If you're craving a sweet, buttery treat that's perfect for any occasion, look no further than classic Sugar Cookies. These delightful cookies are soft on the inside, slightly crisp on the edges, and incredibly easy to customize with colorful icing, sprinkles, or cut-out shapes. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a birthday party, or a simple afternoon snack, sugar cookies are a timeless favorite loved by kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
| Unsalted butter, softened | 1 cup (226 grams) |
|---|---|
| Granulated sugar | 1 cup (200 grams) |
| Large egg | 1 Egg |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
| All-purpose flour | 2 ½ cups (315 grams) |
| Baking powder | ¾ teaspoon |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon |
Cooking Steps
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the very cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients.
- Using a pastry blender, two knives, or your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces of butter remaining.
- Pour the cold buttermilk into the flour-butter mixture and mix with a spoon or your hands until just combined and a shaggy dough forms, being careful not to overmix.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface.
- Gently knead the dough a few times (about 5-8 times), just enough to bring it together.
- Flatten the dough into a rectangle and fold it in thirds (like a letter).
- Rotate it 90 degrees and repeat the flattening and folding process 2-3 more times.
- Gently pat or roll the dough to about ¾-inch (2 cm) thickness.
- Using a 2.5-inch (6 cm) round biscuit cutter (or a glass rim), cut out biscuits, pressing straight down without twisting the cutter to ensure a good rise.
- Re-gather scraps gently and re-roll once or twice to cut out more biscuits.
- Place the cut biscuits on your prepared baking sheet, either close together for softer sides, or spaced apart for crispier sides.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and they have risen nicely.
- Transfer the biscuits to a wire rack to cool slightly.
- If desired, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk/lemon juice for the glaze, then drizzle or brush the warm biscuits with the glaze. Serve warm, plain, or with jam, fruit preserves, or whipped cream.
Nutritional Value
(per cookie, varies based on size and decoration)
| Calories | 100-150 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 1-2 grams |
| Fat | 5-8 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 12-18 grams |
Benefits
- ✅ Quick and Easy to Make: Requires simple pantry ingredients and minimal prep time—great for beginner bakers.
- ✅ Customizable: Perfect for holiday decorating, themed events, or personal creativity.
- ✅ Family-Friendly Activity: A fun and engaging baking project to enjoy with kids.
- ✅ Portion Control: Easy to make in small batches or adjust for specific dietary needs.
- ✅ Long Shelf Life: Stays fresh for several days, making them perfect for gifting or storing.
Sugar Cookies are more than just a sweet snack—they’re a tradition, a creative outlet, and a delicious way to bring people together. Whether you enjoy them plain, frosted, or sprinkled with sugar, these cookies are guaranteed to brighten any moment. Ideal for festive occasions or a simple treat with your coffee, sugar cookies offer timeless flavor and endless possibilities.
For more classic cookie recipes, holiday baking ideas, and simple desserts, be sure to explore our website. Save your favorite recipes, try new variations, and share the joy of baking with your loved ones!