There’s something truly comforting about freshly baked sugar cookies. Whether you’re baking for a celebration or just craving a sweet treat, these sugar cookies will quickly become your go-to recipe. You’ll find this recipe easy to follow, and the result? Soft, buttery cookies with just the right amount of sweetness that everyone will love.
In this post, I’ll guide you through how to make sugar cookies that are perfect every time. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll be able to whip up a batch in no time and impress your family and friends.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Soft and chewy texture with a slightly crisp edge
- Easy to make with common pantry ingredients
- Perfect for decorating or enjoying plain
- Great for holiday baking or everyday treats
- Yields about 24 cookies, ideal for sharing or gifting
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to make your sugar cookies soft, flavorful, and delicious.
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream
- Optional: colored sugar or sprinkles for topping
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Servings: 24 cookies
- Calories: Approximately 150 per cookie
How to Make How to Make Sugar Cookies - Cooking With Karli – Recipe You'll Love
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Using a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and sour cream to the butter mixture and beat until fully combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until the dough comes together and is smooth.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass or your hand.
- If desired, sprinkle the tops with colored sugar or sprinkles for a festive touch.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are just starting to turn golden but the centers still look soft.
- Remove from the oven and allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for the Best Results
- Make sure your butter is softened, not melted, for the perfect cookie texture.
- Don’t overbake; cookies should look slightly underdone in the center to stay soft.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes if you want thicker cookies that hold their shape better.
- Use parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking and allow easy cleanup.
- Customize with your favorite sprinkles or colored sugar to match any occasion.
Storage and Reheating
Store your sugar cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to keep them soft and fresh. If you want to keep them longer, place them in an airtight freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months.
To reheat, simply warm them in a 300°F oven for 3-5 minutes or microwave for 10 seconds. This will help restore their soft, fresh-baked texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, you can use salted butter, but reduce the added salt in the recipe to 1/4 teaspoon to avoid overly salty cookies.
How do I make these sugar cookies crisp instead of soft?
For crispier cookies, bake them a minute or two longer until they are golden throughout. Also, flatten the dough balls more before baking.
Can I decorate these cookies with royal icing?
Absolutely! These sugar cookies are sturdy and perfect for decorating with royal icing or any other frosting once fully cooled.
Is sour cream necessary in the recipe?
Sour cream adds moisture and tenderness to the cookies, but you can substitute with plain yogurt if needed, though the texture may be slightly different.
