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This easy sugar cookie recipe has been my go to when I need a simple yet impressive treat for holidays or gatherings. The cookies come out soft and chewy every time and the creamy buttercream frosting makes them feel festive without any fuss. I first baked these to surprise my family during Christmas and now they have become a tradition for almost every celebration.
I first made these cookies when I wanted to recreate my Nana’s nostalgic treats and even though hers came from the store this homemade version has become a family favorite we all cherish.
Ingredients
- Unsalted butter: provides richness and structure choose a high quality brand for the best flavor
- Granulated sugar: sweetens and helps the cookies spread evenly
- Large egg plus an extra yolk: keeps the cookies chewy and moist select fresh eggs for best results
- Vanilla extract: enhances flavor a pure extract makes a difference here
- Baking soda and cream of tartar: work together to lift the cookies and create a tender bite
- All purpose flour: forms the base sift it to avoid lumps
- Powdered sugar: for the frosting creates a smooth creamy texture always sift before using
- Milk: adjusts the consistency use whole milk for richer flavor
- Food coloring: adds a festive touch gel colors are more vibrant
- Sprinkles: give a playful finish choose seasonal or classic styles
Step by Step Instructions
- Cream the Butter and Sugar:
- Beat softened butter and sugar in a large bowl for several minutes until pale and fluffy. This step incorporates air which gives the cookies their tender structure.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla:
- Mix in the egg egg yolk and vanilla extract. The extra yolk adds chewiness while the vanilla rounds out the flavor. Beat until smooth and fully blended.
- Blend in Dry Ingredients:
- Slowly add baking soda cream of tartar salt and flour. Mix on low until a dough forms being careful not to overmix as this can toughen the cookies.
- Shape the Dough:
- Scoop about two tablespoons of dough for each cookie and place them on a lined baking sheet with space between to allow spreading.
- Bake the Cookies:
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 11 to 15 minutes. The edges should be lightly golden while the centers remain soft. Let them cool on the sheet for 10 minutes before transferring.
- Prepare the Frosting:
- Beat butter powdered sugar vanilla and salt together. Add milk gradually until smooth and creamy. Tint with food coloring if desired.
- Frost and Decorate:
- Spread frosting over cooled cookies and finish with sprinkles for a festive look.
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My favorite part of making these cookies is tinting the frosting in bright cheerful colors and letting my kids decorate them with sprinkles. It turns into a little family project every time and the kitchen fills with laughter and sugar.
Storage Tips
Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage freeze the unfrosted cookies for up to 2 months then frost once thawed.
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap dairy butter for a vegan butter stick if you need a dairy free option. Gluten free all purpose flour blends also work but may slightly change the texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these cookies on a festive platter alongside coffee or hot cocoa. They make great party favors wrapped individually in cellophane bags.
Cultural Context
Sugar cookies have been part of American holiday traditions for generations often decorated with colored icing for Christmas Valentine’s Day or Easter. This drop style variation makes them quicker and easier than classic cutouts.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes
- → Can I make these sugar cookies without frosting?
Yes, you can enjoy them plain or roll the dough in granulated sugar before baking for a sweet, slightly crunchy finish.
- → Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
You can, but reduce the added salt by 1/4 teaspoon to balance the flavor.
- → Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes, freeze the baked cookies unfrosted in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Frost them after thawing for best results.
- → How do I make these cookies dairy-free?
Replace the butter with vegan butter sticks such as Earth’s Balance, and use a dairy-free milk in the frosting.
- → Can I use this dough for cut-out cookies?
No, this dough is meant for drop cookies. For cut-out cookies, use a dough made with powdered sugar to prevent spreading.
- → What’s the best way to decorate them for holidays?
Tint the frosting in festive colors and top with seasonal sprinkles. Red and green for Christmas, pink for Valentine’s, or pastel shades for Easter.