Name: Perfect Sugar Cookie Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 11 min
Total time: 31 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour, measured then sifted; 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon fine sea salt; 3 sticks unsalted butter, softened (1 1/2 cups); 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar + extra for rolling; 2 large eggs; 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract; 1 tablespoon heavy cream; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon bourbon; 1 cup powdered sugar

Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 35 reviews

If you’re on the hunt for that one Perfect Sugar Cookie Recipe that hits the sweet spot every time, I’m about to share my very favorite version that’s been delighting my family and friends for years. These cookies come out soft with just the right hint of vanilla, a little crunch from that sugar coating, and they hold their shape beautifully—so you can decorate them too if you like. I promise, once you try this recipe, it’ll become your go-to classic!

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Why This Recipe Works

Balanced Butter to Sugar Ratio: The butter makes them tender and melt-in-your-mouth, while the sugar adds the right sweetness and helps with that gentle crisp.
Creaming the Butter and Sugar Properly: Taking the time to really whip these together gives you light, fluffy cookies with a great texture.
Sugar Coating on the Outside: Rolling each ball in extra sugar gives the cookies a delightful crackle and sparkle when baked.
No Chilling Needed: You can roll these out and bake right away, perfect for those last-minute sweet cravings or impromptu guests.

Perfect Sugar Cookies, easy sugar cookies, soft sugar cookies, vanilla sugar cookies, decorative sugar cookies - The image shows eight round cookies arranged with space between each one on white baking paper over a wooden surface. Each cookie has two layers: a pale golden base with a soft texture, and a smooth, light brown glossy icing layer evenly spread on top, almost matching the cookie's size. The cookies appear freshly baked and the surface of the icing is slightly shiny and smooth. The background includes a blurry white bowl at the top edge. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Perfect Sugar Cookie Recipe plays a specific role that contributes to the cookie’s texture and flavor. Plus, these basics are easy to find in most kitchens or local stores.

Perfect Sugar Cookies, easy sugar cookies, soft sugar cookies, vanilla sugar cookies, decorative sugar cookies - Flat lay of a small mound of sifted all-purpose flour in a simple white ceramic bowl, a small white bowl filled with fine sea salt, a small white bowl with baking powder, three sticks of unsalted butter arranged neatly, a small white bowl holding granulated sugar, two large whole brown eggs with clean shells, a small white bowl of clear pure vanilla extract, and an extra small white bowl containing granulated sugar for rolling, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

All-purpose flour: Provides structure while keeping the cookies tender when measured and sifted properly.
Baking powder: Gives the cookies a gentle rise without making them cakey.
Fine sea salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor depth.
Unsalted butter: The star that adds richness and a tender crumb; make sure it’s softened, not melted!
Granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps create that delicate crisp edge, plus some extra for rolling adds a beautiful texture.
Large eggs: Binds everything together and adds moisture.
Pure vanilla extract: Brings warmth and character to the flavor.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of the things I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to make your own – these simple sugar cookies are like a blank canvas. Whether you want to brighten them up with zest, add a little spice, or make them allergy-friendly, the options are endless.

Variation: I often add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the batter for a fresh burst of flavor. My friends are always surprised how that twist can elevate these classic cookies.
Dietary tip: For a vegan version, swap the butter and eggs for vegan alternatives; results are slightly different but still delicious.
Decorating: If you’re feeling festive, roll these cookies in colored sugar or add sprinkles right after pressing them down to customize for holidays or birthdays.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Perfect Sugar Cookie Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Dry Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper. Next, whisk together the sifted flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. I always sift to avoid lumps and guarantee a delicate crumb—that little step really makes a difference in texture!

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar Thoroughly

This is a crucial step: place your softened butter and granulated sugar in the mixing bowl and beat on high speed for 3 to 5 minutes until it’s light and fluffy. Trust me, don’t skimp on this—proper creaming traps air which helps your cookies rise and gives them that tender texture.

Step 3: Mix in the Eggs and Vanilla

Now turn your mixer down to low, then add the eggs and vanilla. Scrape down the bowl once or twice to ensure everything blends evenly. This step adds moisture and flavor, and mixing gently prevents the dough from getting tough.

Step 4: Combine with Dry Ingredients

With your mixer still on low, gradually add the flour mixture. Once combined, scrape the bowl again and mix for just another 30 seconds. The dough will be soft and delicate, which is exactly what you want—overmixing can make your cookies dense.

