Baking has always held a special place in my heart. Since childhood, I’ve been fascinated by how simple ingredients flour, sugar, butter can transform into something warm, comforting, and full of joy. Sugar cookies were one of the first treats I ever baked, and every time I make them, I’m reminded of those early days spent watching the magic happen in the kitchen.
This Soft & Classic Sugar Cookie Recipe captures everything I love about easy, homemade baking. The cookies are buttery, soft, lightly sweet, and perfect on their own or decorated. Whether you’re making them for a quiet afternoon snack, sharing them with friends, or filling a cookie jar for the week, these sugar cookies are simple, reliable, and absolutely delicious.
Why Make This Recipe
- Soft, chewy texture with perfectly crisp edges
- Uses everyday ingredients you already have at home
- Beginner-friendly
- Great for decorating or eating plain
- Perfect for gifting, baking sessions, or anytime cravings
- No special equipment needed
How to Make Soft Sugar Cookies
Ingredients:
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- 2 tbsp milk (optional, for extra softness)
- Additional sugar for rolling (optional)
Directions:
- Preheat the oven: Set to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Cream the butter & sugar: Beat softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add egg & vanilla: Mix in the egg and vanilla until smooth.
- Combine dry ingredients: Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Make the dough: Add dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix until just combined. Add 1–2 tbsp milk if dough feels too stiff.
- Shape cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized balls. Roll in sugar if desired. Place on the tray, spaced apart.
- Bake: Bake for 8–10 minutes, just until edges set. Centers should still look soft.
- Cool: Let cookies rest on the tray for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack.
How to Serve Sugar Cookies
- Enjoy warm, straight from the oven
- Decorate with icing, sprinkles, or colored sugar
- Pair with tea, coffee, or a cold glass of milk
- Serve alongside fruit for a simple dessert plate
- Dip in melted chocolate for an elegant twist
These cookies are soft, sweet, and perfect on their own or dressed up however you like.
How to Store Sugar Cookies
Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezer (baked cookies): Freeze up to 2 months in layers separated by parchment.
- Freezer (cookie dough): Freeze balls of dough for 3 months and bake straight from frozen—add 1 minute to bake time.
Tips to Make the Best Sugar Cookies
- Use softened butter, not melted—it creates the perfect texture.
- Do not overbake; remove when the edges are just set.
- Chill dough for 20 minutes if cookies spread too much.
- Add 2 tbsp milk for extra soft cookies.
- Use parchment paper to prevent over-browning.
- For thicker cookies, make larger dough balls.
Variations
- Lemon Sugar Cookies: Add 1 tbsp lemon zest.
- Almond Sugar Cookies: Replace ½ tsp vanilla with almond extract.
- Funfetti Cookies: Fold in ¼ cup sprinkles before baking.
- Cinnamon Sugar Cookies: Roll the dough balls in cinnamon sugar before baking.
FAQs
1. Why did my sugar cookies spread too much?
The butter may have been too soft or the dough too warm. Chill the dough for 20–30 minutes before baking to help them hold their shape.
2. Can I decorate these cookies?
Absolutely! These cookies work perfectly with icing, sprinkles, melted chocolate, or simple colored sugar. They keep their shape well.
3. How do I make thicker cookies?
Use slightly larger dough balls and chill them before baking. This helps create soft, thick centers with beautifully defined edges.
Conclusion
These Soft Sugar Cookies are everything a classic cookie should be—simple, buttery, tender, and full of nostalgic flavor. Whether you enjoy them plain or get creative with decorations, they’re the kind of recipe you’ll return to again and again. With just a few everyday ingredients and a little mixing, you can create a batch of cookies that feel warm, comforting, and wonderfully homemade.
Happy baking and enjoy every sweet bite!