Sugar Cookies Recipe | Full Steps

Few treats deliver the nostalgic comfort of a warm, buttery sugar cookie. Whether it’s for a holiday, a bake sale, or just because, the right sugar cookies recipe can quickly become your go-to. This guide breaks down everything from choosing ingredients and mastering dough to perfect baking times and creative variations. You’ll also find expert baking tips, smart storage tricks, and answers to the most frequently asked questions about sugar cookies. If you’re looking for soft, chewy, flavorful cookies every time, this is the recipe and guide you’ll keep coming back to.

Let’s start by getting familiar with the basics of sugar cookies, their origins, and why they’re such a beloved classic.

The Classic Sugar Cookies Recipe Basics

What Are Sugar Cookies? A Brief History and Why They’re a Favorite

Sugar cookies have been part of American baking traditions for centuries. Originally derived from simple European shortbread and biscuit-style recipes, the modern version emerged in the 1700s in Pennsylvania. Known for their simple, sweet flavor and soft texture, sugar cookies became a staple of home baking because they use pantry ingredients and are easy to prepare.

These cookies are typically made from flour, sugar, butter, eggs, and vanilla—no need for fancy ingredients. What makes them stand out is the soft chew at the center and just a slight crisp at the edge. They’re the blank canvas of cookies, ready for decorating or serving plain and warm.

Sugar cookies are also crowd-pleasers. Their soft, tender bite and subtle vanilla flavor make them perfect for all ages. Plus, they’re versatile, ideal for cut-out shapes during holidays or baked plain and enjoyed with a cup of milk.

Core Ingredients Breakdown and Why They Matter

To understand what makes sugar cookies exceptional, you need to know how each ingredient functions:

• All-purpose flour (2½ cups): This gives your cookies structure. Use too little, and they’ll spread. Use too much, and they’ll be dry.
• Baking powder (2 teaspoons): Adds lift without making the cookie puffy. It’s essential for that light texture.
• Fine sea salt (¾ teaspoon): Enhances flavor. Salt balances sweetness and brings out the buttery richness.
• Unsalted butter (2 sticks): At cool room temperature, butter is key to achieving a creamy base that beats well with sugar, giving your cookies that melt-in-the-mouth feel.
• Granulated sugar (1¼ cups + ¼ cup for rolling): Provides sweetness and crisp edges. Rolling dough in sugar adds sparkle and crunch.
• Egg + egg yolk: This combination adds structure, fat, and moisture. The yolk contributes richness while the egg white supports structure.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Delivers warmth and depth. Even small tweaks to vanilla can elevate or flatten the flavor profile.

Every one of these ingredients plays a role. Even small changes—like using salted butter or skipping the egg yolk—can noticeably alter texture and taste.

Sugar Cookies Recipe

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 16 large cookies

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Description

A soft and chewy sugar cookies recipe that’s quick to prepare, easy to customize, and perfect for any occasion.

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Ingredients

2½ cups (318 grams) all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

¾ teaspoon fine sea salt

2 sticks (226 grams) unsalted butter, at cool room temperature

1¼ cups (250 grams) granulated sugar

¼ cup (50 grams) granulated sugar (for rolling)

1 large egg

1 egg yolk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

3. In a large bowl, beat the butter and 1¼ cups of sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.

4. Add the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla. Mix until well combined, scraping the bowl as needed.

5. Slowly mix in the dry ingredients until just incorporated.

6. Scoop the dough using a 3-tablespoon cookie scoop. Roll each ball in the remaining ¼ cup of sugar.

7. Place balls on baking sheet 2 inches apart. Gently flatten each with the bottom of a cup.

8. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden and centers are set.

9. Cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

To keep cookies soft, store in an airtight container with a slice of bread.

For thicker cookies, chill dough balls before baking, especially in warm or humid climates.

Dough can be frozen for up to 3 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to baking time.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

How to Make Sugar Cookies from Scratch

Step-by-Step Process for Perfect Sugar Cookies Every Time

Even the most foolproof recipe needs the right process to get the best results. Here’s exactly how to make sugar cookies from scratch, following simple, effective techniques:

