Easy Sugar Cookies Recipe (with Video)

Name: Easy Sugar Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 2.75 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 0.5 teaspoon baking powder; 1 cup butter, softened; 1.5 cups white sugar; 1 egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cook Time: 10 minutes

If you're looking for the perfect sugar cookies, look no further! This simple recipe will give you a batch of delicious, buttery, and slightly crispy sugar cookies every time. Here's how to make them from scratch:

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
teaspoon baking powder
1 cup butter, softened
1 cups white sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375F (190C) and gather all your ingredients.

Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside.

Step 3: In a large bowl, beat together the sugar and butter using an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture, and beat until fully combined.

Step 5: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until the dough comes together.

Step 6: Roll the dough into walnut-sized balls and place them about 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets.

Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies turn golden brown.

Step 8: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Decorating

Want to make your sugar cookies extra special? Try adding a layer of homemade frosting or sprinkles on top. The options are endless!

How to Store Sugar Cookies

Once cooled, store your sugar cookies in an airtight at room temperature for up to a week. If youve frosted them, place a piece of wax paper between layers to avoid sticking.

Freezing Sugar Cookies

To freeze baked cookies: Let the cookies cool completely, then arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze for about 3 hours or overnight. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag or airtight and store in the freezer for up to 2 months.

To freeze cookie dough: Roll the dough into balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze for about 3 hours or overnight, then transfer the dough balls to a zip-top bag or airtight . Store in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Nutrition Facts

Each serving contains:

Calories: 86
Fat: 4g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 1g
Sodium: 60mg
Sugars: 6g
Cholesterol: 14mg

Enjoy these sweet, buttery cookies with your favorite drink, or share them with friends and family!

Easy Sugar Cookies Recipe (with Video)

Enjoy a simple and delightful treat with this Easy Sugar Cookies Recipe. These cookies are soft, chewy, and perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. Whether youre baking for a special occasion or just because, these sugar cookies are sure to impress.

History of Sugar Cookies

The origin of sugar cookies can be traced back to the early 1700s in the United States, where they were likely inspired by traditional European baking techniques. The first sugar cookies, known as "Nazareth cookies," were brought to America by the Pennsylvania Dutch settlers, who adapted European recipes to fit the ingredients available in the New World. The cookies were initially simple, made with basic ingredients like butter, sugar, and flour. Over the centuries, sugar cookies have evolved into the chewy, buttery cookies we enjoy today, especially popular during the holidays.

Regional Variations of Sugar Cookies

While sugar cookies are enjoyed nationwide, they vary slightly depending on region. In the Midwest, you might find sugar cookies rolled in colored sugar or decorated with icing, especially around Christmas. On the East Coast, sugar cookies are often made into shapes, such as stars or snowflakes, and frosted with intricate designs. In the South, sugar cookies may have a slightly softer texture, achieved by adding more butter or using buttermilk for extra richness. Regardless of region, sugar cookies are a beloved dessert in American baking culture.

Differences Between Sugar Cookies and Similar Desserts

While sugar cookies share similarities with other cookies like shortbread or snickerdoodles, they stand apart due to their light, crisp texture and straightforward flavor. Shortbread, for example, is much denser, as it contains more butter and sugar and lacks the leavening agents used in sugar cookies. Snickerdoodles are also a variation, flavored with cinnamon and often rolled in sugar before baking, giving them a spicy kick. In contrast, sugar cookies are typically sweet with a pure, simple flavor, making them versatile for various decorations and toppings.

Where Sugar Cookies Are Typically Served

Sugar cookies are often a staple at holiday celebrations, particularly Christmas and Easter. They are commonly served at parties, school events, or as part of a cookie platter. These cookies are also a popular choice for baking exchanges, where bakers swap their homemade treats. In recent years, sugar cookies have made their way into weddings and other special occasions, thanks to their versatility in shape and decoration. Whether plain or adorned with sprinkles or frosting, theyre perfect for any event.

Fun Facts About Sugar Cookies

Sugar cookies are often used as a canvas for artistic expression, with bakers decorating them with intricate designs for holidays or themed parties.
The tradition of decorating sugar cookies dates back to the 18th century, with cookies being hand-decorated using royal icing and colorful sugars.
In some regions, sugar cookies are left out for Santa Claus on Christmas Eve, a sweet gesture that has become a beloved tradition for many families.
Many people enjoy rolling sugar cookie dough into balls and flattening them with a glass, a simple technique that results in perfectly round cookies every time.

