There’s just something comforting about baking sugar cookies from scratch. The buttery aroma, the delicate vanilla flavor, and those soft centers bring back all the best homemade-cookie memories. These easy sugar cookies are simple enough for a weeknight bake, but special enough for holidays, birthdays, and cookie swaps.
This sugar cookie recipe is designed to give you tender cookies that bake up with clean edges and very little spread. If you love classic cut-out cookies, this version is one you’ll want to keep on repeat.
Why You’ll Love This Sugar Cookie Recipe
- Soft and tender with lightly golden edges.
- Holds its shape well for cut-out cookies.
- Made with simple pantry ingredients.
- Great for decorating, gifting, or freezing.
- Easy to customize with citrus zest, almond extract, or sprinkles.
Ingredients for Sugar Cookies
For the Cookies
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 3/4 teaspoon fine salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon milk
Optional for Decorating
- Granulated sugar
- Sprinkles
- Royal icing
- Simple glaze
How to Make Sugar Cookies
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until pale and fluffy. This helps create a lighter cookie texture.
- Mix in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract and milk. Beat just until smooth.
- Add the dry ingredients gradually, mixing until a dough forms. Stop as soon as the flour disappears so the cookies stay tender.
- Divide the dough in half, shape each portion into a disk, and wrap tightly. Chill for 2 hours so the dough firms up and rolls cleanly.
- Roll the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness. Cut into shapes with your favorite cookie cutters.
- Place the cookies on parchment-lined baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch between each one. Chill the cut cookies for 5 to 10 minutes if the dough feels warm.
- Bake at 375°F until the edges are just lightly golden, usually 10 to 12 minutes. Let the cookies cool on the pan for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack.
- Once completely cool, decorate as desired or enjoy them plain. For a festive touch, try pairing them with ideas from Soft and Chewy Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies or Mini Sugar Cookies.
Expert Tips & Variations
- For a brighter flavor, add 1 to 2 teaspoons of lemon or orange zest to the butter and sugar mixture.
- For a softer, more bakery-style cookie, do not overbake; the centers should still look pale when you pull them from the oven.
- If the dough gets sticky while rolling, dust the surface lightly with flour and chill it for a few minutes.
- For a holiday twist, add sprinkles before baking or finish with a simple glaze after cooling.
- Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or freeze undecorated cookies for longer storage.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are perfect with a cold glass of milk, hot coffee, or afternoon tea. They also make a beautiful addition to dessert platters alongside Shortbread Cookie Recipe and Mexican Wedding Cookies.
For a festive cookie box, add a second cookie flavor like Candy Cane Cookies or Soft Lime Sugar Cookies. They also work well as edible gifts tied with ribbon.
FAQ About Sugar Cookies
Why do sugar cookies spread?
Sugar cookies usually spread if the dough is too warm or the butter is too soft. Chilling the dough helps the cookies keep their shape better in the oven.
Can I freeze sugar cookie dough?
Yes, you can freeze the dough disks or the cut-out cookies before baking. Just thaw the dough in the refrigerator before rolling, or bake the cut-outs straight from frozen with a little extra time.
How do I keep sugar cookies soft?
Do not overbake them, and store them in an airtight container once they have cooled. Adding a little milk and not using too much flour also helps keep the texture tender.
Can I make these without cookie cutters?
Absolutely. You can roll the dough into balls and flatten them slightly for simple round cookies. They will still have that classic sugar cookie flavor.
What is the best frosting for sugar cookies?
Royal icing is best for clean decoration and detailed designs, while glaze or buttercream works well for a softer, sweeter finish.
These soft sugar cookies are the kind of recipe you’ll want to make again and again, whether you’re decorating for a holiday or baking a quick batch of homemade treats.
Sugar Cookies
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 3/4 teaspoon fine salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon milk
- Optional for Decorating:
- Granulated sugar
- Sprinkles
- Royal icing
- Simple glaze
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until pale and fluffy.
- Mix in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract and milk.
- Add the dry ingredients gradually, mixing until a dough forms.
- Divide the dough in half, shape each portion into a disk, and wrap tightly. Chill for 2 hours.
- Roll the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness. Cut into shapes with cookie cutters.
- Place the cookies on parchment-lined baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch between each one. Chill the cut cookies for 5 to 10 minutes if the dough feels warm.
- Bake at 375°F until the edges are lightly golden, usually 10 to 12 minutes.
- Let the cookies cool on the pan for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack.
- Once completely cool, decorate as desired or enjoy them plain.