1. Preheat and Prepare
   Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and ensures even baking.
2. Whisk the Dry Ingredients
   In a medium bowl, whisk together 2½ cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, and ¾ teaspoon fine sea salt. Mixing these dry ingredients separately helps distribute the leavening evenly.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar
   In a large mixing bowl, beat 2 sticks of unsalted butter with 1¼ cups of sugar using a stand or hand mixer on medium-high speed. Beat for about 2 to 3 minutes, until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is critical—proper creaming creates the airy structure sugar cookies are known for.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla
   Add 1 whole egg, 1 egg yolk, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Beat well until fully incorporated, scraping down the bowl to make sure everything blends smoothly.
5. Incorporate the Dry Ingredients
   Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet mixture on low speed. Mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to dense cookies.
6. Shape and Roll the Dough
   Place ¼ cup of sugar in a shallow bowl. Scoop dough using a large (3-tablespoon) spring-loaded scoop. Roll each dough ball in sugar until fully coated. This sugar coating gives the cookies a light crunch and helps with browning.
7. Arrange and Flatten
   Place the dough balls on the lined baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Gently flatten each with the bottom of a measuring cup or glass. Flattening helps them bake evenly and improves texture.
8. Bake to Perfection
   Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges just start to turn golden. The centers should look set but soft.
9. Cool the Cookies
   Let cookies cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This ensures they don’t continue baking and harden too much.

Pro Mixing Techniques for Tender, Chewy Cookies

Achieving the perfect sugar cookie texture often comes down to how you handle the dough. Here are a few professional mixing tips:

• Use butter at the right temperature
  Cool room temperature means it should be pliable but not greasy or soft. Butter that’s too warm can cause the dough to be greasy and spread too much during baking.
• Don’t skip scraping the bowl
  While mixing, frequently scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl. This prevents uneven mixing and ensures that the eggs and flour are incorporated properly.
• Avoid overmixing after adding flour
  As soon as the dry ingredients are incorporated, stop mixing. Overworking the dough will develop too much gluten, making the cookies tough instead of soft.
• Consistency matters
  If the dough feels too sticky to handle, chill it for 15–20 minutes before shaping. On the flip side, if it’s too crumbly, let it rest for a few minutes to absorb moisture fully before scooping.

By following these steps and tips, you’ll get soft, chewy sugar cookies every time, with no cracks or dryness.

Ingredient Tips for the Best Sugar Cookie Dough

Choosing the Right Flour and Butter: What You Need to Know

The foundation of any great sugar cookies recipe lies in the quality and balance of its core ingredients. Two that matter the most in texture and taste are flour and butter.

Flour: Stick to All-Purpose
Using all-purpose flour provides the perfect balance between tenderness and structure. It has just enough protein to give your sugar cookies a bit of chew, without turning them bread-like. If you use cake flour, your cookies might spread too much. If you switch to bread flour, you may end up with a dense, tough texture.

To measure flour accurately, use the spoon-and-level method. Scooping directly from the bag can pack in too much, which dries out the dough.

Butter: Cool Room Temperature Is Key
This recipe uses unsalted butter, which gives you better control over salt levels. Let it sit out until it’s cool and slightly soft. If it melts too much, the dough turns greasy, which can ruin the texture and cause the cookies to overspread during baking.

Soft but firm butter is easier to cream with sugar, which is essential for creating air pockets in the dough. This step is what gives your cookies that soft, fluffy bite.

If all you have is salted butter, reduce the added salt in the recipe slightly to avoid overpowering the sweetness.

Eggs, Sugar, and Vanilla: Small Tweaks That Make a Big Difference

Egg and Yolk: A Moisture Balancing Act
This recipe smartly uses 1 large egg and 1 egg yolk. The whole egg provides structure, while the additional yolk adds richness and tenderness. Omitting the yolk makes the cookie drier and more crumbly. Want a richer cookie? Try using a farm-fresh egg or one from pasture-raised hens.

Granulated Sugar: Dual Use for Sweetness and Crunch
Sugar doesn’t just sweeten—it impacts texture. 1¼ cups go into the dough, and an additional ¼ cup is used for rolling. This coating sugar adds a slightly crispy edge and a touch of sparkle. If you substitute with brown sugar, you’ll introduce moisture and molasses flavor, which can change the texture entirely.

For best results, stick to fine granulated white sugar. Avoid coarse sugar unless you want a crunchier bite.

Vanilla Extract: Pure vs. Imitation
Though you only need 1 teaspoon, using real pure vanilla extract makes a big difference in flavor. Imitation vanilla has a sharper, artificial tone, while pure vanilla brings warm, floral depth to every bite.

If you love experimenting, try almond extract or lemon zest alongside vanilla for a brighter twist without overwhelming the classic flavor.

Baking and Cooling Like a Pro

How Oven Temperature and Time Affect Sugar Cookies

It may seem simple, but baking sugar cookies is a delicate balance between heat and time. Even a few degrees or an extra minute can affect the outcome.

