Classic sugar cookies are a delightful treat enjoyed by many. They are soft, sweet, and perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a birthday party, holiday gathering, or just a quiet afternoon, these cookies bring joy to every bite. The best part is that they are easy to make and require simple ingredients you likely already have at home. Kids and adults alike love to decorate them with icing, sprinkles, or even enjoy them plain. Making classic sugar cookies is not just about baking; it’s about creating happy memories.
In this recipe, you will learn step-by-step how to make these delicious cookies. They are sure to impress family and friends. Follow along, and soon, you will have a batch of warm, freshly baked classic sugar cookies.
Why Make This Recipe
Making classic sugar cookies is simple and rewarding. The soft texture and sweet flavor make them a favorite for both kids and adults. You can customize them with different shapes and decorations, making them fun for special occasions. This recipe is perfect for beginner bakers or anyone looking for a quick sweet treat. Plus, the cookies store well, so you can enjoy them for days after baking!
How to Make Classic Sugar Cookies
Ingredients
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups white sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup granulated sugar for rolling
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a small bowl, stir together flour, baking soda, and baking powder; set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the vanilla, egg, and salt. Gradually blend in the dry ingredients.
- Roll rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls and roll the balls in the granulated sugar.
- Place the cookies onto ungreased cookie sheets about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven or until golden. Let cool on wire racks.
How to Serve Classic Sugar Cookies
Serve classic sugar cookies warm or at room temperature. They pair well with a glass of milk or a hot cup of tea. Feel free to decorate them with icing or colored sprinkles for special occasions. Display them on a nice plate to impress your guests.
How to Store Classic Sugar Cookies
Store classic sugar cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for about a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Just place the cookies in a freezer bag, and they will last up to three months.
Tips to Make Classic Sugar Cookies
- Make sure your butter is soft, not melted, for the best texture.
- Don’t skip the rolling in sugar; it adds a nice crunch.
- Try chilling the dough for a bit in the fridge before baking for a thicker cookie.
- Experiment with different extracts for unique flavors, like almond or lemon.
Variations
You can add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits to the dough for a twist. Another fun idea is to use cookie cutters to create shapes for holidays like Christmas or Valentine’s Day.
FAQs
1. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, you can use margarine, but it may change the taste and texture slightly.
2. How do I know when the cookies are done?
The edges should be lightly golden while the center may look a bit soft. They will firm up as they cool.
3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dough a day in advance and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
4. How thick should I roll the cookie balls?
Roll the balls into about 1-inch balls for a perfect size.
5. What should I do if my cookies are too hard?
If your cookies turn out hard, it may be because they were overbaked. Make sure to watch them closely as they bake.
Classic Sugar Cookies
Soft, sweet, and perfect for any occasion, these classic sugar cookies are easy to make and a delight to decorate.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups white sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar for rolling
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a small bowl, stir together flour, baking soda, and baking powder; set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the vanilla, egg, and salt. Gradually blend in the dry ingredients.
- Roll rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls and roll the balls in the granulated sugar.
- Place the cookies onto ungreased cookie sheets about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven or until golden. Let cool on wire racks.
Notes
Store cookies in an airtight container for up to a week. Freeze for longer storage.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
