If you ever find yourself craving a simple, nostalgic treat that never fails to bring a smile, this Classic Sugar Cookies Recipe is your new best friend. These cookies are perfectly tender yet delightfully crisp at the edges, with just the right balance of sweetness and vanilla warmth. Whether you’re making them for a festive occasion or a quiet afternoon snack, this recipe delivers that irresistible homemade comfort with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind these Classic Sugar Cookies Recipe lies in a few straightforward, trustworthy ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in crafting the perfect texture and flavor that sugar cookie lovers adore.
- All-purpose flour (2.75 cups): Sifted before measuring for a lighter, more delicate cookie texture.
- Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Acts as a leavening agent to give your cookies a gentle lift.
- Baking soda (0.5 teaspoon): Works in harmony with baking powder to enhance fluffiness and texture.
- Salt (0.5 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor complexity.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup): Softened at room temperature, it ensures a creamy base and tender crumb.
- Granulated sugar (1.5 cups): Provides the signature sweetness and helps create delightfully crisp edges.
- Large egg (1): Binds everything together with a little boost of moisture.
- Pure vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds inviting warmth and aroma to every bite.
- Powdered sugar (0.5 cup): Perfect for dusting or adding a pop of decorative sweetness once cooled.
How to Make Classic Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), making sure it reaches the perfect temperature to bake your cookies evenly. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper; it prevents sticking and keeps cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the sifted all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step ensures your leavening agents and seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the dough, setting the foundation for perfectly textured cookies.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter with the granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the dough, which is key for achieving that desirable tender crumb and slight crispness.
Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla
Beat in the large egg and pure vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugar. These ingredients add moisture and rich flavor, blending seamlessly to help bind the dough.
Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet
Gradually add your dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Over-mixing can lead to tougher cookies, so aim for a gentle blend to keep them tender.
Step 6: Portion the Dough
Using a cookie scoop or spoon, portion out the dough onto your prepared baking sheets. Spacing them properly ensures they bake evenly and maintain their lovely shape without merging.
Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Bake your cookies for 8-10 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain soft—this is where their magic lies, that perfect balance between chewy and crisp.
Step 8: Cool Before Handling
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This prevents breakage and lets them set properly, keeping their ideal texture intact.
Step 9: Add Your Finishing Touches
Once completely cooled, dust your cookies with powdered sugar or decorate as you like. This final step adds a beautiful touch and a hint of extra sweetness that brings the whole Classic Sugar Cookies Recipe full circle.
How to Serve Classic Sugar Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Dusting your cookies with powdered sugar is a simple yet elegant way to finish them. For a pop of color and added fun, try sprinkling colored sugar crystals or decorating with icing and sprinkles to brighten up celebrations or cozy gatherings.
Side Dishes
Classic sugar cookies are fantastic companions to a cold glass of milk, a warm cup of tea, or even a rich hot chocolate. They make a delightful pairing that elevates your snack time into a comforting moment of indulgence.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider stacking your sugar cookies in a pretty tin or arranging them in a colorful plate layered with parchment paper for gift-giving or parties. You could also sandwich them with a spread of frosting or jam to turn this Classic Sugar Cookies Recipe into an irresistible treat twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and soft for up to a week, making them perfect for packing in lunchboxes or enjoying as an easy grab-and-go snack.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked cookie dough balls or baked cookies. Dough balls last well for up to three months when wrapped tightly. For baked cookies, freeze them in a sealed container or freezer bag to preserve freshness and thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.
Reheating
If you want to enjoy warm cookies, pop them in the oven at a low temperature for a few minutes or microwave them for about 10-15 seconds. Warming enhances their softness and brings out that fresh-baked aroma of this Classic Sugar Cookies Recipe once again.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
While you can, it’s best to use unsalted butter to control the salt level precisely for this Classic Sugar Cookies Recipe. Using salted butter may result in cookies that are slightly saltier than intended.
Why do my sugar cookies spread too much during baking?
Cookies might spread too much if the butter is too soft or the dough gets too warm before baking. Chill the dough briefly before baking and ensure your oven temperature is accurate to prevent excessive spreading.
How can I make the cookies more decorative?
After cooling, decorate your cookies with colorful icing, edible glitter, or sprinkles. You can also cut the dough into fun shapes before baking for creative holiday or party treats.
Is it okay to substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour?
You can substitute, but whole wheat flour will make the cookies denser and give them a nuttier flavor. For best results, try using a blend of whole wheat and all-purpose flour in this Classic Sugar Cookies Recipe.
How do I keep my sugar cookies soft instead of crunchy?
To achieve softer cookies, avoid overbaking and store them in an airtight container as soon as they’re completely cooled. Adding a slice of bread to the storage container can also help maintain moisture and softness.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about baking and sharing this Classic Sugar Cookies Recipe. It’s a timeless favorite that brings joy through simplicity and that warm, buttery sweetness everybody loves. I can’t wait for you to try it and make these cookies your own little everyday celebration.
Print
Classic Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Classic Sugar Cookies offer a delightful balance of buttery richness and sweet, crisp edges with a soft center. This recipe produces 24 perfectly baked cookies that are easy to make and ideal for any occasion, featuring a simple mix of staple ingredients and a dusting of powdered sugar for a charming finish.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2.75 cups All-purpose flour (Sifted before measuring for a lighter cookie.)
- 1 teaspoon Baking powder (Leavening agent for fluffy texture.)
- 0.5 teaspoon Baking soda (Works with baking powder for lift.)
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt (Balances sweetness.)
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup Unsalted butter (Softened at room temperature.)
- 1.5 cups Granulated sugar (Adds sweetness and crisp edges.)
- 1 large Egg (Binds ingredients together.)
- 1 teaspoon Pure vanilla extract (Enhances flavor.)
Finishing
- 0.5 cup Powdered sugar (For dusting or decoration.)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the sifted flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and salt.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender cookie.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Incorporate the egg and pure vanilla extract into the butter-sugar mixture, beating until all ingredients are fully combined.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing which can result in tough cookies.
- Portion Dough: Using a cookie scoop or spoon, portion out the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing cookies evenly to allow spreading.
- Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes until the edges are lightly golden and centers remain soft, ensuring a perfect texture.
- Cool Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Finish with Powdered Sugar: Once cooled, dust the cookies with powdered sugar or decorate as desired for a festive look and added sweetness.
Notes
- Sifting the flour before measuring ensures lighter, fluffier cookies.
- Do not overmix the dough once the dry ingredients are added to prevent tough cookies.
- Ensure butter is softened but not melted for proper creaming.
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- Try adding sprinkles or colored sugar before baking for a festive touch.
