These vanilla sugar cookies are buttery, soft, and chewy. Simple ingredients, no chill cookies made in under 20 minutes!
I absolutely love chocolate chip cookies and peanut butter cookies, but simple sugar cookies will always have my heart. Especially with a cold glass of milk or a cup of hot chocolate.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- You don’t need a rolling pin!
- Crisp edges and soft center.
- No need to flatten the cookies after rolling them in sugar, they will flatten as they bake.
- They stay soft for days!
- Perfect for the holidays.
Ingredient Notes
Sugar – You’ll need plain granulated sugar for this recipe.
Vanilla Extract – If your budget allows, use good quality vanilla extract. Madagascar vanilla is wonderful! Avoid imitation vanilla.
Egg – Make sure it’s at room temperature for even baking.
Butter – Unsalted and softened.
Cornstarch – helps create a tender texture.
Top Tips For The Ultimate Sugar Cookies
- The best thing about this sugar cookie dough is that it can be made in advance. The cookie dough will stay fresh for about 4 days in the fridge or up to 3 months in the freezer.
- Freeze the dough in small portions for those days that you only want to bake a few cookies instead of a big batch.
- Use softened butter and a room-temperature egg for best results!
- If you like stronger vanilla or sugar flavor, use vanilla bean paste instead of vanilla extract.
My Sugar Cookies Cracked, Now What?
Those little cracks on top of your cookies are a sign of a perfectly made cookie. A melt-in-your-mouth sugar cookie will always have a few cracks on top!
Can I Make These Without A Stand Mixer?
Yes, feel free to use a handheld mixer or a regular whisk and spatula.
Can I Add Almond Extract?
You can add 1/4 tsp of almond extract if you have it on hand.
Will These Cookies Spread A Lot?
No, they won’t. They will flatten a bit but not a lot, they’re perfectly fluffy and round!
More Cookie Recipes
- Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies A holiday favorite.
- Cream Cheese Nutella Cookies – Super easy to make.
- M&M Cookies – A family favorite.
- Italian Lemon Ricotta Cookies – Moist and soft!
Tried this recipe? Please leave a star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating in the recipe card below and/or a review in the comments section further down the page. And consider following me on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest!
Sugar Cookies
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened (2 sticks)
- 1 egg room temperature
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- granulated sugar, for rolling about 1/2 cup
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cornstarch, and salt. Set it aside.
- Mix the unsalted butter and 1 1/4 cups of sugar until smooth and creamy. This should take about 1-2 minutes.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract and mix until well combined.
- Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture and mix until well combined. Scrape the bottom and sides of the bowl as needed.
- Place about 1/2 cup of granulated sugar in a dish. Divide the cookie dough into balls, then roll in sugar to coat evenly. Place the cookie dough balls on the baking sheet. Bake for 12 minutes and enjoy.
Notes
- The best thing about this sugar cookie dough is that it can be made in advance. The cookie dough will stay fresh for about 4 days in the fridge or up to 3 months in the freezer.
- Freeze the dough in small portions for those days that you only want to bake a few cookies instead of a big batch.
- Use softened butter and a room-temperature egg for best results!
- If you like stronger vanilla or sugar flavor, use vanilla bean paste instead of vanilla extract.
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