The Best Sugar Cookie Recipe
There are few things in life as comforting and universally loved as a perfectly baked sugar cookie. Soft in the center, lightly crisp on the edges, rich with buttery flavor, and delicately sweet — this recipe delivers everything a classic sugar cookie should be. Whether you’re baking for holidays, celebrations, or simply craving a homemade treat, these cookies are irresistible, foolproof, and endlessly reliable.
What makes this recipe stand out is its balance: the right butter temperature, the perfect sugar ratio, and a generous splash of vanilla that transforms simple ingredients into bakery-quality sugar cookies. Once you try this recipe, it will become your go-to for every occasion.
Ingredients & Their Essential Roles
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2 cups Sweet Cream Salted Butter (softened but still cool)
The foundation of flavor. Sweet cream butter provides a rich, luxurious taste while the salt enhances sweetness and balances the dough. Butter that is too warm can cause spreading, so it should be soft yet cool to the touch. -
2 cups Granulated Sugar
Adds sweetness and structure. Sugar also contributes to the cookies’ soft texture and lightly crisp edges when baked. -
2 Large Eggs
Eggs bind the dough together, add moisture, and give the cookies their tender, soft interior. -
2 tablespoons Vanilla Extract
A generous amount of vanilla enhances flavor and gives these cookies their classic, irresistible aroma. -
4 teaspoons Baking Powder
Provides lift and keeps the cookies light and fluffy without making them cakey. -
6 cups All-Purpose Flour
The structure of the cookie. Flour creates stability while keeping the cookies tender and easy to roll or scoop.
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Cream the Butter and Sugar
Add the 4 sticks (2 cups) of sweet cream salted butter and 2 cups granulated sugar to a stand mixer or large mixing bowl. Beat on medium speed for 2–3 minutes until light and fluffy. The butter should be softened but still cool — overly warm butter leads to dry or spreading cookies. -
Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Mix in the 2 large eggs, one at a time, scraping down the sides of the bowl. Add the vanilla extract and beat until fully incorporated and smooth. -
Incorporate Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms. -
Chill the Dough
Cover the dough and refrigerate for 30–60 minutes. This step helps prevent spreading and enhances flavor. -
Shape the Cookies
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll dough into balls or roll out and cut with cookie cutters. Place cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them evenly. -
Bake to Perfection
Bake for 9–11 minutes, just until the edges are set and the centers remain soft. Do not overbake for best texture. -
Cool and Enjoy
Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Why This Sugar Cookie Recipe Is So Loved
This recipe is cherished because it’s simple, consistent, and incredibly delicious. The dough is easy to work with, the cookies hold their shape beautifully, and the flavor is rich without being overpowering. It’s perfect for decorating, gifting, or enjoying straight from the oven.
Pro Tips for Perfect Sugar Cookies
- Butter temperature matters: Soft but cool butter prevents dry or greasy dough.
- Do not overmix: Overmixing can lead to dense cookies.
- Chill the dough: Especially important for warm kitchens.
- Watch the bake time: Remove cookies before they brown for ultra-soft centers.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these classic sugar cookies with a cold glass of milk, hot coffee, or tea. Decorate with buttercream frosting or royal icing for holidays, or sandwich them with frosting for an indulgent treat. They also make beautiful gifts when packaged in decorative boxes or tins.
Final Thoughts
This truly is the best sugar cookie recipe — timeless, easy, and endlessly delicious. With simple pantry ingredients and foolproof steps, you can create cookies that taste like they came from a professional bakery. Soft, buttery, and perfectly sweet, these cookies prove that sometimes the simplest recipes are the most unforgettable.