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Classic Sugar cookie recipe

Easy Sugar Cookie Recipe

This soft and easy sugar cookie recipe uses simple pantry ingredients to deliver chewy, buttery cookies that bake up beautifully for any occasion. No chilling needed, freezer-friendly, and perfect for decorating or enjoying plain.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 24 Cookies
Course: Baking, Cookies
Cuisine: American
Calories: 145
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup Unsalted butter Softened to room temp
  • 1 cup Granulated sugar White sugar
  • 1 Egg Large
  • 2 tsp Vanilla extract Pure preferred
  • 2 ¾ cups All-purpose flour Spoon and level
  • ½ tsp Baking powder
  • ½ tsp Salt

Equipment

  • 1 Mixing Bowl Large, for creaming
  • 1 Hand mixer Or stand mixer
  • 1 Baking Sheet Light or dark, ungreased
  • 1 Cooling rack Optional but helpful
  • 1 Measuring cups Dry and liquid

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. Cream butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy (2–3 minutes).
  3. Add egg and vanilla extract. Mix until fully incorporated.
  4. Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl.
  5. Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet ingredients until a soft dough forms.
  6. Scoop 1½ tablespoon portions and roll into balls. For cut-outs, chill and roll to ¼” thick.
  7. Place on baking sheet 2 inches apart.
  8. Bake for 8–10 minutes until edges are just set and centers look barely done.
  9. Cool on pan 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack.
  10. Decorate if desired once fully cooled, or store plain in airtight container.

Notes

Tip: For extra soft cookies, pull from the oven when centers are slightly underbaked. They'll finish on the pan.
Storage: Keep in airtight container up to 5 days or freeze for 2 months.
Flavor Variation: Swap ½ tsp vanilla with almond extract for a bakery-style twist.
Chilling Option: Dough can be chilled 30 min for cut-out cookies.