easy sugar cookie recipe
These easy sugar cookies are perfect for any occasion. They are soft, buttery, and have a delightful sweetness that makes them a favorite among both children and adults. With simple ingredients and minimal steps, you can whip up a batch in no time!
Equipment
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1 electric mixer or whisk
- 1 baking sheet
- 1 parchment paper (optional)
- 1 measuring cups and spoons
- 1 cooling rack
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar Additional for rolling
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease it lightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer or whisk until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, and continue to mix until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball, then roll the ball in additional granulated sugar to coat it lightly. Place the cookie dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look slightly underbaked but will firm up as they cool.
- Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Notes
You can add sprinkles or colored sugar to the top of the cookies before baking for a festive touch.
If you want to make the cookies more flavorful, consider adding a pinch of almond extract or lemon zest in addition to the vanilla extract.
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.