Step 5: Shape and Sugar Coat the Cookies

Pour some extra sugar into a shallow bowl. Scoop the dough and roll into 1-inch balls—handle gently to keep that softness. Shake each ball in the sugar to coat fully, then place them onto your baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart. To get the perfect flat cookie shape, I use the bottom of a glass to gently press the balls down to about 1/3 to 1/2 inch thick.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake for 9-11 minutes, watching closely. The edges should just start turning golden while the centers stay slightly soft but set. Overbaking will dry them out, so it’s better to pull them out a little early. Let them cool completely on the baking sheet before moving to a wire rack.

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Pro Tips for Making Perfect Sugar Cookie Recipe

Don’t Rush the Creaming: I once skimmed this step, and the cookies were dense—take at least 3 minutes here.
Soft Butter is Key: Not melting, just soft enough to leave an indent when pressed; too warm and the dough gets greasy.
Watch Baking Time Like a Hawk: Ovens vary, so check at 9 minutes to avoid overbaking.
Use Extra Sugar for Sparkle and Texture: Rolling in sugar before baking gives that lovely crackly top I adore.

How to Serve Perfect Sugar Cookie Recipe

Perfect Sugar Cookies, easy sugar cookies, soft sugar cookies, vanilla sugar cookies, decorative sugar cookies - A stack of six soft, pale yellow cookies is shown close up, with each cookie having a smooth, slightly cracked surface and a soft texture. The cookies are evenly stacked, with slight rise and gentle edges that look soft and chewy. The stack is placed on a white marbled surface, with warm, natural light highlighting the cookie's fine crumb and soft details. The background is blurred to keep the focus on the cookies. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I love sprinkling a little colored sanding sugar or decorating with royal icing for special occasions—makes them look festive and inviting. If you want to get creative, a simple bourbon glaze (mix powdered sugar with a bit of bourbon and cream) adds a grown-up twist that’s irresistible.

Side Dishes

These sugar cookies go perfectly with a cozy cup of tea, coffee, or even a cold glass of milk. If you’re serving at a party, I like pairing them with fresh fruit or a creamy dip like mascarpone mixed with honey for a little extra indulgence.

Creative Ways to Present

For birthdays and holidays, I arrange the cookies in a festive tin or on a tiered serving tray. You can also stack them tied with a pretty ribbon as edible gifts. My family loves when I cut out shapes and decorate with colorful icing to match the season—kids have so much fun helping with that!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, placing parchment paper between layers to keep them from sticking together. They stay soft and fresh, perfect for midday treats!

Freezing

If you want to prep ahead, these dough balls freeze beautifully. Just roll into balls, sugar coat, and freeze on a tray before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready, bake straight from frozen—just add an extra minute or two to the bake time.

Reheating

To refresh the cookies, pop them in a warm oven (about 300°F) for 3-5 minutes. This brings back that fresh-baked softness and crisp edges without drying them out. Avoid microwaving, as that tends to make them chewy in a less pleasant way.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter in this Perfect Sugar Cookie Recipe?

Yes, you can use salted butter, but I recommend reducing or omitting the additional sea salt to prevent the cookies from tasting too salty. Unsalted butter gives you more control over the salt levels in the recipe.
Do I have to chill the dough?

This recipe is designed so you don’t have to chill the dough before baking, which saves time. However, if your kitchen is very warm, chilling the dough for 20-30 minutes can help the cookies hold their shape a bit better.
How do I make these sugar cookies softer?

To keep your sugar cookies soft, make sure not to overbake them. Remove them from the oven as soon as the edges begin to turn golden and let them cool on the baking sheet. Also, cream your butter and sugar well to incorporate air, which helps tenderness.
Can I add flavors like almond or lemon?

Absolutely! Adding a teaspoon of almond extract or citrus zest can personalize this Perfect Sugar Cookie Recipe beautifully. Just be mindful of the amounts so they don’t overpower the vanilla base.
What if I don’t have an electric mixer?

It’s doable by hand, just take extra care when creaming the butter and sugar—it may take more time and elbow grease to get that fluffy texture, but with patience, you’ll get there.

Final Thoughts

This Perfect Sugar Cookie Recipe is a keeper, truly one I find myself going back to over and over. It’s reliably delicious, simple to make, and versatile for any occasion—from casual snacking to fancy celebrations. I hope you enjoy these cookies as much as I do and maybe even make some joyful memories baking them with your loved ones. Go on, give this recipe a try—I’m pretty sure it’ll become one of your favorites too!