There’s nothing like the buttery goodness of freshly baked sugar cookies, especially when they're easy to make and melt in your mouth. Whether you're preparing for a festive holiday or just craving a simple sweet treat, these sugar cookies will hit the spot. The dough comes together quickly with basic pantry ingredients, and you'll love how soft and chewy they stay long after baking.

I first made this recipe when I was looking for something simple to bake with my kids, and it's now a favorite in our house. It’s quick, beginner-friendly, and the perfect canvas for adding your favorite sprinkles or a drizzle of icing.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Sugar Cookie Recipe

These sugar cookies are everything you want in a classic treat. Not only are they delicious, but they also bring a few extra perks that make them the perfect go-to recipe.

First, they’re incredibly simple to whip up. With just a handful of common ingredients and a few easy steps, you’ll have homemade cookies ready to go. Perfect for baking with kids or on a lazy afternoon when you’re craving something sweet but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.

Plus, these cookies come out soft and chewy every time. By following this recipe, you’ll avoid the dreaded over-crisp sugar cookie and instead get a texture that’s satisfyingly tender with a hint of chewiness.

These cookies are also wonderfully versatile. Want to add some holiday flair? Just toss in some colored sprinkles, or add a bit of lemon or almond extract to the dough for a unique twist.

Best of all, this recipe is perfect for making ahead. The dough can be chilled or frozen, so you can always have some ready for last-minute baking. It’s perfect for the holidays or any time of the year when sugar cookie cravings hit.

Ingredients Notes

This sugar cookie recipe is simple, relying on just a few ingredients to get that perfect balance of sweetness and buttery flavor.

Butter: Use unsalted butter that’s softened to room temperature. This ensures your cookies will have a tender texture and buttery taste without being too salty.
Granulated Sugar: For that classic sugar cookie sweetness, regular granulated sugar is all you need. It caramelizes slightly as the cookies bake, adding to their chewy texture.
Eggs: The eggs provide structure and moisture to keep the cookies soft. Make sure they’re at room temperature to blend smoothly into the dough.
Vanilla Extract: A generous amount of vanilla is essential for that comforting, nostalgic flavor we all love in sugar cookies.
All-Purpose Flour: This type of flour gives the cookies their light, soft texture. Be sure to measure accurately to avoid overly dense cookies.

You won’t need any special equipment for these cookies. Just a few mixing bowls, a hand mixer or stand mixer, and a baking sheet lined with parchment paper are all you need.

How To Make This Easy Sugar Cookie Recipe

Making these sugar cookies is a breeze. Let’s walk through the steps to ensure you get soft, chewy cookies every time.

Prepare the Dough: Start by creaming together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This step is crucial for creating a tender, airy cookie. Once creamy, beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
Mix in the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, as that can make your cookies tough.
Chill the Dough: For best results, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes. This helps the cookies maintain their shape and prevents them from spreading too much while baking.
Roll and Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll the chilled dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart. For a classic look, you can flatten them slightly with the bottom of a glass or add a sprinkle of sugar on top. Bake for 8-10 minutes, just until the edges are set.
Cool and Enjoy: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy them warm, or store them for later!

These cookies should be slightly under-baked for a soft texture, so don’t wait until they turn golden. The edges should be firm, but the centers should still look soft when you remove them from the oven.

Storage Options

These sugar cookies are great for storing, so you can enjoy them for days to come.

Room Temperature: Keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, and they’ll stay soft and delicious for up to 5 days.
Refrigerator: For slightly longer storage, you can refrigerate the cookies in an airtight container for up to 7 days. Just keep in mind that they’ll be a bit firmer from the cold.
Freezer: Sugar cookies freeze beautifully. Once completely cooled, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag, where they’ll keep for up to 3 months.

When you’re ready to enjoy frozen cookies, simply let them thaw at room temperature, or warm them slightly in the microwave for a fresh-from-the-oven experience.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this sugar cookie recipe is its flexibility. Here are a few fun ways to customize your cookies to suit your taste:

Add Sprinkles: Mix colorful sprinkles into the dough for a festive look, or press them on top before baking.
Citrus Zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the dough for a refreshing citrus flavor that complements the sweetness.
Almond Extract: Swap out a bit of the vanilla for almond extract for a different depth of flavor. It’s a small change but makes a big difference!
Frosted Sugar Cookies: Let the cookies cool completely, then top them with a simple powdered sugar glaze, or decorate them with royal icing for an extra-special touch.
Whole-Wheat Flour: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole-wheat flour for a slightly nuttier taste and a bit more texture. Just note that this may make the cookies a bit denser.

Feel free to experiment with different flavors or add-ins! These cookies are a great base for all sorts of customizations.

These easy sugar cookies are bound to become a favorite, whether you’re baking for a holiday, a family gathering, or just a cozy afternoon treat. Simple to make, endlessly adaptable, and absolutely delicious—this recipe is sure to please. Enjoy baking, and don’t be surprised if they disappear fast!