The No-Fail, Effortlessly Delicious Sugar Cookie Recipe

Q: How do I get my sugar cookies to be soft instead of crunchy?

Nobody wants a rock-hard sugar cookie! To achieve that lovely soft texture, avoid overbaking. Bake the cookies until the edges are just lightly golden. They will continue to set as they cool. Also, make sure you aren't overmixing the dough – that develops the gluten and leads to a tougher cookie. Adding a tablespoon of cornstarch to the dough can also help keep them soft and tender.

My No-Fail Easy Sugar Cookie Recipe - Perfect Every Time!

By Marcus GrantJune 15, 2025

4.86 (22 Ratings)

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Ever had a craving for something sweet and utterly comforting? honestly, who hasn’t? this easy sugar cookie recipe is about to become your new best friend.

It’s ridiculously simple, tastes amazing, and is perfect for any occasion. you know what i mean. this recipe it will sure be perfect for baking with kids sugar cookies !

Quick Hook

This easy sugar cookie recipe delivers buttery, vanilla kissed perfection. It is guaranteed to melt in your mouth.

Brief Overview

Hailing from classic american baking traditions, the vanilla sugar cookies are a simple delight. this recipe is beginner friendly and takes about 1 hour 30 minutes.

With chilling time, you will have approximately 24 cookies ready. perfect for sharing.

Main Benefits

Beyond the delicious taste, these are a fun way to de-stress. seriously! making these homemade sugar cookies is a fantastic activity for family gatherings.

Plus, they are the most perfect christmas sugar cookie recipe . what makes these sugar cookies special? they are a blank canvas for creativity.

Ready to bake? Let's dive into the ingredients and easy sugar cookie frosting ! Seriously it so easy!

Alright, let's talk ingredients and equipment for this easy sugar cookie recipe . honestly, it's all pretty straightforward. you probably have most of this stuff already kicking about in your kitchen.

If not, a quick trip to tesco will sort you right out.

Main Ingredients

Okay, for the no-fail sugar cookies , you'll need:

1 cup (226g) of unsalted butter. Make sure it's properly softened, not melted, yeah?
¾ cup (150g) of granulated sugar. The regular stuff. Nothing fancy needed.
1 large egg. Free range if you can, but any egg will do, truth be told.
2 teaspoons (10ml) of vanilla extract. Don't skimp! It makes a difference.
2 ½ cups (300g) all-purpose flour. Plus extra for dusting your work surface.
1 teaspoon (5ml) baking powder. Gets those cookies nice and puffy.
½ teaspoon (2.5ml) of salt. Balances out the sweetness.

I group these all together because they all go into the dough. Simple! I had a disaster once when I used cold butter, the dough was lumpy, honestly, what a disaster!

Seasoning Notes

This easy sugar cookie recipe is all about that classic vanilla flavour.

Vanilla Extract is Key: Don't even think about skipping the vanilla! Adds warmth and depth.
Spice It Up: For Christmas sugar cookie recipe , chuck in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg. Seriously festive, innit?
Lemon Zest: If you're feeling fancy, a little lemon zest will brighten things up no end.

Equipment Needed

Listen, you don't need loads of fancy gear for these homemade sugar cookies .

Electric Mixer: A stand mixer is great, but a hand mixer will do the trick just as well.
Large Mixing Bowl: For, well, mixing!
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Gotta be precise, you know?
Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mat: Prevents sticking. Makes life easier.
Baking Sheets: Obvs.
Rolling Pin: For rolling out that dough.
Cookie Cutters: If you want those fancy cutouts. Totally optional!

Honestly, you can even use a fork if you don't have an electric mixer. just takes a bit more elbow grease.

I remember when i was little, helping my nan bake. we didn't have fancy electric mixers back then. it was all done by hand, bless her.

They were still the best cookies ever!

Now you are well equipped to create sugar cookie cutouts , have fun baking with kids sugar cookies , and making the best sugar cookie recipe .

Okay, right then! Let's get baking!

Okay, right then! fancy a bit of baking? honestly, this easy sugar cookie recipe is a game changer. it's so straightforward, even i can’t mess it up! we're talking seriously delicious, buttery goodness that's perfect for absolutely any occasion.

Forget complicated, let's get baking! these are the best homemade sugar cookies you will ever bake!

Prep Like a Pro : Your Mise en Place Mission

First things first. grab your stuff! get the butter softening not melting, mind you! aim for that spreadable consistency.

Measure everything out beforehand. it's boring but it is a time saver. make sure to have your baking sheet with parchment paper ready to go.

Trust me, it’s less messy later. and please do wash your hands before starting!.

Sugar Cookie, Cutouts, and More: step-by-step to Cookie Heaven

Time to get this show on the road.