AI Audio version of the recipe is available!

You can listen to this recipe in AI audio format. Simply click the play button below to listen to the content in a format that suits you best. It’s a great way to absorb information on the go!

FAQ about Easy Sugar Cookies Recipe (with Video)

To store sugar cookies, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you've frosted them, it's best to place wax paper between layers to prevent them from sticking. Alternatively, you can refrigerate them for up to a week.

Yes! You can freeze both baked sugar cookies and unbaked cookie dough. To freeze baked cookies, allow them to cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 2-3 hours. Afterward, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. You can store them for up to two months. For cookie dough, roll the dough into balls and freeze them on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 2-3 hours before transferring them to a freezer bag or container.

If your dough is too dry, try adding a splash of milk or an extra egg to help moisten it. Some users have also recommended using softened butter instead of melted butter, as it helps the dough form better.

Yes, you can experiment with alternatives. For example, if you need a gluten-free option, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. You can also flavor the dough by adding vanilla bean paste, cocoa powder, or freeze-dried fruits like strawberries and raspberries. Just make sure to keep the ratios consistent to maintain the texture.

Sugar cookies typically bake for 8 to 10 minutes at 375°F (190°C), or until the edges are golden brown. It's important not to overbake them to keep the inside soft and chewy. After baking, let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Yes! You can decorate sugar cookies with frosting, sprinkles, or edible glitter. The dough itself is simple, so it pairs well with various decorations. For best results, decorate the cookies after they have completely cooled.

If your dough is crumbly, it may be too dry. Try adding a little more softened butter, or even an additional egg, to help bind the dough together. Make sure your butter is at room temperature to ensure smooth mixing.

You can use either granulated white sugar or superfine sugar for this recipe. If you don't have white sugar, you can also substitute with a little less brown sugar, but the texture of the cookies might be slightly different, and they may have a hint of molasses flavor.

Yes, you can make these sugar cookies by hand. While an electric mixer is ideal for creaming the butter and sugar, you can also use a whisk or a wooden spoon to mix the ingredients. Just make sure to blend them well to create a smooth dough.

To make the cookies chewier, try slightly underbaking them (around 8 minutes), or add an extra egg yolk for added moisture. Chilling the dough before baking also helps the cookies stay thicker and chewier.

Comments

Debra Jackson

09/01/2023 11:43:20 PM

I absolutely adore these cookies! I've been baking them for quite some time and always seem to forget to leave a review. A couple of recommendations: avoid fully melting the butter as it may affect the dough's consistency. Soften it until it's pliable enough to combine with the sugar but not too soft. (Unsalted butter yields the most delicious results.) Remember to keep dry ingredients separate from wet ingredients to prevent any mishaps. I hope these tips are helpful, and here's a photo of the freshly baked cookies I just made!

Edward Davis

01/14/2023 11:33:00 PM

I have had fantastic results with this cookie recipe as a starting point. I made a few tweaks to suit my taste preferences. Instead of using vanilla extract, I opted for vanilla bean paste. I divided the dough into thirds and added different freeze-dried fruits (strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries) to one portion, kept another portion with just vanilla, and mixed unsweetened cocoa powder into the third part for a Neapolitan-style sugar cookie. I also suggest refrigerating the dough first, or portioning and shaping the cookies before freezing them prior to baking. This method ensures that the cookies maintain a thick and chewy texture with a delightful crust. I highly recommend trying these techniques for perfect cookies every time.

Anna Williams

11/30/2024 02:17:39 AM

Mixing the ingredients in two separate bowls was a bit confusing.

Margaret Rodriguez

12/31/2023 11:27:10 PM

The recipe was missing the amount of vanilla, but with some improvisation, I managed to make them perfectly!

Helen Gonzalez

02/09/2023 06:28:27 AM

Super simple and delicious!!!

Edward Johnson

08/01/2023 02:14:21 AM

Delightful and simple to prepare. I opted for self-rising flour and used salted butter.

Kevin Turner

05/02/2025 08:33:12 PM

I am absolutely in love with these cookies! They are so easy to make, no need to roll out the dough. They are perfect as drop cookies.

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