Easy Sugar Cookies Recipe
This easy sugar cookie recipe is a timeless classic that delivers perfectly soft and sweet cookies every time. Ideal for any occasion, these cut-out cookies are a favorite for both beginners and experienced bakers alike.
With just a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you’ll create a dough that’s easy to work with and bakes into delicious, golden-edged cookies. The added sugar cookie icing is the perfect finishing touch, adding a glossy, sweet layer of flavor.
Whether you’re decorating for a holiday or baking for a family treat, these sugar cookies are sure to be a hit. Simple, sweet, and irresistibly fun to make, this recipe guarantees a batch of cookies everyone will love!
Easy Sugar Cookies Recipe: Ingredients
The foundation of these sugar cookies starts with rich, cold butter, which brings a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Combined with sweet granulated sugar, it creates a soft, sugary dough that bakes to golden perfection.
Eggs add moisture and structure to the dough, while vanilla infuses the cookies with a warm, aromatic depth. A touch of baking powder ensures the cookies rise evenly and stay tender, while a pinch of kosher salt balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
All-purpose flour ties everything together, providing the right consistency for rolling and cutting the dough into shapes, while the light corn syrup in the icing adds a smooth, glossy finish that makes each cookie shine.
Easy Sugar Cookies Recipe: Tips, Serving Suggestions, and FAQs
Recipe Tips
- Chill the Dough for Better Results
While chilling the dough isn’t required, it can make a noticeable difference, especially if you’re working with warm hands or the dough becomes too soft. Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes allows it to firm up, making it easier to roll out and cut into shapes without the dough sticking to the surface or cookie cutters. - Don’t Overmix the Dough
When combining the flour with the other ingredients, mix only until the dough comes together. Overmixing can lead to tougher cookies. The key to soft, tender sugar cookies is gently incorporating the flour just until it’s fully combined, avoiding excessive mixing after that. - Adjust Baking Time for Your Oven
All ovens bake differently, so keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. The baking time listed is a general guideline, but some ovens may need slightly more or less time. Bake until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden, and remember they will continue to cook slightly once you remove them from the oven.
What to Serve with Easy Sugar Cookies
- Hot Cocoa or Warm Milk
Pair these soft, sweet sugar cookies with a comforting mug of hot cocoa or warm milk. The richness of hot cocoa and the creamy texture of milk complement the light, sugary sweetness of the cookies, creating the perfect snack or dessert duo, especially on a cozy evening. - Fresh Fruit Salad
A fresh fruit salad provides a refreshing balance to the sweetness of the sugar cookies. The light acidity of citrus fruits like oranges, or the sweetness of berries, contrasts beautifully with the rich, buttery flavor of the cookies, offering a delightful and colorful side dish. - Iced Tea or Lemonade
For a more refreshing option, serve these sugar cookies alongside a chilled glass of iced tea or lemonade. The citrusy tang of lemonade or the light, herbaceous notes of iced tea provide a zesty contrast to the cookies, making it an ideal pairing for warm weather or casual gatherings.
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of flour for this recipe?
For best results, it’s recommended to use all-purpose flour. Using other types of flour may alter the texture and consistency of the dough, making it either too soft or too dense. - Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time. Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Chilling the dough also helps improve the flavor and texture, making it even better when baked. - How can I store the cookies once baked?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want them to last longer, you can freeze the baked cookies in a sealed container for up to 3 months. - Can I decorate these cookies with different icings or toppings?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with the icing. You can add food coloring to create festive designs, or even sprinkle colored sugars, sprinkles, or edible glitter for added decoration. Just make sure the icing sets properly before storing the decorated cookies.
Easy Sugar Cookies Recipe
This classic sugar cookie recipe is a favorite for its simplicity and flawless results. It’s the perfect go-to for crafting soft, delicious cut-out cookies, whether for a special occasion or a casual treat.
Ingredients
- For the Cookies:
- Cold butter cubed (2 cups or 4 sticks)
- Granulated sugar 2 cups
- Eggs 2 large
- Vanilla extract 3 teaspoons
- Baking powder 3 teaspoons
- Kosher salt ½ teaspoon
- All-purpose flour 6 cups
- For the Sugar Cookie Icing:
- Powdered sugar 2 cups
- Water 1½ tablespoons
- Light corn syrup 2 tablespoons
Instructions
- For the Cookies:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set it aside.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the cold butter and granulated sugar on medium speed for approximately 2 minutes, until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs, vanilla extract, baking powder, and kosher salt, then continue mixing until the ingredients are thoroughly incorporated and smooth. Scrape the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure even mixing.
- Reduce the mixer speed to low and gradually incorporate the flour into the mixture, mixing until the dough comes together into a cohesive ball.
- Divide the dough into three equal portions and roll each one out on a floured surface to about ⅓ inch thickness. Use your preferred cookie cutters to shape the dough, placing the cut-out cookies onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them approximately 1½ inches apart. If you are working in batches, refrigerate any unused dough to maintain its firmness and prevent it from becoming too warm.
- Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the Icing:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, water, and corn syrup until the icing is smooth and well-combined.
- Once the cookies have fully cooled, apply the icing by spreading or piping it onto the surface of each cookie. If desired, you can add a few drops of food coloring to achieve various shades. Allow the icing to set completely before storing the cookies.
Notes
Chilling the dough before or after cutting out the cookies is optional but can help with handling and achieving a firmer texture. Additional tips are available in the post for reference.
Store the finished cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Store the finished cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