Preheat to 350°F—No Shortcuts
Make sure your oven is fully preheated to 350°F before baking. A cold oven causes uneven baking, which can result in cookies that spread too much or bake unevenly. Use an oven thermometer if you’re unsure about your oven’s accuracy.

Timing Is Everything
For these cookies, 10 to 12 minutes is the sweet spot. If you prefer softer cookies, take them out right at the 10-minute mark, when the edges are just beginning to turn golden. If you like a slightly crisp edge, bake for the full 12 minutes.

Keep in mind, sugar cookies continue to bake on the hot tray after being removed from the oven. So don’t wait for a deep golden color—that’s a sign they’re already overbaked.

Even Spacing Prevents Overlap
When placing dough balls on the baking sheet, keep them 2 inches apart. This gives the cookies enough space to spread without running into each other, ensuring a uniform shape and bake.

Rotate for Even Results
If your oven has hot spots, rotate the tray halfway through baking. This small step ensures your cookies brown evenly across the batch.

Why Cooling Methods Can Make or Break Your Cookie Texture

Your work isn’t done when the cookies come out of the oven. Cooling plays a major role in final texture.

Cool on Baking Sheet First
Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes after removal. During this time, they firm up and finish baking from residual heat. This keeps them from crumbling when you move them.

Transfer to a Wire Rack
After 5 minutes, use a spatula to carefully move each cookie to a wire rack. This allows air to circulate and stops steam from making the bottoms soggy.

Avoid cooling cookies directly on the counter or a plate. Trapped moisture underneath can ruin that ideal soft-chewy balance.

Batch Baking Tip
If you’re baking multiple trays, let your sheets cool before reusing. Placing new dough on a hot sheet can cause premature spreading, leading to thin, uneven cookies.

By following these temperature and cooling tips, you’ll avoid the most common baking pitfalls and get consistent results, batch after batch.

Sugar Cookie Texture Mastery

Want Soft, Chewy, or Crunchy? Control Texture with These Hacks

The beauty of a sugar cookies recipe lies in its flexibility. Whether you prefer soft, chewy, or slightly crisp cookies, you can achieve the texture you love by tweaking a few elements of the recipe.

For Soft Sugar Cookies

• Bake for less time: Pull them out around the 10-minute mark, while the centers are still pale and just set.
• Add more yolk: Egg yolks contribute fat, moisture, and richness. Using an extra yolk can soften the dough even more.
• Don’t overmix: Overworking the dough activates gluten and makes cookies dense.

For Chewy Sugar Cookies

• Slightly underbake: This locks in moisture and keeps the middle soft as they cool.
• Chill the dough: Letting your dough rest in the fridge for 30–60 minutes reduces spread and creates a chewy center.
• Use room-temperature butter: Creaming butter that’s just soft enough creates perfect air pockets for a chewy texture.

For Crisp Edges

• Flatten the dough more: A thinner dough ball will spread and bake faster at the edges.
• Use less yolk or stick to one whole egg: Less fat means a drier, crispier cookie.
• Bake a minute longer: Letting them bake to golden brown at the edges gives a satisfying crunch.

Here’s a quick table to summarize texture adjustments:

How to Adjust for Humid Climates and High Altitudes

Baking in different climates can make a big difference in how your sugar cookies turn out. Here’s how to adjust:

In Humid Climates

• Chill the dough: High moisture in the air makes dough stickier. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before baking.
• Use a bit more flour: Add 1–2 extra tablespoons to stiffen the dough if it’s too loose.
• Bake right away: Don’t let shaped dough sit out long or it may absorb moisture from the air.

In High Altitudes

• Decrease baking powder: Try reducing the amount by 1/4 teaspoon to prevent excessive puffing.
• Add more liquid: Add a teaspoon of milk or an extra yolk to counteract the drier air.
• Shorten baking time slightly: Cookies may bake faster in high altitudes due to lower air pressure.

Every kitchen environment is a little different, but once you learn how to adapt your dough, you can bake consistent sugar cookies wherever you are.

Flavor Variations and Add-Ins for Sugar Cookie Dough

Citrus Zest, Almond, and Other Natural Enhancements

While the traditional sugar cookies recipe is beloved for its buttery vanilla profile, adding subtle flavors can elevate your cookies without straying too far from the original.

Citrus Zest
Add 1 teaspoon of lemon, lime, or orange zest to the dough for a fresh, tangy lift. Zest pairs beautifully with vanilla and creates a bright contrast that doesn’t overpower. Always zest fresh citrus and avoid the white pith, which can taste bitter.

Almond Extract
Substitute ¼ teaspoon of almond extract for part of the vanilla. A little goes a long way, offering a delicate nutty aroma. Be cautious—too much almond can dominate the cookie.

