sugar cookie recipe
Enjoy soft, buttery sugar cookies that are perfect for any occasion. These delightful treats are easy to make and can be decorated with your favorite icing or sprinkles.
Equipment
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1 mixer hand or stand
- 1 baking sheet
- 1 parchment paper optional
- 1 set measuring cups
- 1 set measuring spoons
- 1 rolling pin
- 1 set cookie cutters optional
- 1 wire cooling rack
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar Additional granulated sugar for rolling (optional)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheet with parchment paper if using.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using a mixer until light and fluffy (about 3-5 minutes).
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then mix in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. The dough will be soft.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and, if desired, roll them in additional granulated sugar to coat.
- Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart. Flatten each ball slightly with your hand or the bottom of a glass.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Do not over-bake; cookies may look soft but will firm up as they cool.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.
Notes
These cookies can be decorated with icing or sprinkles once cooled for a festive touch.
For variations, consider adding almond extract instead of vanilla or incorporating colored sprinkles into the dough for fun designs.
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.