There’s something so comforting about the smell of freshly baked sugar cookies filling your kitchen. These soft, buttery treats are perfect for any occasion—from holiday baking to an afternoon snack. Not only are they delicious, but they’re also incredibly easy to make with simple ingredients you likely already have on hand.

My family has been baking this easy sugar cookie recipe for years, especially when we're in the mood for something sweet and simple. With a quick prep time and endless decorating possibilities, it’s a recipe everyone can get excited about!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Sugar Cookie Recipe
Get ready to enjoy sugar cookies that check all the boxes: quick, easy, delicious, and fun to make! Here’s what makes this recipe special.
First, simplicity is key with these cookies. Using pantry staples like flour, sugar, and butter, you can whip up a batch without any extra trips to the store. Perfect for those moments when a sweet craving hits!
Kid-friendly and fun—this recipe is great for bakers of all ages. If you’re looking for a fun weekend activity with the family, grab some cookie cutters and colorful sprinkles and let everyone get creative with their cookie designs.
The texture is unbeatable. These cookies are soft, chewy, and slightly crisp on the edges, giving you the perfect bite every time. And they stay deliciously fresh for days, making them ideal for gifting or keeping on the counter for quick treats.
Plus, they’re wonderfully versatile. Add vanilla or almond extract for extra flavor, or top with a simple glaze or buttercream frosting for an extra-special touch. This recipe offers endless ways to make it your own!
Ingredients Notes

One of the best things about this sugar cookie recipe is how simple the ingredients are. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need:
- Butter: The base of a perfect sugar cookie starts with butter. Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easy mixing and a smooth, creamy texture in your cookies.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar gives these cookies just the right amount of sweetness without overpowering their delicate flavor. If you prefer a softer cookie, try adding a little bit of brown sugar for added moisture and chewiness.
- Flour: All-purpose flour works best in this recipe, providing structure without making the cookies too dense. Be careful not to overmix once the flour is added, as this can lead to tougher cookies.
- Eggs: A single large egg adds moisture and helps bind the ingredients together, resulting in a perfectly tender cookie.
- Vanilla Extract: Vanilla adds a warm, inviting flavor that’s classic for sugar cookies. If you like a slightly more complex flavor, try adding a dash of almond extract as well.
Equipment Note: If you have a stand mixer, it’s helpful for mixing the dough. A rolling pin and cookie cutters are also useful if you want shaped cookies, though you can make round cookies by rolling the dough into balls.
How to Make This Easy Sugar Cookie Recipe

Making these sugar cookies is a breeze, and the results are just too good to resist! Let’s get started.
- Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy—this usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Add the egg and vanilla extract (or almond extract, if you prefer) and continue mixing until well combined. - Add Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the flour and a pinch of salt. Stir gently until just combined; avoid overmixing. The dough will be soft but should not be sticky. - Chill the Dough
Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This step is essential for easy rolling and for cookies that keep their shape during baking. - Roll Out and Shape
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to about ¼ inch thick. Use cookie cutters to shape, or roll dough into 1-inch balls and flatten gently with your fingers for round cookies. - Bake to Perfection
Arrange the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving a little space between them. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look slightly underdone, but they’ll firm up as they cool. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
With a total time of around 45 minutes (including chilling), you’ll have a batch of delicious sugar cookies ready to enjoy in no time.
Storage Options
These cookies are perfect for making ahead! Here’s how to store them for lasting freshness:
- Room Temperature: Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days, making them a great option for snacks throughout the week.
- Freezing: These cookies freeze beautifully. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper, for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy.
- Refrigerating Dough: If you want to prepare the dough in advance, you can refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Just be sure to let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly before rolling it out.
For reheating, simply pop a cookie in the microwave for a few seconds if you like a warm, freshly-baked feel.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about sugar cookies is how adaptable they are. Here are some fun ideas to switch things up:
- Add a Flavor Twist: Try adding ½ teaspoon of almond extract or lemon zest for a delightful flavor variation that pairs perfectly with the vanilla base.
- Decorate with Royal Icing: If you want beautiful cookies for a special occasion, top them with royal icing for a professional finish. You can even pipe on designs once the icing has set.
- Sprinkle Fun: Roll the dough balls in colored sugar or sprinkles before baking for a fun, colorful effect that kids (and adults) will love!
- Chocolate Dip: Dip half of each cookie in melted dark or white chocolate and allow them to set on parchment paper for a gourmet touch.
- Make it Vegan: Use vegan butter and a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) for a plant-based version that’s just as tasty.
Experiment and enjoy your own personal spin on this classic recipe. You’re bound to find new ways to make these cookies uniquely yours every time!
Whether you're baking for a holiday gathering, a cozy evening treat, or simply to enjoy the magic of fresh cookies, this easy sugar cookie recipe will quickly become a favorite. Grab your ingredients, preheat the oven, and prepare to fill your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of homemade sugar cookies. Enjoy!
PrintEasy Sugar Cookie Recipe
This easy sugar cookie recipe makes soft, perfectly sweet cookies ideal for any occasion. With simple ingredients and quick preparation, these cookies are a go-to treat. Customize them with frosting, sprinkles, or enjoy them as-is.
- 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
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until combined.
- Roll dough into small balls and place on a baking sheet.
- Flatten balls slightly and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.
- Cool on a wire rack before serving.
Notes
- Chill dough for 15 minutes if it's too sticky to handle.
- Add colored sugar or sprinkles for a festive look before baking.
- Ensure not to overbake for soft cookies.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 60mg
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