Mouthwatering Sugar Cookie Recipe

Heavenly Homemade Sugar Cookie Recipe That Melts In Your Mouth

Sweet temptations start with this irresistible sugar cookie recipe that promises pure baking bliss.

Butter-soft and perfectly crisp sugar cookies will melt in your mouth with every delightful bite.

Generations of bakers have cherished these classic treats that bring smiles to faces young and old.

The simple ingredients dance together, creating a symphony of sweetness that captures comfort and joy.

Delicate edges and a soft center make these cookies the ultimate treat for any occasion.

Each batch promises golden-brown perfection and a heavenly aroma that fills your kitchen with warmth.

You’ll want to share these delectable morsels with everyone you know.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 150 kcal

Servings: 24

For Base Foundation:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and softness to cookies, select fresh and unbleached for best texture.
  • Baking Powder: Creates light and fluffy rise, check expiration date for maximum effectiveness.
For Rich Flavor Base:
  • Butter: Delivers rich, creamy taste, use high-quality unsalted butter at room temperature for smooth blending.
  • Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and helps cookies achieve golden edges, opt for pure cane sugar for consistent results.
For Moisture and Binding:
  • Large Egg: Binds ingredients and adds richness, select fresh eggs at room temperature for better incorporation.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor complexity, choose pure extract over artificial for deeper taste profile.
For Seasoning Balance:
  • Salt: Balances sweetness and amplifies other flavors, use fine kosher or sea salt for even distribution.
For Optional Decoration:
  • Sprinkles or Colored Sugar: Adds festive touch and visual appeal, select high-quality decorative sugars for best appearance.

Tools That Help You Shape and Bake Sugar Cookies

  • Large mixing bowl: Essential for creaming butter and sugar, and mixing dough ingredients.
  • Electric mixer or whisk: Perfect for creating fluffy butter and sugar mixture.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient proportions.
  • Baking sheet: Needed for baking cookies evenly.
  • Parchment paper: Prevents cookies from sticking and makes cleanup easy.
  • Fork or glass bottom: Helps flatten cookie dough balls before baking.
  • Wire cooling rack: Allows cookies to cool without getting soggy.
  • Spatula: Useful for transferring cookies and scraping bowl.

How to Make Sugar Cookies Soft, Sweet, and Simple

  • Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350 degrees and grab a baking sheet. Dress it up with parchment paper for a smooth cookie-making adventure.

  • Whip Together the Goodness

Blend soft butter and sugar until they become a fluffy cloud. Splash in an egg and vanilla, mixing until everything looks happy together. In a separate bowl, mix dry ingredients with a quick whisk. Slowly fold the dry mix into your buttery blend, stirring until a perfect dough emerges.

  • Shape Your Cookie Magic

Roll the dough into cute little balls, spreading them out on the baking sheet. Gently press each ball down with a fork or glass bottom. Sprinkle some colorful sugar on top if you’re feeling fancy.

  • Bake and Transform

Pop the sheet into the oven for 10-12 minutes. Watch for golden edges that signal cookie perfection. Let them rest on the sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.

  • Dress Up and Devour

Go wild with decorations – drizzle icing, add frosting, or shower with extra sprinkles. Then enjoy your delicious homemade treats!

Add Frosting, Sprinkles, or Sanding Sugar

  • Butter Softening Hack: Let butter sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before baking to ensure smooth, even mixing without overmixing.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare cookie dough in advance and refrigerate for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months for spontaneous baking sessions.
  • Gluten-Free Swap: Replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to make these cookies safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Perfect Texture Trick: Chill the dough for 30 minutes before shaping to prevent spreading and create perfectly round, uniform cookies.
  • Flavor Adventure: Experiment with mix-ins like chocolate chips, crushed nuts, or citrus zest to transform these basic sugar cookies into exciting new treats.

Serve for Holidays, Parties, or Any Tuesday

  • Sweet Party Platter: Arrange cookies on a beautiful tiered serving tray with festive decorations, perfect for birthdays or holiday gatherings.
  • Dessert Gift Packaging: Stack cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with colorful ribbons, creating charming homemade gifts for friends and family.
  • Milk and Cookies Station: Serve cookies alongside cold milk in cute mason jars or vintage glasses, creating a nostalgic and fun dessert experience.
  • Tea Time Companion: Pair these sugar cookies with herbal tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat that brings comfort and sweetness.

