Master Sugar Cookie Recipe: The Perfect Foundation for Countless Variations
There’s something timeless about an old-fashioned sugar cookie recipe that never goes out of style. This sugar cookie recipe is what I consider a “master” recipe—a tried and true classic that serves as the foundation for endless possibilities.
Whether you’re baking up a batch of drop cookies for an after-school snack or getting creative with festive cookie cutters for holiday celebrations, this recipe has you covered. It’s incredibly versatile and can easily be adapted to suit whatever type of cookie you’re in the mood for.
So Many Sugar Cookie Possibilities!
One of the best things about this master sugar cookie recipe is that it can take on so many forms. You can make:
- Drop Cookies: Quick and easy, just drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet for soft, chewy cookies.
- Hand-Formed Cookies: Shape the dough into balls, flatten them slightly, and bake for a rustic, homemade look.
- Refrigerator Cookies: Roll the dough into a log, refrigerate it, and then slice thin for crisp, buttery cookies—perfect for when you want something that feels just a little fancier.
- Rolled and Cut-Out Cookies: Roll out the dough and cut it into shapes with cookie cutters. These cookies hold their shape beautifully, making them perfect for holiday decorating.
- Sandwich Cookies: Pair two cookies together with a layer of frosting or jam in between.
- Spritz Cookies: Use a cookie press to form delicate, decorative shapes.
- Thumbprint Cookies: Add a dollop of jam or chocolate in the center of each cookie before baking.
Choose Your Mixing Method
This recipe is also incredibly forgiving when it comes to how you mix the dough. Whether you’re using an electric mixer, food processor, or even mixing by hand, it comes together beautifully each time. Here are the benefits of each method:
- Electric Mixer: The quickest method, perfect for when you’re short on time or making a large batch. The mixer will cream the butter and sugar together effortlessly, giving you a light, fluffy dough.
- Food Processor: Great for when you want to achieve a uniform dough quickly. The food processor cuts the butter into the flour evenly, which is especially helpful if you’re working in a warm kitchen and don’t want the butter to melt.
- Mixing by Hand: The most traditional method. While it may take a little more elbow grease, mixing by hand allows you to really get a feel for the dough, making it perfect for those who enjoy the process of baking.
How the Baking Method Affects Cookie Texture
One of the most fun parts of working with this master sugar cookie recipe is discovering how the method you choose changes the texture of the cookies. Whether you prefer thick and chewy or thin and crispy, this recipe can deliver exactly what you’re craving—all with a few simple tweaks in how you prepare and bake the dough.
Texture Based on Method:
- Drop Cookies: These tend to be thicker and chewier. Since the dough is spooned directly onto the baking sheet, they naturally bake up with a soft, tender middle and a slightly crisp edge.
- Hand-Formed Cookies: When you shape the dough by hand, you have more control over the thickness. If you flatten them slightly before baking, you’ll get a crispier cookie, but if you leave them a little thicker, expect a soft, cake-like bite.
- Refrigerator Cookies: Chilling the dough makes it easier to slice thin, which results in a thinner, crispier cookie. These are perfect if you want a light, delicate crunch with each bite.
- Rolled Cookies: Rolled-out dough makes for a cookie that’s thinner and more uniform in shape. Refrigerate the dough before rolling and you will have perfect cut-out cookies that you can then decorate with your favorite royal icing.
Baking Time and Texture
How long you bake your cookies has just as much of an impact on their texture as the method you choose.
If you like your cookies soft and chewy, take them out of the oven as soon as the edges turn golden brown, but the center is still soft. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool, giving you that perfect, gooey texture.
On the other hand, if you’re a fan of crispy cookies, simply bake them a little longer. The extra time in the oven will help the cookies firm up and give you that satisfying crunch. Just be careful not to overdo it, or they might end up too hard.
Simple Sugar Cookie Variations to Try
This master sugar cookie recipe is a blank slate for your creativity. Here are some easy ways to change things up and make it your own:
- Add Citrus Zest: A little lemon or orange zest will brighten up the flavor and give your cookies a fresh twist.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom for a warm, spiced flavor that’s perfect for the colder months.
- Chocolate Dipped: Once baked, dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate for a rich, decadent treat.
- Frosting: Decorate your cookies with a simple powdered sugar glaze or royal icing for extra sweetness and flair.
- Mix-In Fun: Add crushed peppermint or sprinkles to the dough before baking for added texture and flavor.
