Easy Sugar Cookie Recipe
This Easy Sugar Cookie Recipe is so easy to follow and the results are delicious. The cookie dough only requires a few ingredients that you’re likely to have on hand, and the cookies bake up soft and fluffy. Plus, this recipe is easily adaptable if you want to add your own personal touches. Whether you dress them up with frosting or keep them simple, these sugar cookies are sure to please.
Looking for some Easy Christmas Cookies to make this season? You’ve come to the right place! Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just getting started in the kitchen, these recipes are sure to please. From classic sugar cookies to gingerbread men to decorated shortsbread, there’s something for everyone. And the best part is that they’re all relatively quick and easy to make. So what are you waiting for? Get baking!
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Ingredients Needed for this Recipe
Here’s what you need to make these delicious cookies!
- All Purpose Flour– For sugar cookies, All Purpose Flour is a good choice because it has a higher protein content than other types of flour. This means that the cookies will be more tender and have a finer texture.
- Granulated Sugar– Granulated sugar is the most common type of sugar used in baking, and it’s especially well-suited for sugar cookies. That’s because granulated sugar is able to hold onto moisture, which helps to keep the cookies soft and chewy. In addition, granulated sugar helps to create a crispier cookie by caramelizing on the outside as it bakes.
- Large Eggs– Large eggs are the key to making perfect sugar cookies. Large eggs have more whites, which results in a fluffy, moist cookie. They also have a higher ratio of yolk to whites, which gives the cookie a richer flavor.
- Salted Butter– Salted butter is often seen as the enemy of sweets, but when it comes to baking sugar cookies, it is actually your ally. Sugar cookies are all about flavor balance, and the addition of salt can help to bring out the sweetness of the sugar and the richness of the butter. It also helps to prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
- Vanilla Extract– Vanilla extract is a common ingredient in sugar cookies, and for good reason. Vanilla extract not only gives sugar cookies their signature flavor, but it also helps to keep the cookies moist.
- Lemon Extract– Lemon extract is a common flavoring ingredient in many baked goods, including sugar cookies. Lemon extract is made by steeping lemon peel in alcohol, which helps to release the essential oils and flavor compounds.
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Why Did My Sugar Cookies Turn Out Hard?
There are a few possible reasons why sugar cookies might turn out hard. One possibility is that the dough was too dry. If the dough is too dry, it will be difficult to roll out and will result in harder cookies. Another possibility is that the cookies were overcooked. Sugar cookies should only be baked for a few minutes, until they are just lightly browned around the edges. If they are overcooked, they will become hard and dry. Finally, it is also possible that not enough sugar was used in the recipe. Sugar helps to make cookies soft and gives them a pleasant sweetness. Without enough sugar, cookies can be tough and bland.
How Long Do Sugar Cookies Last?
Sugar cookies are a delicious treat that can be enjoyed any time of year. But how long do sugar cookies last? With proper storage, sugar cookies will stay fresh for up to two weeks. Here are some tips for keeping your sugar cookies tasting their best. First, make sure the cookies are completely cooled before storing them in an airtight container.
If they are even slightly warm, they will continue to cook and become dry and crumbly. Be sure to layer the cookies with wax paper or parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together. And finally, store the cookies in a cool, dark place – the fridge is ideal. With these simple tips, you can enjoy fresh sugar cookies for up to two weeks!
Should I Chill Cookie Dough Before Baking?
When it comes to sugar cookies, there are two schools of thought on chilling the dough before baking. Some people say that chilling the dough helps the cookies keep their shape, while others find that chilled dough is too hard to work with. So, what’s the verdict?
There are a few things to consider when making sugar cookies. Firstly, sugar cookie dough is relatively crumbly and delicate, so chilling it can make it easier to work with. Secondly, sugar cookies spread less when they’re made with cold dough, so if you’re looking for a neater cookie, chilling the dough beforehand is a good idea. Finally, sugar cookies made with chilled dough tend to have a slightly crispier texture.
So, should you chill your sugar cookie dough before baking? For this recipe, yes, you need to chill it.
That said, for other cookie dough recipes, ultimately, it’s up to you. If you’re looking for an easier-to-handle dough or a crisper cookie, chilling the dough beforehand is a good option. Otherwise, feel free to bake your sugar cookies without chilling the dough first.
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There’s something about homemade cookies that just can’t be beaten. Maybe it’s the nostalgia of childhood memories, or the fact that homemade cookies always seem to taste just a little bit better than store-bought. Whatever the reason, there’s no denying that baking cookies is a truly enjoyable experience.
