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Easy Sugar Cookies (Soft, Sweet & Perfect Every Time)

These Easy Sugar Cookies are the perfect everyday cookie: soft, buttery, lightly sweet, and beautifully simple. They bake up thick and tender with a subtle vanilla flavor that melts in your mouth. No rolling, no complicated steps, and no special tools β€” just classic, cozy sugar cookies exactly like the ones you remember from childhood. These cookies are perfect for: After-school treats Holiday baking Birthdays Or any day you want something sweet and comforting Sometimes, the simplest cookies are the best ones.
Prep Time 10 minutes
bake & Chill Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 22 cookies
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Ingredients
  

  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • Optional: extra sugar for rolling
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Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Hand mixer or stand mixer
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Cooling rack

Method
 

step1: In a mixing bowl, beat the butter and granulated sugar together until light, creamy, and fluffy.
    step2: Add the egg and vanilla extract. Mix again until smooth.
      step3: In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
        step4: Add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Mix just until a soft dough forms β€” do not overmix.
          step5: Cover the dough and chill for 20 minutes to help cookies stay thick and soft.
            step6: Preheat the oven to 350Β°F (180Β°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
              step7: Scoop dough into balls (about 1.5 tablespoons each).
              1. Optional β†’ Roll in sugar for a sparkly finish.
              step8: Place on the baking sheet with space between cookies.
                step9: Bake for 8–11 minutes β€” the edges will look set, and the centers will still look soft.
                1. This is what makes them chewy.
                step10: Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then move to a cooling rack.

                  Notes

                  🧊 Storage & Reheating
                  Store at room temperature for 4–5 days in an airtight container.
                  Freeze baked cookies or dough balls for up to 2 months.
                  Rewarm a cookie 6–8 seconds in the microwave for bakery softness.
                  πŸ₯„ Variations (Normal Style)
                  Sprinkle Sugar Cookies:
                  Roll dough balls in rainbow sprinkles before baking.
                  Lemon Sweet Cookies:
                  Add 1 tsp lemon zest to the dough for a bright, fresh flavor.
                  Almond Bakery Style:
                  Replace half of the vanilla with almond extract.
                  Cinnamon Sugar:
                  Roll in cinnamon sugar for a snickerdoodle-style twist.
                  Frosted Sugar Cookies:
                  Top cooled cookies with simple vanilla buttercream.
                  ❓ 10 FAQs
                  Why chill the dough?
                  It prevents spreading and keeps cookies thick and soft.
                  Can I skip chilling?
                  Yes β€” but cookies will spread more.
                  Should the cookies brown?
                  No β€” remove while pale; they firm as they cool.
                  Can I use salted butter?
                  Yes β€” reduce salt to a small pinch.
                  Why did my cookies turn hard?
                  They baked too long β€” take them out while still soft.
                  Can I add chocolate chips?
                  Yes β€” mini chips are perfect.
                  Do I need to flatten the dough balls?
                  No β€” they spread naturally.
                  Can I double this recipe?
                  Absolutely β€” perfect for parties.
                  Can I freeze the dough?
                  Yes β€” freeze shaped dough balls and bake later.
                  Can kids help make these?
                  Yes β€” especially rolling in sugar or sprinkles.
                  🏁 Conclusion
                  These Easy Sugar Cookies are soft, sweet, buttery, and comforting β€” the perfect everyday cookie. Simple to make, beautiful to serve, and always a crowd-pleaser, they’re the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again.
                  One bite and you’ll understand why.