One Sugar Cookie Recipe for Perfectly Soft Treats

There’s something truly timeless about a classic sugar cookie. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a special occasion, or just a sweet treat to enjoy with your afternoon tea, sugar cookies never fail to bring joy.

Their soft, buttery texture combined with a delicate sweetness makes them a favorite for all ages. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile—you can dress them up with icing, sprinkles, or enjoy them plain.

Best of all, this recipe is straightforward and easy to follow, perfect for bakers of all skill levels. In this post, I’ll walk you through a simple yet delicious one sugar cookie recipe that yields perfectly tender and flavorful cookies every time.

Get ready to fill your kitchen with the warm aroma of vanilla and buttery goodness. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe will become one of your go-to favorites.

Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This sugar cookie recipe is a winner for several reasons. First, it combines simple pantry staples to create soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookies with just the right amount of sweetness.

No complicated techniques or exotic ingredients here—just pure, classic flavor.

Additionally, the dough is easy to work with, making it perfect for shaping, rolling, or cutting into festive shapes. The cookies hold their shape beautifully, which is ideal for decorating with icing or sprinkles if you want to get creative.

Plus, they store well and taste just as good the next day!

If you enjoy classic American baking or want a reliable recipe to share with friends and family, this sugar cookie recipe will not disappoint. It’s perfect for holidays, celebrations, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth.

Ingredients

• 2 ¾ cups (345g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon salt
• Optional: colored sugar or sprinkles for decoration

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or stand mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula
• Baking sheet(s)
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
• Wire cooling rack
• Cookie cutters (optional)
• Rolling pin (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes at medium speed.
4. Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, and beat until fully combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep your cookies tender.
6. If the dough is too sticky to handle, chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This makes rolling and cutting easier.
7. Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to about ¼ inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut shapes, or simply roll dough into balls and flatten slightly with your hand or a glass.
8. Place cookies on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart. If desired, sprinkle with colored sugar or sprinkles for a festive touch.
9. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. The centers will look slightly soft but will firm up as they cool.
10. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips & Variations

“For perfectly crisp edges with a soft center, don’t overbake—remove cookies when edges are lightly golden.”

Chilling the dough is key if you want your cookies to hold their shape well, especially if you plan to cut them using cookie cutters. It also enhances flavor and texture.

Try adding zest of lemon or orange to the dough for a citrusy twist. Alternatively, stir in a half cup of finely chopped nuts or mini chocolate chips for extra texture.

For a festive look, decorate your sugar cookies with royal icing or a simple glaze. You might also enjoy them dipped in melted chocolate for an extra indulgence.

If you’re interested in exploring more delicious and easy recipes, check out these favorites:

• Afghan Vegetarian Pulao Recipe Easy and Delicious Guide
• Vegan Recipes No Tofu: Delicious Plant-Based Meals
• Baby Spinach Salad Recipe Vegan: Fresh & Easy Ideas

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

These classic sugar cookies are delightful on their own but can be paired with a variety of beverages and accompaniments. Try serving them with a hot cup of tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon treat.

For a fun dessert platter, include cookies alongside fresh fruit, nuts, and a creamy dip like vanilla yogurt or cream cheese frosting. They also make a wonderful gift when wrapped in a festive tin or box—perfect for sharing with friends and family.

If you’re looking for more wholesome and tasty ideas, consider exploring our Vegan Potato Corn Chowder Recipe for Cozy Comfort Food or the 400 Calorie Vegetarian Dinner Recipe Ideas for Healthy Meals.

Conclusion

There’s no denying the charm and deliciousness of a perfectly baked sugar cookie. This recipe delivers soft, buttery cookies with a subtle vanilla flavor that’s sure to please any palate.

The simplicity of the ingredients and ease of preparation make it an ideal choice for both novice and experienced bakers.

Whether you want to create festive shapes for a holiday party, add a sweet finishing touch to your gatherings, or simply enjoy a comforting homemade treat, this sugar cookie recipe is a reliable classic.

Don’t forget to experiment with our suggested variations and decorations to make it your own.

Ready to bake more delightful dishes? Discover a world of flavors with our curated recipes like Budget Bytes Recipe Thai Noodles Vegetarian and Delicious or Cooking Light Vegetarian Casserole Recipes for Easy Meals.

Happy baking and bon appétit!

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “One Sugar Cookie Recipe”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A simple and classic sugar cookie recipe perfect for any occasion. Soft, buttery, and lightly sweetened for a delightful treat.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT10M”, “totalTime”: “PT25M”, “recipeYield”: “12 cookies”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1 cup unsalted butter, softened”, “1 cup granulated sugar”, “1 large egg”, “1 teaspoon vanilla extract”, “2 \u00be cups all-purpose flour”, “1 teaspoon baking powder”, “\u00bd teaspoon salt”, “2 tablespoons milk”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Preheat oven to 350\u00b0F (175\u00b0C).”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Beat in egg and vanilla extract.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Mix in milk until dough forms.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on baking sheet.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are lightly golden.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “150”, “proteinContent”: “2g”, “fatContent”: “8g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “18g”}}