There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about biting into a perfectly soft and chewy sugar cookie, especially one made from a simple grocery store recipe that anyone can whip up in no time. Whether you’re new to baking or just want a quick, reliable treat for family and friends, this grocery store sugar cookie recipe is your go-to.
It’s straightforward, uses ingredients you likely already have on hand, and yields delicious cookies that are golden, tender, and lightly sweetened. This recipe is perfect for holidays, casual get-togethers, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth without any fuss.
In this blog post, we’ll walk you through everything from the ingredients and equipment you need to handy tips, variations, and even serving ideas. Plus, I’ll share some internal links to other fantastic recipes that pair well with these sugar cookies or inspire your baking adventures.
Let’s get started on making the best grocery store sugar cookies you’ll ever bake!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This grocery store sugar cookie recipe stands out for its simplicity and convenience. Using pantry staples, it delivers a soft texture with just the right balance of sweetness and buttery flavor.
The dough is easy to handle, making it a great project for bakers of all levels, including kids who want to join in on the fun.
Another reason to love this recipe is its versatility. You can keep the cookies classic or add your own twist with sprinkles, frosting, or extracts.
Best of all, the baking time is short, so you’ll have fresh cookies ready in under 20 minutes. It’s the perfect blend of fast, easy, and delicious!
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Optional: colored sugar or sprinkles for decoration
Equipment
- Mixing bowls – one large for dough, one small for dry ingredients
- Electric mixer or sturdy whisk for creaming butter and sugar
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheets lined with parchment paper or silicone mats
- Cooling rack for cookies
- Spoon or cookie scoop for portioning dough
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking.
- Cream the butter and sugar. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer or whisk to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the egg and vanilla. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. This adds moisture and flavor to your dough.
- Combine dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until evenly mixed.
- Mix dry ingredients into wet. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed or gently folding with a spatula until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep cookies tender.
- Portion the dough. Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop dough balls about 1 ½ inches in diameter onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart.
- Optional: decorate. If desired, sprinkle colored sugar or sprinkles on top of each dough ball for a festive touch.
- Bake. Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges just start to turn golden. The centers may look slightly underbaked but will set as they cool.
- Cool on the pan. Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Tips & Variations
For perfectly soft sugar cookies, don’t overbake! Watch the edges closely in the last few minutes.
- Chill the dough: For thicker cookies, chill the dough in the fridge for 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent spreading.
- Flavor twists: Swap vanilla extract for almond or lemon extract for a different flavor profile.
- Decorating ideas: Use royal icing, glaze, or melted chocolate to decorate once cookies are cooled.
- Gluten-free option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend, but be sure it contains xanthan gum for structure.
- Vegan variation: Use vegan butter and a flaxseed egg substitute. Check out our Best Vegan Holiday Cookie Recipe for Festive Treats for inspiration.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per cookie (based on 24 cookies) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 110 |
| Total Fat | 6g |
| Saturated Fat | 3.5g |
| Cholesterol | 15mg |
| Sodium | 90mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 14g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.3g |
| Sugars | 8g |
| Protein | 1g |
Serving Suggestions
These sugar cookies are delightfully versatile. Serve them as a simple snack with a glass of cold milk or hot tea.
They also make a charming addition to a holiday cookie platter or party dessert table.
For a fun treat, sandwich two cookies together with frosting or jam. You can also crumble them over ice cream for a sweet crunch.
If you’re interested in other easy and delicious vegan meals to complement your baking day, check out our Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious or our savory Chinese Vegetarian Nasi Lemak Recipe Made Easy and Delicious.
Conclusion
Making sugar cookies from scratch doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. This grocery store sugar cookie recipe proves that simple ingredients and straightforward steps can yield delicious results that everyone will enjoy.
Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving a sweet treat, these cookies offer the perfect combination of buttery softness and just the right amount of sweetness.
With options to customize flavors and decorations, this recipe is both a classic and a canvas for your creativity. Don’t forget to try other recipes on the blog to round out your cooking repertoire, such as our comforting Apple Barn Pigeon Forge TN Vegetable Soup Recipe Guide for warming meals.
Happy baking, and enjoy every bite!
📖 Recipe Card: Grocery Store Sugar Cookie Recipe
Description: A simple and quick sugar cookie recipe using store-bought ingredients. Perfect for a sweet treat with minimal prep.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT12M
Total Time: PT22M
Servings: 12 cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup store-bought sugar cookie dough
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Additional sugar for rolling
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, combine sugar cookie dough, vanilla extract, milk, baking powder, and salt.
- Mix until smooth and uniform.
- Roll dough into 12 equal balls.
- Roll each ball in granulated sugar to coat.
- Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Flatten each ball slightly with the palm of your hand.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
- Remove from oven and cool on wire rack.
Nutrition: Calories: 120 | Protein: 1g | Fat: 5g | Carbs: 18g
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