You’ll Love These Other Easy Christmas Cookies!
Whether they’re warm from the oven or cooled and dipped in milk, homemade cookies are guaranteed to bring a smile to your face. So next time you’re looking for a fun activity, why not try your hand at making homemade cookies? You might just surprise yourself at how much you enjoy it!
More Delicious Sugar Cookie Ideas
- Easy Rainbow Sugar Cookies
- Brown Butter Sugar Cookies
- Christmas Cookie Exchange Recipes
- Eggless Sugar Cookies
- Cookie Decorating Ideas
Easy Sugar Cookie Recipe
This sugar cookie recipe is so easy to follow and the cookies always turn out perfectly.
Ingredients
- 5 1/2 Cups All Purpose Flour
- 3 Cups Granulated Sugar
- 4 Large Eggs
- 1 Pound Salted Butter, at room temperature
- 1 Tablespoons Vanilla Extract
- 1 Tablespoon Lemon Extract (you could use almond extract instead if you want)
Instructions
- Using a mixer combine the sugar and butter until smooth at medium speed.
- Slowly add the eggs to the mixture and beat together until fluffy.
- Then add the extracts.
- Reduce the speed to low and add the flour slowly. Once combined, increase speed to mix things well.
- Remove the dough and wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2-3 hours.
- After chilling roll the dough out using a rolling pin and use the desired cookie cutters.
- Bake at 350 degrees for 6-8 minutes.
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Thanks so much for the recipe. I especially love that you included those great pictures of what it is supposed to look like. It makes it less daunting. 🙂
That dough looks delicious! I would be lucky to get any baked into cookies! I’ll have to save this for Christmas cookies this year!
Yummy!
I love sugar cookies for all the holidays! We have a similar recipe but it makes a huge amount so we need to try this one.
I can’t wait to give these a try! I’m always looking for the perfect sugar cookie recipe this time of year. Thanks for sharing!
I’m going to have to try this recipe. These cookies look so yummy!
did I miss something how long to bake and at what temp?
350, 6-8 min
This recipes sounds great, Crystal. I haven’t used my cookie press in years. It would be fun to make them that way!
Please post what temp and how long to bake. Thank you for the easy recipe. Was just starting my cookie baking for the holidays.
Oh my yummy goodness! Nothing beats a delicious sugar cookie 🙂 Have you frozen your dough? I know I have several cookie dough recipes where I can make double or triple batches and freeze the extra for up to 3 months to make cookie baking throughout the holidays even easier.
Totally freezes well! It makes a ton, so freezing is good.
This recipe looks great. I’ve been having a hard time finding a sugar cookie recipe that I like. I will definitely be giving this a try!
Oh Stephanie, this one is awesome!!
I just made this and it’s in the fridge. I hope it turns out! My dough is lighter in color than yours and a little soft but hopefully after being in the fridge over night it’ll be good!!
You’ll love it!
Can’t wait to try this recipe
It looks yummy! Thank u.
We love it!!
Please send me info on temperature and how long to bake. Do you let cookie sheets cool before next batch bakes?
Baking instructions are at the end of the post.
Great basic recipe for sugar cookies. I have a dough ball in the fridge right now that i think needs to be tossed out. Thanks for sharing with us at #Throwback Thursday. Hope to see you again this week.
Can I replace the lemon with almond or anise extract?
Absolutely! That actually sounds amazing!
Does the T stand for teaspoon or tablespoon, thanks
Big T is always tablespoon and little t is always teaspoon. These are standard references.
Hope that helps!
Tablespoom, when its capital, teaspoon when its not tsp
There is no salt, baking powder, or baking powder? Will be trying this recipe this weekend!
Correct.
Thank you very much for the “easy” cookie recipe. I am all for easy this time of year.
LindY G
I am definitely going to try these..I’m always searching for the perfect sugar cookie recipe! Can you tell me your recipe for the icing you used?
Thanks!
I just use my buttercream icing recipe that is here on my site and color it with icing dye. Search buttercream icing in the search bar.
Frosting recipe?
You can use my buttercream icing recipe and color it with icing coloring.
https://crystalandcomp.com/buttercream-icing-recipe/
I just want to verify that it’s all purpose flour used in this recipe and not self rising flour.
Yes, all purpose.
You are sure there’s no salt baking powder or baking soda in this recipe
I’m sure.