Spices
Try a pinch of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom for a warm, cozy twist. Even a small dash can change the entire flavor profile in a delightful way.

Maple or Brown Butter Variations
Swap vanilla for a few drops of maple extract to add autumnal richness, or brown the butter before mixing to introduce deep caramel notes.

These enhancements keep your cookies feeling gourmet while maintaining their comforting simplicity.

Stuffed Sugar Cookies, Chocolate Chips, and More Ideas

Sugar cookies also offer a great base for add-ins that surprise and delight. Here are a few creative ideas that work without compromising texture.

Chocolate Chips or Chunks
Fold in ½ cup of semi-sweet or white chocolate chips. Chocolate complements vanilla beautifully and adds texture contrast to every bite.

Jam or Nut Butter Centers
Form the dough into balls, then press a thumbprint in the center before baking. After cooling slightly, fill with raspberry jam, Nutella, or peanut butter. This adds a gooey, rich surprise in the center.

Sprinkles or Colored Sugar
Roll dough balls in rainbow sprinkles or sanding sugar instead of plain sugar before baking for added crunch and color—perfect for kids or parties.

Crushed Candy or Cookies
Stir in ½ cup of crushed peppermint, Oreos, or toffee bits. These add-ins melt slightly during baking and create pockets of sweetness.

Frosted Tops After Baking
You can also bake plain and decorate later. Top cooled cookies with buttercream, royal icing, or even a light glaze made of powdered sugar and milk.

Here’s a comparison of common flavor add-ins:

With these flavor variations and add-ins, you can transform a simple sugar cookies recipe into a custom dessert that matches any mood or occasion.

Sugar Cookies for Every Season and Occasion

Holiday-Themed Sugar Cookies: Tips for Halloween, Christmas, and More

Sugar cookies aren’t just delicious—they’re also one of the most versatile treats for celebrations and seasonal baking. With a single base recipe, you can create cookies for nearly any event or holiday.

Christmas Sugar Cookies
For a festive feel, use red and green sanding sugar or roll out the dough and use holiday-shaped cutters like trees, snowflakes, or bells. Top with a simple icing made from powdered sugar and milk or decorate with classic royal icing for a glossy finish.

Halloween Cookies
Shape cookies into pumpkins, ghosts, or cats using cookie cutters. Add orange, black, and purple sprinkles or color the sugar coating to match the theme. You can also use melted chocolate to draw spooky designs after baking.

Valentine’s Day Sugar Cookies
Cut dough into hearts and dust with pink sugar before baking. After cooling, drizzle with white chocolate or top with strawberry glaze. For a romantic twist, add a hint of rosewater or raspberry flavoring to the dough.

Easter and Spring Themes
Go for pastel shades and use egg, bunny, or flower-shaped cutters. Decorate with pale yellow, mint, and lavender icing. These cookies also pair beautifully with citrus zest variations.

Birthday and Special Events
Add rainbow sprinkles into the dough before baking to create “funfetti-style” sugar cookies. You can also shape them into numbers or initials for a more personal celebration.

Coloring, Shapes, and Decorating Ideas for Sugar Cookies

Once you have the perfect sugar cookie dough, it’s easy to play around with visuals to suit your occasion. Here’s how to get creative without making the process complicated.

Use Cookie Cutters
Chill the dough slightly before rolling and cutting. This helps the shapes stay crisp and prevents them from spreading too much during baking. Aim for ¼-inch thickness for the perfect soft bite.

Add Food Coloring to Dough
Divide the dough and knead in gel food coloring to create different shades. Gel is better than liquid—it adds vibrant color without changing the dough’s consistency.

Simple Icing Techniques
For easy decorating, whisk 1 cup powdered sugar with 1 tablespoon milk and a drop of vanilla. Drizzle it over cooled cookies or dip them for a smooth glazed top.

Decorate with Sprinkles and Sugars
Apply sprinkles before baking for a melted-in effect or after glazing for extra texture. Colored sanding sugar works well for sparkle and crunch.

Layered Designs with Royal Icing
If you enjoy detailed work, pipe royal icing using a fine tip to create intricate patterns. Let each layer dry before adding the next for a clean finish.

Dust with Edible Glitter
Great for weddings, New Year’s, or any event that needs a touch of sparkle. A light dusting of edible glitter can elevate even the simplest sugar cookie.

These festive ideas show just how flexible the sugar cookies recipe really is. Whether you keep them simple or go all out with decorations, they’ll always be a hit.

