Easy Sugar Cookie Recipe – Perfect for Baking & Decorating

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Easy Sugar Cookie Recipe – Perfect for Baking & Decorating

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, the smell of freshly baked cookies instantly makes everything better. I remember the first time I made these sugar cookies – it was for a friend’s birthday, and honestly, the decorating was almost as fun as eating them! They’re just so versatile and bring a little bit of joy to any occasion. This recipe is my go-to, and I’m so excited to share it with you.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These sugar cookies are seriously the best. They’re not too sweet, have a lovely soft texture, and are the perfect canvas for all your creative decorating ideas. Plus, the recipe is super straightforward – even if you’re a baking beginner, you’ll be whipping up a batch in no time. They’re perfect for holidays, birthdays, or just a cozy afternoon treat.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

• 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour
• ?? teaspoon (approx. 2.25 tsp or 11g) baking powder
• ?? teaspoon (approx. 1/4 tsp or 1.5g) salt
• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200g) sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) milk
• 1 teaspoon (5ml) vanilla extract

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little things can make a big difference.

All-Purpose Flour: Choosing the right protein content is key. I usually go for a standard all-purpose flour, but if you want a really tender cookie, try using cake flour for about half of the amount.

Baking Powder: Ensuring a light and fluffy texture is all about fresh baking powder. If yours has been sitting in the cupboard for ages, it might be time for a new one! A little goes a long way, so don’t overdo it.

Unsalted Butter: The importance of quality & temperature can’t be overstated. I always use unsalted butter so I can control the salt level. Make sure it’s properly softened – not melted, but easily pliable.

Vanilla Extract: Exploring different varieties is fun! While regular vanilla extract is great, you could also try vanilla bean paste for a more intense flavour, or even almond extract for a slightly different twist.

Sugar: Granulated vs. caster sugar – what’s the difference? I usually use granulated sugar, but caster sugar (superfine sugar) will give you a slightly smoother texture. It’s not essential, though!

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get baking!

1. First, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. This helps to aerate the flour and ensures everything is evenly distributed. Set this aside for now.
2. In a stand mixer (or a large bowl if you’re mixing by hand!), cream together the softened butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This usually takes a few minutes.
3. Add the beaten egg, milk, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and mix until everything is well combined.
4. Now, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms and starts to pull away from the sides of the bowl. Don’t overmix!
5. Divide the dough into two portions. Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap or wax paper and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This is super important – it helps the dough chill and prevents the cookies from spreading too much.
6. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). On a lightly powdered sugar-dusted surface, roll out the chilled dough to about ¼-inch (6mm) thickness.
7. Cut out your cookies using your favourite cookie cutters! Place the cutouts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and chill them for another 15 minutes.
8. Bake for 7-8 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Let them cool completely on the baking sheet before decorating.

Expert Tips

A few little secrets to help you bake the perfect sugar cookies:

Chilling the Dough: Why it’s crucial. Seriously, don’t skip this step! It prevents the cookies from spreading and makes them easier to work with.

Preventing Cookies from Spreading: Troubleshooting tips. If your cookies are still spreading, make sure your butter isn’t too soft and that you’ve chilled the dough properly. You can also try adding a tablespoon or two of flour.

Achieving Perfectly Even Baking: Oven temperature & placement. Make sure your oven is properly preheated, and rotate the baking sheet halfway through baking for even browning.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

Vegan Sugar Cookies: Substitute the butter with a vegan butter alternative and the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water).

Gluten-Free Sugar Cookies: Use a good quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.

Spice Level Adaptations: My auntie loves adding a pinch of cardamom or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, fragrant flavour.

Festival Adaptations: For Christmas, I love using festive cookie cutters and decorating with red and green icing. During Diwali, I’ll add a touch of saffron to the dough for a beautiful golden hue. Easter calls for egg-shaped cookies, of course!

Flavour Variations: A little lemon or orange zest adds a lovely brightness. My friend swears by adding a teaspoon of almond extract.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies are delicious on their own, but they’re even better with a glass of cold milk or a cup of chai! They also make a lovely addition to a dessert platter.

Storage Instructions

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months.

FAQs

What is the best way to store leftover sugar cookies?

An airtight container is your best friend! This will keep them soft and prevent them from drying out.

Can I make the dough ahead of time? How long will it keep?

Yes! You can make the dough up to 3 days in advance. Just wrap it tightly and store it in the refrigerator.

My cookies spread too much during baking – what went wrong?

Most likely, the butter was too soft, or the dough wasn’t chilled long enough.

Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Absolutely! Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.

What’s the best icing recipe for decorating these cookies?

A simple royal icing is perfect! There are tons of recipes online – just search for “royal icing recipe.”