Description
These easy sugar cookies are a classic treat that come together quickly with simple pantry ingredients. Soft and buttery with a hint of vanilla, they bake to golden perfection and can be decorated with icing or sprinkles for a festive touch. Perfect for beginners and a crowd-pleaser at any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup butter or margarine, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or lightly grease them to prevent sticking.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender cookie texture.
- Add egg and vanilla: Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract until fully combined, ensuring the dough gains moisture and flavor.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the all-purpose flour and baking powder together to evenly distribute the leavening agent.
- Combine wet and dry mixes: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing just until a soft dough forms to avoid overworking the gluten.
- Shape the cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. You may flatten the balls slightly with a fork or use cookie cutters for shaped cookies.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 6-8 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden, ensuring they remain soft inside.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, which prevents breaking.
- Decorate (optional): Once cooled, decorate the cookies with icing or sprinkles as desired for a personalized touch.
Notes
- Use softened butter at room temperature to ensure proper creaming with sugar.
- Do not over-mix the dough once the flour is added to keep cookies tender.
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- For a bit of color, add sprinkles before baking instead of after.
- These cookies freeze well as dough balls—thaw before baking.