Storing, Freezing, and Prepping Ahead

How to Store Sugar Cookies to Keep Them Fresh Longer

A perfect sugar cookies recipe doesn’t stop at baking—the way you store them determines how long they stay soft and flavorful. Follow these easy storage methods to keep cookies fresh for days.

Use an Airtight Container
Once your sugar cookies have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Stack them with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking or breaking. This method keeps them soft for up to 3 days.

Add a Slice of Bread
Placing a slice of white bread inside the container with your cookies helps retain moisture. The cookies absorb the bread’s humidity, staying soft while the bread dries out. Change the bread every 1–2 days if needed.

Separate Flavored Cookies
If you’ve added different flavors (mint, citrus, chocolate), store those separately. Mixing strong scents can impact the overall taste of your cookies.

Avoid Refrigerating Baked Cookies
The refrigerator may seem like a good idea, but it actually dries cookies out faster. Only refrigerate if you live in a very hot climate and don’t have air conditioning.

Freezing Dough and Baked Cookies the Right Way

Freezing is a great way to save time and enjoy sugar cookies whenever the craving hits. You can freeze both the dough and the baked cookies with great results.

How to Freeze Sugar Cookie Dough

• Scoop the dough into balls and roll them in sugar as usual.
• Arrange the balls on a baking sheet and freeze until solid—about 1 hour.
• Transfer frozen dough balls into a zip-top freezer bag or airtight container.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.

When ready to bake, no need to thaw. Simply place the dough balls on a baking sheet and add 1–2 extra minutes to the baking time.

Freezing Rolled Dough for Cut-Out Cookies

• Roll out the dough between two sheets of parchment.
• Wrap tightly and freeze flat for up to 2 months.
• Thaw in the refrigerator before cutting and baking.

Freezing Baked Cookies

• Cool cookies completely.
• Layer them with parchment paper in a freezer-safe container.
• Freeze for up to 2 months.
• Thaw at room temperature or reheat briefly in a 300°F oven for a few minutes to refresh the texture.

Tips for Best Results

• Always freeze cookies or dough as soon as possible after baking or mixing.
• Label your containers clearly with the date and baking instructions.
• Avoid freezing cookies with icing or glaze—decorate after thawing for the best appearance and texture.

Here’s a quick overview:

Proper storage and freezing not only save time but also ensure you can enjoy fresh, homemade sugar cookies whenever you want—with no compromise on taste or texture.

Troubleshooting Common Sugar Cookie Mistakes

Flat Cookies? Too Dry? Here’s What Went Wrong

Even with a great sugar cookies recipe, a few common issues can pop up. Here’s how to spot what went wrong and fix it on your next batch.

Cookies Spreading Too Much

• Butter too warm: If your dough feels greasy or soft, the butter may have been too melted. Use butter that’s cool but pliable.
• Overmixing the dough: Beating too long after adding flour can create too much air, which collapses during baking and causes spread.
• No chilling: In warm or humid environments, not chilling the dough can make cookies overspread. Try refrigerating for 20–30 minutes before baking.

Cookies Are Too Dry or Crumbly

• Too much flour: Over-measuring flour dries out the dough. Use the spoon-and-level method instead of scooping directly from the bag.
• Overbaking: Sugar cookies should look slightly underbaked when you remove them. They’ll finish setting as they cool.
• Forgotten egg yolk: The egg yolk in this recipe adds moisture. Skipping it results in a drier, less tender cookie.

Cookies Aren’t Holding Their Shape

• Too little flour: Dough that’s too wet won’t hold shape and may puff or spread. Add 1–2 tablespoons of flour to stiffen it.
• Not enough chilling: Warm dough can lose structure. Especially important for cut-out cookies.

Cookies Are Pale and Undercooked

• Oven not preheated: Starting with a cold oven means cookies may spread before baking sets in.
• Too little baking time: Make sure they bake long enough for the edges to turn lightly golden.

Cookies Taste Bland

• Not enough salt: Even a small pinch helps balance sweetness and enhance flavor. Don’t skip it.
• Low-quality vanilla: Pure vanilla extract provides richer flavor than imitation types.
• Too much flour or sugar: Incorrect ingredient balance can flatten flavor. Follow measurements precisely.

Conclusion

The ultimate sugar cookies recipe is about more than just flour and sugar. It’s a delicate balance of technique, ingredient quality, baking time, and just the right chill. Whether you prefer them soft, chewy, or a little crispy, you now have every tool and trick to make perfect sugar cookies from scratch.

From mastering the dough to decorating for holidays and troubleshooting baking mishaps, this guide is your go-to resource for classic, reliable results. Keep a batch ready to bake in your freezer, experiment with flavors, and turn a simple cookie into something truly unforgettable.