Easy Sugar Cookies

You’re about to meet your new go-to cookie recipe: Easy Sugar Cookies! These soft, chewy, melt-in-your-mouth cookies are the very best way to satisfy your sweet tooth—no fancy skills required.

Buttery, vanilla-scented dough comes together in a snap, creating golden, tender cookies with delightfully crisp edges and a sparkling sugar top. They’re as fun to make as they are to eat!

This recipe is a must-try because it’s nearly foolproof and perfect for any occasion—from holiday cookie swaps to last-minute bake sales or cozy afternoon treats. It’s been a staple in my kitchen since childhood, always delivering nostalgic, homemade flavor.

Bake up a batch and watch them disappear!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Quick and simple—no chilling required, ready in under an hour!
• Uses everyday pantry ingredients you probably have on hand.
• Yields soft, chewy cookies with perfectly crisp edges every time.
• Perfect for decorating or enjoying plain—versatile for any occasion.

Key Ingredients for Easy Sugar Cookies

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Unsalted Butter

Butter is the heart of these sugar cookies, delivering rich flavor and a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Use room temperature, unsalted butter for best results—it creams easily and blends fully with the sugar. If you only have salted butter, simply reduce the added salt in the recipe by half.

Granulated Sugar

Classic sugar cookies need a generous helping of granulated sugar for their signature sweet crunch and slightly crisp edges. Rolling the dough balls in extra sugar before baking adds a pretty sparkle and irresistible finish. You can also try superfine sugar for a more delicate crust.

All-Purpose Flour

All-purpose flour forms the sturdy yet tender base of these cookies. Spoon and level your flour for accuracy—packing it in can lead to dense cookies. For a gluten-free version, substitute a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.

Pure Vanilla Extract

Vanilla brings warmth and depth to the dough, making these sugar cookies fragrant and flavorful. Opt for pure vanilla extract rather than imitation for the best taste. For something different, swap in almond extract or add a dash of lemon zest.

Egg

A single large egg binds the dough and adds moisture, giving the cookies structure and a soft, chewy bite. Make sure your egg is at room temperature for even mixing—cold eggs can cause the dough to separate.

Instructions for Easy Sugar Cookies

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and help the cookies bake evenly.

Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the softened butter and 1 1/2 cups sugar together until light and fluffy—about 2-3 minutes. Creaming gives your cookies that classic tender, airy texture.

Add Egg and Vanilla

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is evenly incorporated.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed just until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing, as that can make the cookies tough.

Shape and Roll

Scoop dough by rounded tablespoons and roll into balls. Roll each ball in a small bowl of granulated sugar to coat, then place them about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets.

Bake to Perfection

Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden. The centers should still look soft—this helps keep them chewy. If you love extra crispy edges, add another minute.

Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 3-4 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This lets them set up perfectly. Enjoy warm or at room temperature!

Recipe Variations

Make Them Festive

Add sprinkles or colored sugar to the tops of your cookie dough balls before baking for a fun, seasonal twist—perfect for holidays or birthdays!

Citrus Burst

Stir 1-2 teaspoons of freshly grated lemon or orange zest into the dough for a bright, zesty flavor that pairs beautifully with the vanilla base.

Gluten-Free Version

Use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour. The cookies will still come out soft and delicious—no one will miss the gluten!

Almond or Spiced Sugar Cookies

Swap out half the vanilla extract for almond extract, or add 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warm, aromatic note.

Vegan Option

Replace the butter with vegan butter and use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flax mixed with 3 tablespoons water) in place of the egg. The cookies will be slightly softer but still tasty!

Serving Suggestions

These Easy Sugar Cookies are delicious on their own, but you can make them even more special by serving alongside a glass of cold milk, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or with a mug of hot cocoa or coffee. For a decorative touch, dust the cookies with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple icing.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover sugar cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days—they stay soft and flavorful! For longer storage, freeze baked cookies in a zip-top bag or airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and, if desired, refresh in a 300°F oven for 2-3 minutes to restore crispness.

Frequently Asked Questions About Easy Sugar Cookies (FAQ)

Q: Do I need to chill the dough before baking?
A: No chilling is required for this recipe! The dough is ready to bake as soon as you mix it, making these cookies extra quick and easy.

Q: Can I freeze the dough?
A: Yes! Roll the dough into balls and freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a minute or two to the bake time.

Q: How do I make my sugar cookies extra soft?
A: Avoid overbaking—pull the cookies out when the centers still look slightly underdone. They’ll finish setting as they cool, resulting in soft, chewy cookies.

Ready to bake the softest, most irresistible sugar cookies ever? Give this Easy Sugar Cookies recipe a try and see why it’s a household favorite. Don’t forget to leave a comment or rating below to let me know how yours turned out!