These soft sugar cookies come together fast with pantry staples. The dough rolls clean, holds shape, and bakes with tender edges and a cozy hint of vanilla. Perfect for decorating or for a sweet bite still warm from the oven.
Easy Sugar Cookies
Equipment
- 2 Baking Sheet
- 1 Parchment Paper
- 1 Rolling Pin
- 1 Cookie cutters (optional)
- 1 Hand mixer or stand mixer
- 1 Mixing Bowl large
- 1 Whisk (optional) for dry ingredients
- 1 Wire rack
- 1 Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
For the cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg large
- 2 tsp vanilla extract alcohol-free
- 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 0.5 tsp fine salt
- 1 tbsp milk as needed, up to 2 tbsp
For simple icing
- 1.5 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk more as needed for consistency
- 0.5 tsp vanilla extract alcohol-free
- 0.125 tsp fine salt
- Food coloring and sprinkles optional
Instructions
Make the cookies
- Heat the oven to 350 b0F. Line two baking sheets with parchment. Lightly flour your work surface.
- In a large bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar until pale and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Mix in the egg and alcohol-free vanilla until fully combined. Scrape the bowl.
- Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. Add to the wet ingredients in two additions. Mix just until the dough comes together. If crumbly, add milk 1 teaspoon at a time.
- Roll the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into shapes, gathering and rerolling scraps as needed.
- Arrange on prepared sheets, spacing 1 inch apart. Bake 8 to 10 minutes, until edges look set and the tops are pale. Cool on the sheet 2 minutes, then transfer to a rack.
Ice and decorate
- For icing, whisk powdered sugar, milk, alcohol-free vanilla, and a pinch of salt until smooth. Adjust with more milk for a thinner glaze or more sugar for thicker icing. Decorate cooled cookies and add sprinkles.
Notes
Nutrition
Why You’ll Love This Easy Sugar Cookies
- Soft centers and lightly crisp edges, just like the bakery.
- No chill required for quick cookies whenever a craving hits.
- Roll, cut, and decorate or simply slice and bake.
- Simple ingredients you likely already have.
Easy Sugar Cookies Ingredients & Substitutions
For the cookies
- Unsalted butter, softened: creates tender, flavorful cookies. If using salted butter, reduce the added salt slightly.
- Granulated sugar: classic sweetness and crisp edges.
- Egg: binds the dough and adds richness.
- Alcohol-free vanilla extract: warm vanilla flavor without any alcohol notes.
- All-purpose flour: the base for structure.
- Baking powder: gentle lift for a soft bite.
- Fine salt: balances sweetness.
- Milk, 1 to 2 tablespoons if needed: only if the dough seems dry, add a splash to help it come together.
For simple icing
- Powdered sugar
- Milk
- Alcohol-free vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Food coloring and sprinkles, optional
Easy swaps
- Citrus twist: add 1 teaspoon lemon or orange zest to the dough.
- Warm spice: 1 to 2 teaspoons of cinnamon or cardamom in place of some vanilla.
- Glaze alternative: whisk powdered sugar with fresh lemon juice for a bright finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Easy Sugar Cookies
Step 1: Preheat and prep
Heat the oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment. Lightly flour your work surface.
Step 2: Cream butter and sugar
In a large bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar until pale and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
Step 3: Add egg and vanilla
Mix in the egg and alcohol-free vanilla until fully combined. Scrape the bowl.
Step 4: Combine dry ingredients
Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. Add to the wet ingredients in two additions. Mix just until the dough comes together. If crumbly, add milk 1 teaspoon at a time.
Step 5: Roll and cut
Roll the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into shapes, gathering and rerolling scraps as needed.
Step 6: Bake
Arrange on prepared sheets, spacing 1 inch apart. Bake 8 to 10 minutes, until edges look set and the tops are pale. Cool on the sheet 2 minutes, then transfer to a rack.
Step 7: Ice and decorate
For icing, whisk powdered sugar, milk, alcohol-free vanilla, and a pinch of salt until smooth. Adjust with more milk for a thinner glaze or more sugar for thicker icing. Decorate cooled cookies and add sprinkles.
Tips for Success
- Measure flour with the spoon and level method to avoid dry dough.
- Work with half the dough at a time, keeping the rest covered so it stays soft.
- If dough gets warm, chill for 10 minutes to keep clean edges.
- Pull cookies when the edges are set and the tops are no longer shiny. They will finish on the sheet.
- Use parchment for rolling to prevent sticking and keep cleanup easy.
Variations of Easy Sugar Cookies
- Confetti cookies: fold in rainbow sprinkles before rolling.
- Chocolate drizzle: cool, then drizzle with melted chocolate.
- Spiced sugar: dust with cinnamon sugar before baking.
- Jam thumbprints: roll into balls, indent, fill with a small spoon of jam, then bake.
Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with Easy Sugar Cookies
- A mug of hot cocoa or coffee.
- Cold milk for a classic dunk.
- Fresh berries for a bright contrast.
- Vanilla ice cream with warm cookies for a quick dessert plate.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Room temperature: store plain or iced cookies in an airtight container up to 5 days. Layer with parchment if iced.
- Freezer, baked: freeze up to 2 months. Thaw at room temp.
- Freezer, dough: wrap dough disks well and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge, then roll and bake.
- To refresh: microwave a cookie for 5 to 8 seconds for that fresh-baked softness.
Memories Made Around the Table
Growing up, we measured success by the sprinkle count on our fingers. These cookies are the kind you set out for friends and somehow the plate is empty before tea cools.
FAQs
Do I need to chill the dough? Not usually. If your kitchen is warm or the dough feels sticky, a short 10 minute chill helps clean edges.
How thick should I roll the dough? About 1/4 inch gives soft centers with tidy edges. Thinner bakes faster and crisper.
How do I keep cookies soft for days? Do not overbake, then store airtight. A small piece of bread in the container can help maintain moisture.
Can I make these without cutters? Yes. Roll into a log, chill briefly to firm, then slice and bake.
Final Thoughts
Keep this simple dough in your back pocket and you will always be one step away from a tray of warm, buttery sugar cookies. Happy baking.