easy sugar cookie recipe
These easy sugar cookies are soft, buttery, and delightful with a hint of vanilla. Perfect for decorating or enjoying plain, they're a great treat for any occasion.
Equipment
- 1 mixing bowls
- 1 electric mixer or whisk
- 1 baking sheet
- 1 parchment paper
- 1 measuring cups
- 1 measuring spoons
- 1 rolling pin optional
- 1 cookie cutter for shapes, optional
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- optional sprinkles or icing for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer or whisk until creamy and well combined.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing thoroughly until a dough forms.
- If using, roll out the dough to about ¼ inch thickness on a floured surface and cut out desired shapes with a cookie cutter.
- Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may appear soft but will firm up as they cool.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Decorate with sprinkles or icing if desired once they are cool.
Notes
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
These cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months; just make sure to place parchment paper between layers.
Experiment with flavors by adding almond extract or lemon zest for a twist!