Description
These Easy Sugar Cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with vanilla flavor. Sprinkled with colorful nonpareil decorations and optionally topped with creamy vanilla buttercream frosting, these cookies are perfect for any occasion. Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this a great recipe for bakers of all skill levels.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (at room temperature)
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Additional
- 3 tablespoons nonpareil sprinkles (for adding to the dough)
- ½ cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
- vanilla buttercream frosting (for frosting or filling)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and fine sea salt. Set this mixture aside for later incorporation.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This process typically takes a few minutes and helps to create tender cookies.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the large egg and pure vanilla extract until fully combined, making sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to incorporate all ingredients evenly.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing only until just combined to avoid overworking the dough. Fold in the nonpareil sprinkles if using.
- Scoop and Roll: Using a small cookie scoop, portion out dough balls approximately one tablespoon each. Roll each scoop gently into a ball and then roll in the ½ cup of granulated sugar before placing onto the prepared cookie sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart for proper spreading.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 9-11 minutes. The centers should be just set when done. The cookies will appear puffy when they come out but will deflate and develop crinkled tops as they cool.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes to set before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. If desired, frost or sandwich them with vanilla buttercream frosting once cooled.
Notes
- Ensure butter is at room temperature for easy creaming and best cookie texture.
- Do not overmix the dough after adding flour to keep cookies tender.
- Rolling the dough balls in sugar before baking adds a slight crunch and sparkle to the cookies.
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- The frosting is optional but adds a delicious sweet complement when used.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: sugar cookies, easy cookies, vanilla cookies, homemade cookies, buttercream frosting, sprinkles, classic cookies, holiday cookies
