cookies a refreshing twist that’s especially delicious in the warmer months.
For a richer flavor, try replacing a tablespoon of vanilla extract with almond extract. It adds a subtle, nutty note that pairs beautifully with the buttery base of these cookies.
If you prefer a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Just make sure it’s one that substitutes 1:1 with regular flour.
And for a decadent touch, dip the cooled cookies in melted chocolate and let them set on parchment paper. It’s a simple upgrade that makes these cookies feel extra special.
This easy sugar cookie recipe is endlessly adaptable and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you keep them simple or add your own creative twist, these cookies are bound to be a hit.
PrintEasy Sugar Cookie Recipe
This easy sugar cookie recipe is perfect for beginners and yields soft, chewy cookies that hold their shape well, making it ideal for cut-out cookies. Customize with your favorite icing and sprinkles to make them festive for any celebration!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp almond extract (optional)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in egg, vanilla, and almond extract (if using).
- Gradually add dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Roll dough to about ¼ inch thick on a floured surface.
- Cut into shapes and place on prepared baking sheets.
- Bake 8-10 minutes, until edges are just starting to brown.
- Cool on wire racks and decorate as desired.
Notes
- For crispier cookies, roll dough thinner and bake slightly longer.
- Chilling dough before rolling helps cookies keep their shape.
- Store in an airtight container for up to a week or freeze for later.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 70mg
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