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Ultimate Sugar Cookies: Easy Homemade Recipe
These classic sugar cookies are soft, buttery, and delicately flavored with vanilla and almond extract. They come together with simple pantry ingredients and are perfect for holidays, parties, lunchboxes, or an easy homemade treat.
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Why Make This Recipe
- Simple ingredients: This recipe uses everyday baking staples you may already have on hand.
- Tender, buttery texture: Softened butter and sugar create cookies with a smooth, satisfying crumb.
- Delicate flavor: Vanilla and almond extracts add a lovely bakery-style aroma and depth.
- Easy to customize: Serve them plain, decorate them, or add your favorite flavor variations.
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups white sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 3/4 cup sugar for rolling
How to Make It
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Make sure the oven reaches the correct temperature before baking so the cookies bake evenly.
In a small bowl, stir together flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Mix the dry ingredients thoroughly to distribute the leavening agents throughout the flour.
In a larger bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth. Beat until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Continue mixing until the wet ingredients are fully incorporated.
Gradually blend in the dry ingredients. Add the flour mixture in stages, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Roll dough into balls and then roll in sugar. Coat each dough ball evenly with the sugar for rolling.
Place on ungreased cookie sheets about 2 inches apart. Leave enough space between the dough balls for the cookies to spread as they bake.
Bake 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven. Bake until the cookies are set and lightly colored.
Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. The brief cooling time helps the cookies firm up before they are moved.
How to Serve It
- Serve the cookies with coffee, tea, hot chocolate, or a cold glass of milk.
- Add colorful sprinkles or a light drizzle of icing for parties and celebrations.
- Arrange them on a dessert platter alongside brownies, shortbread, or fresh fruit.
How to Store It
Store cooled sugar cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. To help maintain their texture, place parchment paper between layers if stacking them.
For longer storage, freeze the cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container or bag. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Allow frozen cookies to thaw at room temperature before serving.
These cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature. If you prefer them slightly warm, warm them briefly and gently so they do not dry out.
Helpful Tips
- Use softened butter rather than melted butter so the dough blends properly and the cookies hold their shape.
- Avoid overmixing after adding the dry ingredients, as excess mixing can make the cookies less tender.
- Keep the dough balls evenly sized so the cookies bake at the same rate.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for the full 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Optional Variations
- Replace some or all of the almond extract with additional vanilla extract for a classic vanilla flavor.
- Add colorful sprinkles to the sugar used for rolling for a festive finish.
- Mix in a small amount of citrus zest for a bright lemon or orange flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these sugar cookies without almond extract?
Yes. Replace it with additional vanilla extract or leave it out for a milder flavor.
Why do the cookies need to cool on the baking sheet first?
The cookies are still delicate when they come out of the oven. Cooling them on the baking sheet for 5 minutes helps them firm up before transferring them to a wire rack.
Should I grease the cookie sheets?
No. The directions call for ungreased cookie sheets.
How far apart should I place the dough balls?
Place them about 2 inches apart to give the cookies room to spread.
Can I freeze the baked cookies?
Yes. Cool the cookies completely, then store them in a freezer-safe container or bag with parchment paper between layers.
Classic Sugar Cookies
These classic sugar cookies are soft, buttery, and delicately flavored with vanilla and almond extract. Perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Use softened butter rather than melted for best texture.
- 1 1/2 cups white sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
For Rolling
- 3/4 cup sugar for rolling Coat dough balls evenly with this sugar.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a small bowl, stir together flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
- In a larger bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until well combined.
- Gradually blend in the dry ingredients to form a soft dough.
- Roll the dough into balls and then roll in sugar.
- Place on ungreased cookie sheets about 2 inches apart.
Baking
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until set and lightly colored.
- Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container. For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers.
