The Best Homemade Sugar Cookie Recipe

Find out how to create the best homemade sugar cookies with a soft center and crisp edges, perfect for any occasion—discover the secret ingredient now.

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What You’ll Love About This Recipe

These homemade sugar cookies are a joy to make, with a simple recipe that delivers buttery, melt-in-your-mouth goodness every time.

  • Easy to customize: Decorate with sprinkles, icing, or even a pinch of cinnamon for a fun twist.
  • Perfect texture: Soft in the middle with just the right amount of crispness on the edges.
  • Family-friendly: Kids love rolling out the dough, and everyone enjoys eating the results!

Recipe

classic sweet sugar cookies

Homemade sugar cookies are a classic treat, perfect for any occasion. They are simple to make and can be decorated in countless ways to suit your mood or event.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth.
  3. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the baking powder, flour, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
  5. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on an ungreased baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie.
  6. Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass or your hand.
  7. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
  8. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes:

For softer cookies, bake for the shorter time. For crispier cookies, bake for the longer time.

Equipment:

Large mixing bowl, electric mixer, measuring cups, measuring spoons, baking sheet, wire rack

Time:

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cooking time: 10 minutes

Cuisine:

American

Serving:

Makes approximately 36 cookies

Nutrition

These sugar cookies are a delicious treat, but they are also high in calories and sugar.

Nutrition FactsPer Serving (1 cookie)
Calories120
Total Fat5g
Saturated Fat3g
Cholesterol15mg
Sodium85mg
Total Carbs18g
Sugars10g
Protein1g

What To Serve With It

I love pairing my homemade sugar cookies with a creamy vanilla or tangy lemon frosting—they’re perfect for adding a little extra sweetness or zing. A cold glass of milk or a cup of hot tea complements the cookies wonderfully, making them ideal for a cozy afternoon treat. If you’re feeling fancy, try serving them with a fruit smoothie for a revitalizing twist!

Frosting Pairings

When you’ve got a batch of freshly baked sugar cookies ready to go, picking the right frosting can take them from great to unforgettable. I love classic buttercream because it’s smooth, sweet, and easy to customize with colors or extracts like vanilla or almond. Cream cheese frosting adds a tangy twist that balances the cookie’s sweetness perfectly. For a rich option, chocolate ganache is a no-fail choice—it’s decadent and silky. If you’re feeling adventurous, try a lemon glaze for a zesty kick. Don’t forget sprinkles or edible glitter for a fun, festive touch!

Beverage Selections

Once you’ve got your sugar cookies frosted and ready to enjoy, it’s worth thinking about what to sip alongside them. I love pairing mine with a cold glass of milk—it’s classic and lets the cookie shine. If I’m feeling fancy, a warm cup of chai tea adds a cozy spice that complements the sweetness. Coffee, especially latte-style, is another favorite of mine for balancing the sugary treat. For a non-dairy option, almond milk or oat milk works wonderfully. And when I crave something chilled, fresh lemonade or iced tea brings a revitalizing contrast. The right drink makes every bite better!

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