Store in a Tin So They Stay Buttery Soft

  • Quick Cookie Batch Strategy: Prepare multiple batches ahead and freeze raw dough balls for spontaneous baking sessions within 3 months. Simply place uncooked dough balls on a tray, freeze solid, then transfer to freezer bags for convenient future use.
  • Smart Storage Solutions: Keep baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Layer between parchment paper sheets to prevent sticking and maintain freshness.
  • Flavor Enhancement Tip: Allow cookies to cool completely before storing to prevent moisture buildup and maintain crisp texture. Room temperature works best for maintaining ideal taste and crumbly consistency.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Refrigerate prepared dough up to 3 days before baking. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap to prevent drying out and seal in delicious butter flavor. Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes prior to shaping and baking for optimal texture.
Print
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Mouthwatering Sugar Cookie Recipe

Mouthwatering Sugar Cookie Recipe


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4.7 from 28 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 25 1x

Description

Delightful sugar cookie magic brings classic American treats straight to kitchen counters. Buttery, sweet rounds promise simple joy with minimal ingredients and quick preparation for cookie enthusiasts.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups (315 g / 11 oz) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (225 g / 8 oz) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (200 g / 7 oz) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 ½ tsps vanilla extract
  • ½ tsp baking powder
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • Sprinkles
  • Colored sugar
  • Royal icing or frosting

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Calibrate oven to 350F (175C) with rack positioned centrally, guaranteeing uniform heat distribution.
  2. Setup: Line baking sheet with parchment paper, creating optimal non-stick surface for cookie placement.
  3. Creaming: Utilize electric mixer to whip butter and sugar until mixture transforms into a fluffy, pale concoction with silky consistency.
  4. Liquid Integration: Introduce egg and vanilla extract, blending thoroughly until wet ingredients merge seamlessly into uniform mixture.
  5. Dry Ingredient Combination: Meticulously sift flour, baking powder, and salt together, eliminating potential clumps and ensuring even ingredient dispersion.
  6. Dough Formation: Delicately fold dry ingredients into butter mixture, maintaining gentle technique to preserve tender cookie texture and prevent overmixing.
  7. Cookie Shaping: Craft uniform dough balls using hands or cookie scoop, strategically positioning them across prepared baking sheet with consistent spacing.
  8. Texture Development: Gently flatten cookie spheres using fork tines or glass bottom, creating characteristic imprint and enhancing visual appeal.
  9. Decorative Touch: Sprinkle colored sugar or festive sprinkles across cookie surfaces for enhanced aesthetic and flavor complexity.
  10. Baking Process: Slide baking sheet into preheated oven, monitoring cookies for delicate golden edges indicating perfect doneness, approximately 10-12 minutes.
  11. Cooling Protocol: Allow cookies to rest on baking sheet for brief stabilization period, then transfer to wire cooling rack for complete temperature reduction and crisp exterior development.
  12. Final Presentation: Serve cookies in pristine form or embellish with royal icing, buttercream frosting, or additional decorative elements for sophisticated finish.

Notes

  • Manage Butter Temperature: Ensure butter is softened but not melted, creating the perfect creamy base for tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookies.
  • Prevent Overmixing: Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture, stopping exactly when ingredients combine to maintain a delicate, soft cookie texture.
  • Control Baking Time: Watch cookies closely during the 10-12 minute window, removing when edges turn light golden to prevent over-browning and maintain a soft center.
  • Customize Decorations: Experiment with colored sugars, sprinkles, or minimal royal icing to transform basic sugar cookies into personalized, festive treats suitable for various occasions and dietary preferences.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 25
  • Calories: 130
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 50 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 17 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 1 g
  • Cholesterol: 20 mg
Jenna Hartley

Jenna Hartley

Founder & Recipe Creator

Expertise

  • Recipe development with a focus on single-dish meals.
  • Fusion of traditional and modern Australian cuisines.
  • Food styling and photography for digital platforms.​

Education

Box Hill Institute, Melbourne

  • Degree: Advanced Diploma of Hospitality Management
  • Focus: Specialized in practical food and beverage service, responsible alcohol and hygiene compliance, legal risk management, and hands‑on experience in a simulated restaurant environment.

William Angliss Institute, Melbourne

  • Program: Certificate IV in Patisserie
  • Focus: Specialized in pastry and bakery techniques, cookery and specialty food preparation, recipe planning and costing, commercial kitchen operations, sustainable and inclusive work practices, food safety and hygiene compliance, and workplace health and safety.

Jenna is the heart of Picture Perfect Meals, turning simple ingredients into beautiful, easy‑to‑make dishes. 

Growing up around family meals in Melbourne, she trained at Box Hill Institute and then perfected her pastry skills at William Angliss Institute. She loves mixing classic Australian flavors with fresh ideas to keep cooking fun and stress‑free.

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