Easy Sugar Cookie Recipe – Vanilla Butter Cookies with Sprinkles

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Easy Sugar Cookie Recipe – Vanilla Butter Cookies with Sprinkles

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, a little bit of sweetness can make any day better. And what’s more comforting than a warm, buttery sugar cookie? I’ve been making these vanilla butter cookies with sprinkles for years – they’re a family favorite, and honestly, they just scream “happy.” They’re perfect for a cozy afternoon tea, a kids’ party, or just because you deserve a treat! Let’s get baking, shall we?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These sugar cookies are seriously the best. They’re not overly sweet, have a lovely vanilla flavor, and that little sprinkle of sugar on top just makes them extra special. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make, even if you’re not a seasoned baker. The chilling time is mostly hands-off, so it’s a great recipe to fit into a busy schedule. And honestly, who doesn’t love a good cookie decorating session?

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of these delightful cookies:

• ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup (100g) sugar
• 1 egg
• ½ tsp (2.5ml) vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups (180g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp (5ml) baking powder
• ½ tsp (2.5g) salt
• Sugar strands, for decoration

Ingredient Notes

Okay, let’s talk ingredients! A few little things can make a big difference.

• Quality of Vanilla Extract: Seriously, don’t skimp here! A good quality vanilla extract will really shine through in the flavor. I prefer using a pure vanilla extract – it just tastes so much richer.
• Butter Temperature: Your butter needs to be softened, but not melted. You should be able to easily press a finger into it, but it shouldn’t be greasy. This is key for getting that light and fluffy texture.
• Flour Type: All-purpose flour works perfectly for this recipe. If you’re experimenting with different flours, keep in mind it might affect the texture. I’ve tried whole wheat before, and it makes them a bit denser, which isn’t bad, just different!

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get down to business!

1. First, in a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Don’t rush this step – it’s important for getting the right texture.
2. Next, beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is fully combined. Make sure there are no streaks of egg left!
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures everything is evenly distributed.
4. Now, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. Be careful not to overmix!
5. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 3-4 hours. This is crucial – it prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
6. Preheat your oven to 170°C (340°F) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Parchment paper is your friend – it prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
7. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about ½-inch (1.25cm) thickness.
8. Use cookie cutters to cut out your desired shapes and carefully transfer them to the prepared baking sheets.
9. Sprinkle generously with colorful sugar strands. This is the fun part!
10. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
11. Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack before storing or serving. Trust me, they’re worth the wait!

Expert Tips

Here are a few things I’ve learned over the years:

• For extra-tender cookies, chill the dough overnight.
• Don’t overcrowd the baking sheets. Give the cookies some space to spread.
• Keep a close eye on them while baking – ovens can vary!

Variations

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

• Vegan Adaptation: Substitute the butter with a vegan butter alternative. I’ve had good luck with Miyoko’s Kitchen Cultured Vegan Butter.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use a good quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 Baking Flour works well.
• Spice Level: Add a teaspoon of citrus zest (lemon or orange) to the dough for a bright, fresh flavor. My grandmother always added a little orange zest!
• Festival Adaptations: Use Diwali or Christmas-themed cookie cutters and festive colored sprinkles. My kids love this!

Serving Suggestions

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

Storage Instructions

Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to a month.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time? Absolutely! You can make the dough up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
2. What is the best way to prevent cookies from spreading? Chilling the dough is key! Also, make sure your butter is properly softened, not melted.
3. Can I use different extracts besides vanilla? Yes, you can! Almond extract or lemon extract would also be delicious.
4. How do I get perfectly crisp edges on my sugar cookies? Make sure your oven is properly preheated and don’t overbake them.
5. What’s the best way to decorate these cookies? Get creative! Use royal icing, sprinkles, or even edible glitter.