Description

Easy Sugar Cookies are soft, chewy, and buttery with golden edges, made from simple pantry staples for a timeless, crowd-pleasing treat. This recipe yields tender centers, a delicate vanilla aroma, and optional sanding sugar for a sparkling finish. Ideal for holidays, parties, bake sales, or whenever you crave a classic cookie. Quick to whip up with pantry ingredients, they bake beautifully, stay tender, disappear fast, and are perfect for sharing with family and friends.

Ingredients

Scale

2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
1 large egg
2 tsp vanilla extract
Optional: extra sugar for rolling

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls. If desired, roll them in sugar for a sparkly finish.
Place on the baking sheet about 2 inches apart and bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

For chewier cookies, chill dough for 30 minutes.
Do not overmix after adding dry ingredients.
If you want thinner cookies, flatten slightly before baking.
Use room temperature butter for best creaming.
Optional: rolling in extra sugar before baking adds sparkle.
Store cookies in an airtight container up to 5 days.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Cookies
Method: Creaming and Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 150
Sugar: 12 g
Sodium: 120 mg
Fat: 7 g
Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 20 g
Fiber: 0 g
Protein: 1 g
Cholesterol: 15 mg

Keywords: Easy Sugar Cookies, Soft Sugar Cookies, Chewy Sugar Cookies, Butter Cookies, Holiday Cookies, Classic Sugar Cookies, Pantry Cookies