When it comes to classic desserts, sugar cookies hold a special place in the hearts of many. They’re the kind of treat that brings back memories of family gatherings, holiday celebrations, and lazy weekends in the kitchen. My fondness for this recipe stems from its simplicity and the wonderful aroma that fills your home while baking. These cookies are not just easy to make; they’re also a blank canvas for creativity—perfect for decorating or simply enjoying as is. Plus, they’re soft, chewy, and just the right amount of sweet, making them a favorite for kids and adults alike.

Why You’ll Love Making It

There are plenty of reasons to try your hand at baking classic sugar cookies. For starters, the ingredients are straightforward and inexpensive—most of which you likely already have in your pantry. This makes them a perfect go-to recipe for any occasion, whether you’re preparing for a cozy family dessert night or a festive holiday gathering.

Beyond that, the process is incredibly satisfying. Watching the cookies puff up and turn golden in the oven is rewarding, and the aroma that wafts through your home will have everyone asking, "What’s baking?"

"These are the best sugar cookies I’ve ever made! They remind me of my childhood and are so easy to decorate with the kids. A definite keeper!"

Preparing Classic Sugar Cookies

Ready to bake some delightful sugar cookies? This recipe highlights a step-by-step process that makes it easy for bakers of all levels. You can expect a rich and buttery flavor, a soft texture, and just the right amount of sweetness. Follow along to gather your ingredients and discover how to make these delightful treats.

Gather Your Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for these classic sugar cookies:

2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened (for a vegan option, consider using a plant-based butter)
1 1/2 cups white sugar
1 egg (or 1/4 cup applesauce for an egg substitute)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1/4 cup granulated sugar for rolling

Cooking Steps

Let’s dive into the cooking steps. Follow these easy directions to produce your own batch of irresistible sugar cookies:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a bowl, mix together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside.
In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and white sugar until smooth and creamy.
Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until fully incorporated.
Gradually blend in the dry ingredients until just combined.
Roll rounded teaspoonfuls of the dough into balls and then roll each ball in granulated sugar.
Place the sugar-coated balls onto ungreased cookie sheets, giving each enough space to spread.
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 8 to 10 minutes or until they turn a lovely golden brown.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

Tips for Serving

Now that you’ve mastered baking classic sugar cookies, consider these creative serving ideas to elevate your cookie experience:

Serve them warm with a side of milk or a scoop of ice cream for a delightful treat.
Get festive by decorating your cookies with royal icing, colorful sprinkles, or edible glitter.
Pair them with a steaming cup of tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon snack.

Best Way to Store Classic Sugar Cookies

To keep your delicious sugar cookies fresh, follow these storage tips:

Let the cookies cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container.
Store them at room temperature for up to a week, or in the freezer for up to three months.
If you decide to freeze them, try to layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Pro Chef Tips

Here are a few handy tricks to ensure your sugar cookies turn out perfectly every time:

Make sure your butter is softened at room temperature; this will help in achieving a light and fluffy texture.
Don’t over-mix the dough after adding the dry ingredients, as this can lead to tougher cookies.
Experiment with different extracts; swap out almond for lemon or add a touch of cinnamon for a unique flair.

Creative Twists

Looking to personalize your sugar cookies? Here are some creative variations to consider:

Flavored Vanilla Sugar Cookies: Use a combination of vanilla and lemon extract for a zesty twist.
Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over cooled cookies for an indulgent touch.
Nutty Flavor: Incorporate finely chopped nuts into your dough for added texture.

Your Questions Answered

How long do these cookies stay fresh?
If stored properly in an airtight container, they can stay fresh for up to a week.

Can I make the dough in advance?
Absolutely! The dough can be made ahead of time and refrigerated for up to three days or frozen for up to a month before baking.

What can I substitute for eggs?
You can use 1/4 cup of applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water and let it sit for a few minutes).

Baking classic sugar cookies can be both a delightful experience and a delicious reward. Whether you enjoy them straight from the oven or enhance them with your favorite toppings, these cookies promise to bring a smile to anyone’s face. Happy baking!

Classic Sugar Cookies

Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 24 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Delightfully soft and chewy sugar cookies, perfect for decorating or enjoying plain.

Ingredients

Scale

2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups white sugar
1 egg (or 1/4 cup applesauce for an egg substitute)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1/4 cup granulated sugar for rolling

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a bowl, mix together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and white sugar until smooth and creamy.
Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until fully incorporated.
Gradually blend in the dry ingredients until just combined.
Roll rounded teaspoonfuls of the dough into balls and coat each ball in granulated sugar.
Place the sugar-coated balls on ungreased cookie sheets, leaving space to spread.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 8 to 10 minutes until golden brown.
Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

Notes

Serve warm with milk or ice cream, and decorate with royal icing or sprinkles for a festive touch.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 150
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 21g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 1g
Cholesterol: 25mg

Keywords: sugar cookies, classic recipes, holiday baking, desserts, easy cookies