Description
This recipe for The Best Sugar Cookies yields soft, chewy cookies with a delicate vanilla flavor and a crisp sugar-coated exterior. Perfectly sweet and simple, these cookies are easy to make and ideal for sharing with friends and family.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups (344 g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter, very softened
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated white sugar
- 1 egg, at room temperature
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
For Rolling
- 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated white sugar, for rolling dough in
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to evenly combine the leavening agents and salt.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer on high speed to cream the very softened butter with 1 cup granulated sugar for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy, which adds air for tenderness.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Mix in the egg and vanilla extract on medium speed for 1-2 minutes until the batter is pale and fluffy, providing structure and flavor.
- Combine Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix on low speed just until all ingredients are combined to avoid overmixing which can toughen cookies.
- Form Dough Balls: Use a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop to portion out dough, rolling each portion into balls. Then roll each dough ball in the 1/4 cup granulated sugar for a crunchy, sweet coating.
- Arrange on Baking Sheets: Place the sugar-coated dough balls at least 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets and slightly flatten each ball into a circle as best as you can to promote even baking.
- Bake Cookies: Bake 6-8 cookies at a time in the preheated oven for 9-10 minutes, until edges are set and lightly golden but centers are still soft.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving. Enjoy your delicious sugar cookies!
Notes
- Ensure butter is very softened for best creaming results.
- Do not overmix the dough once dry ingredients are added to avoid tough cookies.
- Use parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
- Rolling dough in sugar before baking adds a satisfying crunch and sparkle to the cookies.