Cream together 1 cup (2 sticks / 226g) of softened butter and ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar until it's light and fluffy. Really get in there.
Beat in 1 large egg and 2 teaspoons (10ml) of vanilla extract . Scrape down the sides to make sure it's all mixed evenly.
Whisk together 2 ½ cups (300g) of all-purpose flour , 1 teaspoon (5ml) baking powder , and ½ teaspoon (2.5ml) salt in another bowl.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix on low until just combined. Don't overmix!
Form the dough into a disc. Wrap it tight in plastic wrap. Chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour . This is crucial!
Preheat your oven to 375° F ( 190° C) . Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼ inch thickness.
Cut out shapes with cookie cutters. Get creative. Place the sugar cookie cutouts onto the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 8- 12 minutes , or until the edges are lightly golden brown.

Pro Tips: Vanilla Sugar Cookies Secrets and Avoiding Disaster

Want to up your cookie game? Listen up!

Don't overmix the dough! . Overmixing makes tough cookies. It's a crime against baking.
Always, always chill the dough. It prevents spreading.
For the easy sugar cookie frosting , I usually just whip up some icing sugar with a bit of milk and food colouring. Simple!

Honestly, baking these soft sugar cookies is one of my favourite things. especially for christmas sugar cookie recipe , it brings everyone together.

I can't wait to hear how yours turn out! happy baking! i always use baking with kids sugar cookies so i would recomend it.

Right then! you've got your cookies baked and looking gorgeous. but hold on a sec! let's talk about making them even better .

I'm going to share some tips and tricks i've picked up from making this easy sugar cookie recipe over the years.

Honestly, these little things make a big difference.

Serving Suggestions: Presentation is Key!

Okay, first impressions matter, yeah? don't just dump those beauties on a plate! think about it: a little effort goes a long way.

I love using a tiered cake stand for a fancy feel. or arrange them in a cute pattern on a platter.

A dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance. and these vanilla sugar cookies are divine with a simple glass of cold milk or a mug of hot chocolate.

Especially good during the colder months! if you are a classy person and want to serve something more special, go with a sweet wine to pair.

You know, something with a light taste, like a moscato.

Storage Tips: Keep 'Em Fresh

Nobody wants a stale sugar cookie! these cookies keep for about 3-4 days in an airtight container at room temperature.

I've even kept some of my decorated sugar cookies for up to a week! pop them in the fridge, they'll last a bit longer, but honestly, they're best fresh.

Freezing? Absolutely! Wrap them individually in plastic wrap, then put them in a freezer bag. They'll keep for up to 2 months. To reheat, just let them thaw at room temperature.

Variations: Spice It Up!

Honestly, one of the best parts about this easy sugar cookie recipe is how easy it is to adapt. fancy a gluten-free version? swap the regular flour for a gluten-free blend.

I've done it, and it works a treat! and for a more seasonal twist? add a teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice to the dough in the autumn! it's absolute heaven.

For a christmas sugar cookie recipe that's even better, just add a little orange zest! you will see how awesome the aroma is!

Also, you know how some people are watching the sugar? Replace some of the sugar with a sugar substitute. Just taste it and see if you like it.

Nutrition Basics: Treat Yourself!

Let's be real: these are cookies. they aren't exactly health food. but everything in moderation, right? they do give you a little boost of energy, and a homemade treat is always better than something processed from the shop.

Okay, don't let all this info overwhelm you! this best sugar cookie recipe is about fun and deliciousness. so, get baking, get creative, and enjoy every single bite.

Happy baking, you lovely lot!

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did my sugar cookies spread out thin and flat?

Flat cookies can be a right bother, can't they? This usually happens because the butter was too soft (or even melted!), or the dough wasn't chilled enough. Chilling the dough is key for keeping those beauties in shape as the butter needs to be cold so it doesn't melt too fast in the oven before the cookie has set!

Next time, make sure your butter is softened but still cool to the touch, and give the dough a good chill in the fridge for at least an hour.

Can I make this easy sugar cookie recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! The sugar cookie dough can be made 2-3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator, tightly wrapped in plastic wrap. You can also freeze the dough for up to 2 months. Just thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before rolling out and baking. Freshly baked cookies are best, but the dough is versatile!

How do I get my sugar cookies to be soft instead of crunchy?

Nobody wants a rock hard sugar cookie! To achieve that lovely soft texture, avoid overbaking. Bake the cookies until the edges are just lightly golden. They will continue to set as they cool. Also, make sure you aren't overmixing the dough that develops the gluten and leads to a tougher cookie.

Adding a tablespoon of cornstarch to the dough can also help keep them soft and tender.

What's the best way to store these easy sugar cookies to keep them fresh?

To keep your easy sugar cookie recipe cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for about 3-5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 2 months.

Just make sure they are completely cool before freezing, and separate layers with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together.

Can I add any flavour variations to this easy sugar cookie recipe?

Of course! This recipe is a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. Try adding lemon or orange zest to the dough for a citrusy twist. A touch of almond extract or a sprinkle of cinnamon can also add a lovely warmth.

You could even fold in some chocolate chips or dried cranberries for a bit of extra texture and flavour. Get your bake on and experiment!