There's nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked sugar cookies filling the house, especially when they're perfectly soft with a hint of vanilla. This recipe makes cookies that are buttery, slightly chewy, and just sweet enough to satisfy any sweet tooth craving. Ideal for everything from holiday baking to a quick weekday treat, these sugar cookies are so simple you'll find yourself coming back to them time and time again.

I first discovered this recipe when I needed a quick, no-fuss dessert that still delivered on flavor. It’s become my go-to, especially when baking with kids, because it’s easy to mix, roll, and cut into any shape you want. Let’s get started on these easy sugar cookies that are sure to become a household favorite!

Why You'll Love This Easy Sugar Cookie Recipe

This sugar cookie recipe is one you’ll turn to again and again for several great reasons:

First off, it’s incredibly easy and beginner-friendly. You don’t need a mixer or fancy ingredients; just basic pantry staples that you likely already have on hand. With just one bowl and no chilling required, these cookies come together in a snap.

These cookies are perfectly soft with just the right amount of chewiness. By slightly underbaking them, you’ll achieve a texture that’s irresistible – soft in the center with a barely crisp edge. If you prefer a crisper cookie, just leave them in the oven a minute or two longer!

Endless customization is another reason to love this recipe. You can add sprinkles, dip them in chocolate, or add your favorite extracts to personalize the flavor. These cookies are also great for cutting into festive shapes, making them perfect for any occasion.

Finally, they’re a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a bake sale, or just for yourself, everyone loves a classic sugar cookie. These cookies also keep well, so you can make them ahead of time for parties or holiday gift-giving.

Ingredients Notes

This recipe keeps things simple with ingredients you likely have on hand. Here’s what makes each component essential to the perfect sugar cookie.

Butter: Choose unsalted butter to control the salt in the recipe. Softened butter is key to achieving that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture, so let it sit at room temperature before mixing.
Sugar: Regular granulated sugar is all you need to sweeten these cookies. It creates a lightly crisp edge while keeping the center soft.
Egg: This binds the ingredients and adds a bit of richness. Make sure your egg is at room temperature for the best texture.
Vanilla Extract: For classic sugar cookies, vanilla is essential. If you want to add a twist, try a bit of almond extract as well.
All-Purpose Flour: This gives the cookies their structure. Be careful not to overmix once the flour is added, as this can make the cookies tough.
Baking Powder: Just a little bit helps the cookies rise, giving them a light, fluffy texture.

You’ll also need basic kitchen tools like a mixing bowl, baking sheet, and rolling pin. A cookie cutter is optional if you’d like to make shaped cookies, but you can also simply roll the dough into balls for classic round cookies.

How To Make This Easy Sugar Cookie Recipe

Making these sugar cookies is as straightforward as it gets. You’ll go from ingredients to cookies in no time!

Prepare Your Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Make sure your butter and egg are at room temperature.
Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes. Add in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until just combined.
Add the Dry Ingredients: Gradually add in the flour and baking powder, mixing until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix – stir until the ingredients are just combined for the best texture.
Shape the Cookies: For simple round cookies, scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll them into balls, and place them on the prepared baking sheet. If you’re using a cookie cutter, roll out the dough to about ¼ inch thickness on a lightly floured surface and cut out shapes as desired.
Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes. For softer cookies, pull them out just as they begin to set and the edges are lightly golden. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

In under 30 minutes, you’ll have soft, delicious sugar cookies that are ready to enjoy. These cookies are best enjoyed within a few days, but they can be stored for later, too.

Storage Options

Once baked, these sugar cookies keep well for several days. Here’s how to store them to enjoy at their best:

Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For extra freshness, place a slice of bread in the container to keep the cookies soft.
Freezing: You can freeze the cookie dough for up to three months. Just roll the dough into balls, freeze on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to bake, add an extra minute to the baking time.
Baked Cookies: You can also freeze the baked cookies. Layer them between sheets of wax or parchment paper in a container, and freeze for up to 2 months. Let them thaw at room temperature or warm them in a low oven before serving.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the joys of a classic sugar cookie recipe is its versatility. Here are some fun ways to switch things up:

Add Citrus Zest: Try adding a bit of lemon, lime, or orange zest to the dough for a bright, zesty flavor twist that complements the vanilla.
Flavor Extracts: Almond extract is a popular addition and goes well with the vanilla. Peppermint or coconut extracts are also fun options, especially during the holiday season.
Sprinkles and Decorations: Add festive sprinkles to the dough or on top before baking. You can also decorate the baked cookies with royal icing for a beautiful, customized finish.
Gluten-Free Option: Swap out the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, and you’ll have a gluten-free version that tastes just as delicious.
Chocolate Dipped: Once the cookies are baked and cooled, dip them halfway into melted chocolate and let them set on parchment paper for a decadent twist.

Experiment with different flavors and styles to find your favorite way to enjoy these sugar cookies. No matter how you customize them, they’re sure to be a hit!