Ah, sugar cookies! There’s something so magical about biting into one of these soft, sweet delights. I remember the first time I baked sugar cookies with my grandma. The kitchen filled with that warm, buttery aroma, and we could hardly wait for them to cool before devouring them. It’s a simple recipe, but it holds a special place in my heart—and in the hearts of anyone lucky enough to share them! This classic sugar cookie recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re celebrating a birthday, a holiday, or just indulging in a sweet treat after a long day. Trust me, once you make these cookies, you’ll be hooked! They’re incredibly easy to whip up, and you probably have most of the ingredients on hand already. Plus, they’re versatile enough to dress up with sprinkles or frosting for a festive touch, making them a go-to choice for gatherings. So, let’s get baking and create some delicious memories together!

Ingredients for Sugar Cookies

Gathering the right ingredients is essential for those perfect sugar cookies. Here’s what you’ll need to make about 24 delightful cookies:

2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, sifted for fluffiness
1 teaspoon baking soda, to help them rise
1/2 teaspoon baking powder, for that soft texture
1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature (this is key, trust me!)
1 1/2 cups white sugar, because who doesn’t love sweetness?
1 egg, to bind everything together
1 teaspoon vanilla extract, for that classic flavor
1/2 teaspoon almond extract, which adds a lovely nutty note
3/4 cup white sugar, for rolling the cookie balls before baking

These ingredients come together to create the softest, most delicious sugar cookies you’ve ever tasted. Make sure to have everything measured and ready to go; it makes the process so much easier and more fun! Happy baking!

How to Prepare Sugar Cookies

Now that you’ve got your ingredients ready, it’s time to bring these sugar cookies to life! Follow my step-by-step instructions, and you’ll have a batch of warm, sweet cookies in no time. Let’s get started!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat your oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your cookies bake evenly right from the get-go.
Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 3/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder. This is the foundation for your cookies, so make sure it’s well combined!
Cream the butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat 1 cup of softened unsalted butter with 1 1/2 cups of white sugar until light and fluffy. You can use a hand mixer or stand mixer for this—it should be creamy and smooth.
Add the egg and extracts: Beat in 1 egg, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract until fully incorporated. The aroma at this point is simply divine!
Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually blend the flour mixture into the wet mixture. I like to do this in batches to avoid a flour explosion—mix until just combined!
Shape the cookies: Now, roll rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls. Don’t worry about making them perfect; a little rustic charm is what we’re going for! Roll each ball in the 3/4 cup of white sugar to create that lovely, sweet crust.
Prepare for baking: Place the sugar-coated balls on ungreased cookie sheets, leaving enough space between them. Then, flatten each ball gently with a glass—you want them to spread nicely while baking.
Bake: Pop the trays into your preheated oven and bake for about 8 to 10 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you want the edges to be slightly golden but the centers to remain soft.
Cool: Once done, let the cookies cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. This step is crucial to avoid cookie breakage!

And there you have it! Follow these steps, and you’ll be rewarded with a delightful batch of sugar cookies that’ll have everyone begging for the recipe. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!

Tips for Success

To ensure your sugar cookies turn out perfectly every time, here are my top tips! First, consider chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before rolling it into balls. This not only makes the dough easier to handle but also helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking—no one wants flat sugar cookies!

Next, keep an eye on your baking time. Every oven is a little different, so if you prefer softer cookies, aim for the lower end of the baking time (around 8 minutes). If you like them crispier, let them go a minute or two longer. Just remember, they’ll firm up a bit more as they cool, so don’t bake them until they’re rock hard!

Lastly, don’t be shy with the sugar for rolling! It adds a delightful crunch and extra sweetness, making your cookies even more irresistible. Happy baking!

Variations of Sugar Cookies

One of the best things about sugar cookies is how easily they can be customized! If you’re in the mood for something different, here are a few fun variations to try:

Chocolate Chip Sugar Cookies: Fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips when mixing your dough for a delightful twist!
Sprinkle Cookies: Add colorful sprinkles to the dough or on top before baking for a festive touch—perfect for birthdays!
Citrus Zest: Mix in 1 tablespoon of lemon or orange zest to give your cookies a refreshing citrus flavor.
Spiced Sugar Cookies: Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spiced flavor, especially lovely during the fall.
Pecan Praline: Chop up 1/2 cup of pecans and mix them into the dough for a nutty crunch.

These variations can elevate your classic sugar cookies to a whole new level, so feel free to get creative and make them your own!

Nutritional Information

When it comes to indulging in sugar cookies, it’s always good to know what you’re treating yourself to! Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for one delightful sugar cookie:

Calories: 150
Sugar: 10g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 30mg
Sodium: 50mg
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 1g

These cookies are certainly a sweet treat, so enjoy them in moderation! They’re perfect for sharing, and knowing the nutritional info can help you savor each bite even more. Happy baking and indulging!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Storing your sugar cookies properly is key to keeping them fresh and delicious! I recommend placing your cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay yummy for about a week—if they last that long! If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Just wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to three months in the freezer!

When you’re ready to enjoy a cookie from the freezer, simply let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. If you prefer them warm, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, and they’ll be just like fresh-baked! Trust me, there’s nothing quite like the aroma of a warm sugar cookie filling your kitchen again!

FAQ About Sugar Cookies

I get a lot of questions about sugar cookies, so let’s tackle some of the most common ones together! First up, can I use brown sugar instead of white sugar? Absolutely! Brown sugar will give your cookies a richer flavor and a slightly chewier texture, which is a delicious twist!

Another popular question is, how can I prevent my cookies from spreading too much? If you find your cookies flattening out while baking, try chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before rolling it into balls. This helps them hold their shape better.

What’s the best way to decorate sugar cookies? You can get super creative here! Try icing with royal icing for a polished look, or simply sprinkle some colored sugar on top before baking for a fun touch.

And can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the dough, wrap it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to three days or freeze it for up to three months. Just let it soften a bit before rolling it out.

Lastly, how do I know when my cookies are done baking? Look for just a hint of golden edges, while the centers should still look soft. They’ll firm up as they cool, giving you that perfect balance of a crispy exterior and soft middle!

Delicious Sugar Cookies: 7 Steps to Sweet Comfort Today

Author: Louna
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Classic sugar cookies that are soft and sweet.

Ingredients

Scale

2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups white sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
3/4 cup white sugar for decoration

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a bowl, mix flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
In another bowl, cream together butter and 1 1/2 cups sugar.
Beat in egg and add vanilla and almond extracts.
Gradually blend in the flour mixture.
Roll rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls, and roll in sugar.
Place on ungreased cookie sheets and flatten with a glass.
Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven.
Cool on wire racks.

Notes

Store cookies in an airtight container.
Chill dough for 30 minutes for better handling.
Adjust baking time for desired crispness.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 150
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 50mg
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 1g
Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: sugar cookies, classic cookies, dessert cookies

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