- Stuffed Cookies: Create a surprise in the middle by stuffing each cookie with a small piece of chocolate, a spoonful of jam, or even a bit of caramel.
Did You Know?
Chocolate chip cookies are just a delicious variation of this basic sugar cookie dough! By adding chocolate chips to the mix, you get the world’s favorite cookie in a snap. It’s fun to think that the classic chocolate chip cookie we all know and love started as a humble sugar cookie base.
This recipe gives you plenty of room to experiment with both method and baking time, allowing you to create a cookie that’s just right for you—whether that’s chewy, crispy, or somewhere in between!
Classic Sugar Cookie Recipe
36
drop cookies15
minutes10
minutesThis easy sugar cookie recipe walks you through everything from soft and chewy sugar cookies to crisp, golden cookies. Perfect for any occasion, this recipe is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Ingredients
1 c butter, softened
3 c flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1 c sugar
2 eggs
1 Tbsp vanilla extract
Directions
- Soften butter by letting it stand at room temperature for 1-2 hrs before use.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter by itself on medium speed until it turns pale yellow and reaches the consistency of mayonnaise. This step usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Use a spatula to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure the butter is evenly creamed.
- Add the sugar to the creamed butter, then beat for about 2 minutes, until the mixture becomes soft and almost white. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula to ensure even mixing.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the mixture. Beat on medium speed for about 30 seconds, until the consistency resembles mashed potatoes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl again to ensure everything is well combined.
- Gradually add the flour mixture (flour, baking soda, salt) to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed for about 30 seconds, just until the flour is incorporated. Scrape down the sides of the bowl once more and beat for a few more seconds, until the dough sticks together evenly and no streaks of flour remain.
- DROP COOKIES
>>Drop rounded teaspoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
>>Bake for 10-12 minutes until the cookies are delicately browned around the edges and on the bottom (you can lift one with a spatula to check the bottom).
>>Transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. - HAND-FORMED COOKIES
>>Scoop rounded teaspoonfuls of dough and roll them between your palms into a ball.
>>Place the balls 1.5 inches apart on a parchment-lined cookie sheet.
>>Prepare a small glass and a bowl of cold water. Wet the bottom of the glass and press it firmly >>on each ball to flatten. Re-wet the glass every 4-5 cookies to prevent sticking.
>>Bake for 5-7 minutes until the edges are barely browned and bottoms are golden brown.
>>Transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. - REFRIGERATOR COOKIES
>>Cover and refrigerate the dough for about 1 hour, until cold and firm but not hard. If too hard, let it sit at room temperature until it softens to the desired consistency.
>>Divide the chilled dough into 4 pieces. Using a square of wax paper, roll each piece into a log about 6 inches long and 1.5 inches across.
>>Twist the ends of the wax paper closed and refrigerate for at least another hour (can be stored for several days if needed).
>>When ready to bake, remove the wax paper, slice the logs into 1/4-inch thick slices, and place them on a parchment-lined baking tray.
>>Bake for 5-8 minutes until the edges are barely browned and the bottoms are golden brown.
>>Transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. - ROLLED COOKIES
>>Chill the dough for about 2 hours until cold and firm.
>>Lightly flour a smooth, flat surface with about 2 tablespoons of flour.
>>Place half of the chilled dough on the surface, lightly dust the top with flour, and roll it out to about 1/8-inch thick, rolling from the center outward.
>>If the dough starts to stick, lift the edges with a flat spatula and sprinkle flour underneath. Dust the top if it sticks to the rolling pin.
>>Cut out shapes with cookie cutters and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
>>Bake for 5-8 minutes until the edges are barely browned and the bottoms are golden brown.
>>Transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- If your cookies are just lightly browned but too dark on the bottom, then your baking sheet is too thin. If you don’t have a thicker baking sheet then you can stack two together to provide more insulation on the bottom.
This sugar cookie recipe is more than just a cookie recipe—it’s a foundation for all kinds of delicious possibilities.
Whether you’re baking with kids, preparing for a holiday party, or just looking for a simple yet satisfying sweet treat, this is the recipe that never disappoints.
Keep it handy, and you’ll always have a go-to solution for whatever cookie craving strikes!
Looking for other festive cookie ideas? Check these out!
- Festive Gingerbread Men Cookies Recipe That Holds Its Shape
- 15 Easy Christmas Cookies To Make With Kids
- Chewy Double Chocolate Cookies
- Classic Snickerdoodle Cookies: A Family Favorite
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