Name: Easy Sugar Cookie Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 24
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup (225 g / 8 ounces) unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup (200 g / 7 ounces) granulated sugar; 2 ½ cups (315 g / 11 ounces) all-purpose flour; 1 large egg; 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract; ½ teaspoon baking powder; ¼ teaspoon salt; Sprinkles; Colored sugar; Royal icing or frosting

Sweet memories often dance around a quick and easy sugar cookie recipe that brings smiles to every kitchen.

My grandmother would whisper baking secrets while mixing simple ingredients with love.

Crisp edges and soft centers create a perfect balance of texture and comfort.

Cookies like these connect generations through shared moments of joy and deliciousness.

Butter, sugar, and flour combine in a magical symphony that sparks childhood happiness.

You can recreate these delightful treats with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.

Bake a batch and watch faces light up with pure delight.

Can I make the sugar cookie dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough 2-3 days in advance. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator. Let the dough sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before rolling and baking.

How do I prevent my sugar cookies from spreading too much?

Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. Use room temperature butter (not melted), and avoid overworking the dough. Cold dough helps cookies maintain their shape during baking.

What if I don't have parchment paper?

You can use a silicone baking mat or lightly grease the baking sheet with butter or cooking spray. This will help prevent the cookies from sticking.

Can I use different extracts instead of vanilla?

Absolutely! Try almond, lemon, or coconut extract for unique flavor variations. Start with 1/2 to 1 teaspoon and adjust to your taste preference.

Whips up delightful cookies in under 30 minutes, perfect for sudden dessert cravings.
Requires minimal baking skills, making it ideal for novice home bakers wanting to try something simple yet delicious.
Allows children to help roll dough, add sprinkles, and create fun shapes, turning baking into a playful family activity.
Can be customized with different decorations, sprinkles, or flavored extracts to match any celebration or personal taste preference.

Cookie Base Ingredients:

Butter, Sugar: Creamy base that gives richness and sweetness to the cookies.
Egg, Vanilla Extract: Adds moisture, binding, and classic sweet flavor.

Dry Ingredients:

All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and texture for the cookies.
Baking Powder: Helps cookies rise and become light and fluffy.
Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.

Optional Decorative Ingredients:

Sprinkles, Colored Sugar: Adds festive look and extra sweetness to cookies.

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank the oven to 350F (175C). Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper.

Step 2: Create Magical Cookie Dough

Ingredients for dough:

Softened butter
Granulated sugar
Egg
Vanilla extract
All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Salt

Grab a mixing bowl and beat butter and sugar until they become light and fluffy. Add egg and vanilla, mixing until perfectly blended. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly incorporate dry ingredients into wet mixture, stirring until a smooth dough forms.

Step 3: Shape Yummy Treats

Roll dough into small round balls, spacing them two inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. Gently press down each ball using a fork or glass bottom. Sprinkle colored sugar or festive sprinkles for extra excitement.

Step 4: Bake To Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes until cookie edges turn a beautiful light golden color. Allow cookies to rest on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.

Step 5: Dress Up Your Cookies

Get creative! Leave cookies plain or jazz them up with colorful icing, smooth frosting, or an extra shower of sprinkles. Enjoy your homemade delights!

Perfect Butter Consistency: Let butter soften at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before creaming to ensure smooth, fluffy texture without overworking.
Prevent Tough Cookies: Mix dry ingredients gently and avoid overmixing the dough to keep cookies tender and light.
Customize with Flavors: Swap vanilla extract with almond, lemon, or coconut extract for unique taste variations that match different occasions.
Freeze for Later: Prepare cookie dough balls ahead of time, freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for convenient slice-and-bake treats anytime.
Storage Secret: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper to maintain freshness.

Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Layer between sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Place cookies in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. Freeze flat for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
Warm cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300F for 3-5 minutes. Avoid overheating to maintain soft texture.
Discard cookies if they develop an odd smell, appear moldy, or taste stale.

Rich, smooth espresso perfectly complements the sweet sugar cookie, creating a delightful breakfast or afternoon treat.
Bright, tangy berry flavors cut through the cookie's sweetness, offering a refreshing contrast that cleanses the palate.
Fragrant, slightly citrusy tea provides an elegant backdrop that enhances the cookie's delicate buttery notes.
Soft, airy whipped cream adds a luxurious texture that elevates the simple sugar cookie into a more indulgent dessert experience.

Gluten-Free Cookies: Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend or almond flour for those with wheat sensitivities.
Vegan Sugar Cookies: Swap butter with coconut oil and use a flax egg (ground flaxseed mixed with water) instead of regular egg.
Low-Sugar Version: Reduce sugar by half and use stevia or monk fruit sweetener for a diabetic-friendly option.
Holiday Spice Variation: Add cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger to the dry ingredients for a warm, seasonal flavor profile.

Jamie Granger

Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

Fusion Cuisine Development
Recipe Development and Food Styling
Culinary Writing and Content Creation
Nutrition and Healthy Cooking

Education

Culinary Institute of America

Degree: Associate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Emphasis on flavor development, classic and contemporary culinary techniques, menu design, and global cuisine preparation; combined with food-service management, communication, and finance training; and immersive hands‑on restaurant operations through paid industry internships.

Jamie Granger turns ingredients into memories. With her recipes, she brings a fusion-forward flair to every creation.

Her dishes reflect the places she’s explored, the chefs she’s learned from, and the deep connection she has to food as a form of expression.

At Pass and Provision, Jamie develops recipes that balance flavor, health, and beauty, meals that don’t just satisfy your appetite but speak to your curiosity.