Sugar Cookies

This easy recipe for homemade Sugar Cookies shows you how to make this classic cookie using simple baking ingredients. Bake up a batch for the holidays or personalize with different flavors and decorations for any party or occasion any time of the year!

Looking for an easy classic sugar cookie recipe? Well, we’ve got you covered. Making cookies during the cooler months is one of our favorite holiday activities. We especially love making sugar cookies because they can be shaped and decorated in so many different ways. These sugar cookies are perfect for any occasion or holiday and it’s easy to make with simple baking ingredients you already have in your kitchen.

Homemade sugar cookies are better than store bought because they can be personalized. They also taste much better when the ingredients are fresh, which is not always guaranteed in store-bought sugar cookies and can be used as a base for many other cookie recipes. 

Baking fresh sugar cookies are also a great family activity as decorating them can be creative and fun for everyone! 

Ingredients You’ll Need

• All-Purpose Flour – This dry ingredient makes up the base of the cookie giving it its main texture and shape. 
• Baking Soda & Baking Powder – A mixture of these two leavening ingredients help the cookies rise while baking creating a classic cookie texture. 
• Salt – Helps activate the leavening agents and balances the sweet flavor in the sugar. 
• Unsalted Butter – Gives the dough its rich buttery texture and flavor making the sugar cookie dough dense and easier to work with. 
• Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the inside of the cookies so they have an even flavor throughout. 
• Egg – Helps bind the ingredients together keeping them in a cookie shape while baking. 
• Whole Milk – Used to help thin out the dough while keeping it moist and smooth. 
• Vanilla Extract – Infuses the cookies with a light vanilla flavor that classically pairs well with sugar cookie flavor. 
• Decorating Sugar – This ingredient is optional if you’d like to decorate your cookies with a crunchy coarse sugar crust for texture and flavor.

How To Make Homemade Sugar Cookies

1. Prepare for chilling: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking sheet. Set aside for when the cookies are ready to chill. 
2. Mix the dry ingredients: Grab a medium-sized bowl, then add the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Whisk all the ingredients together until fully combined. 
3. Mix the wet ingredients: In a separate mixing bowl, add the butter and sugar. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, cream the butter and sugar together until the mixture is pale and fluffy. Add in the egg and mix until combined. Then, add in the milk and vanilla and mix until all of the wet ingredients are evenly combined. During mixing, scrape down the sides with a rubber spatula as needed. 
4. Form the cookie dough: Slowly add the dry ingredients in batches to the wet ingredients. Mix until the dough is evenly combined, but do not overwork. 
5. Shape and the cookie dough and chill: Form the cookie dough balls by scooping with a 1.5-inch tablespoon measure. Assemble them on the prepared cookie sheet. Wrap the cookie sheet with a layer of plastic wrap, then place it in the fridge to chill for at least two hours up to 24 hours. 
6. Prepare for baking: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. 
7. Shape and bake: Roll each scooped dough piece gently into a ball using your hands until smooth. Then add the cookies to the prepared baking sheets 2 inches apart. Bake for 8-11 minutes or until the cookies are browned around the edges. Let cool for 10 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. 
8. OPTIONAL: Before adding the cookies to the baking sheet, dip the tops of the cookie dough balls in decorating sugar.