What You’ll Love About This Recipe
These sugar cookies are a dream come true for anyone who loves baking, with their soft centers, crisp edges, and just the right amount of sweetness.
- Easy to make: No fancy tools or hard-to-find ingredients—just simple steps for perfect cookies every time.
- Endlessly customizable: Decorate them for holidays, birthdays, or just because, making them fun for any occasion.
- Family-friendly: Kids love helping roll out the dough and add sprinkles, turning baking into a sweet memory.
Recipe
Intro
These classic homemade sugar cookies are soft, buttery, and perfect for decorating. Simple to make with basic ingredients, they hold their shape well when baked, making them ideal for cut-out cookies.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Divide the dough into two portions, flatten into discs, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness.
- Cut into desired shapes with cookie cutters and place on prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.
- Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
- For crispier cookies, roll the dough thinner and bake slightly longer.
- Decorate with royal icing or sprinkles once fully cooled.
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutters
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
Time
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Chilling time: 1 hour
- Cooking time: 10 minutes per batch
Cuisine
American
Serving
Makes about 24 cookies, depending on size.
Nutrition
These homemade sugar cookies are a delightful treat for any occasion. Below is the nutritional information per serving.
| Calories | Fat (g) | Carbohydrates (g) | Protein (g) | Sugar (g) | Sodium (mg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 120 | 5 | 18 | 1 | 10 | 85 |
What To Serve With It
When I bake sugar cookies, I love pairing them with a warm cup of tea or a glass of cold milk—it’s simple but always hits the spot. If I’m feeling fancy, I’ll serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for a dessert combo that’s hard to resist. No matter what you choose, these cookies shine bright with just about anything!
Perfect Pairing Beverages
Since sugar cookies are versatile, you can pair them with all sorts of drinks to make your snack time even better. I love dunking mine in a glass of cold milk—it’s classic and comforting. If you’re feeling fancy, try them with a cup of hot tea or coffee; the sweetness balances the bitterness perfectly. For a fun twist, hot cocoa or a vanilla latte adds extra warmth. Kids (and kids at heart) might enjoy a fizzy soda or apple cider. Even a simple glass of lemonade works wonders. The key? Pick something you love, and let the cookies do the rest!
Complementary Dessert Options
If you’re looking to round out your dessert spread, sugar cookies can shine alongside other sweet treats. I love pairing them with a creamy scoop of vanilla ice cream—it’s a classic combo that never disappoints. For something lighter, fresh berries or a fruit salad add a revitalizing contrast. If you’re feeling fancy, a mini cheesecake or chocolate mousse creates a decadent duo. Brownies or blondies are also great choices for a richer option. And don’t forget about cupcakes—they’re playful and fun! Each pairing brings out the best in sugar cookies, making your dessert table feel complete and irresistible.
