Perfect Sugar Cookies Recipe

This Perfect Sugar Cookies recipe is your go-to for soft, buttery cookies that hold their shape, melt in your mouth, and never go out of style. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, hosting afternoon tea, or prepping a cookie tray for work or school, these classic sugar cookies deliver that rich vanilla flavor and tender texture every single time.

You only need four pantry staples to make these: unsalted butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and all-purpose flour. The dough comes together quickly, rolls out smoothly, and bakes into pale golden cookies with crisp edges and a soft interior that just melts as you bite. If you love these, don’t miss my Brown Sugar Cookies or 3-Ingredient Shortbread Cookies.

Why You’ll Love This Perfect Sugar Cookies Recipe

These cookies are proof that simple ingredients can create something truly special. Here’s what makes this sugar cookie recipe stand out:

• Simple and elegant. You only need four ingredients, but the results look and taste bakery-worthy.
• Soft, buttery texture. The cookies have a melt-in-your-mouth crumb and just enough crisp around the edges.
• No chill needed. You can mix, roll, and bake right away no extra wait time.
• Great for all occasions. Dress them up for holidays or keep them plain for everyday snacking.
• Freezer-friendly. Store baked cookies or raw dough for future treats.
• Kid-friendly. A gentle dough that’s easy to roll and shape with little helpers.
• Perfect for gifting. Package in a tin or treat bag with a ribbon and they stay lovely and fresh.
• Just four ingredients. Butter, sugar, flour, and vanilla no eggs or leavening needed.

Ingredients Needed For Perfect Sugar Cookies

• Unsalted Butter. Softened butter creates a rich, tender base. Use high-quality butter for best flavor.
• Powdered Sugar. Adds sweetness without graininess and keeps the texture ultra-soft.
• Vanilla Extract. Just a touch of vanilla adds warmth and rounds out the flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour. Gives structure without making the cookies too firm.

How I Make Perfect Sugar Cookies

(This is a quick overview of how I make perfect sugar cookies, with tips along the way. You’ll find the full ingredients & instructions in the recipe card below.)

1. Preheat your oven. Set it to 325°F and line two baking sheets with parchment.
2. Make the dough. In a stand mixer (or using a hand mixer), combine softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and flour. Mix on low speed until crumbly, then press the dough together with your hands.
3. Roll out and cut. Roll the dough to about ⅓ to ½ inch thick on parchment. Cut into 3-inch rounds and place on the prepared sheets.
4. Bake. Bake for 12–15 minutes until the bottoms are just lightly golden. The tops will remain pale.
5. Cool. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

How to Pack Perfect Sugar Cookies for Work and School

These cookies are the perfect pick-me-up to take on the go no mess, no crumbs, just pure buttery sweetness. Here’s how I like to prep them for busy mornings or school lunchboxes:

• Wrap individually. Use wax paper or parchment squares to keep cookies from sticking together in containers.
• Use a firm container. A small tin or reusable snack box keeps them from breaking during transit.
• Pair with fruit or tea bags. Add sliced apples or a wrapped tea bag for a sweet midday combo.
• Freeze and grab. Store individually wrapped cookies in the freezer and toss one into your bag it’ll thaw by the time you’re ready to enjoy.

They’re soft, compact, and sturdy enough to survive backpacks and briefcases, making them a go-to favorite for packing ahead.

What to Serve with Perfect Sugar Cookies

• Tea, coffee, or warm milk
• Fruit compote or lemon curd
• Ice cream sandwiches with vanilla or berry sorbet
• Holiday cookie trays alongside gingerbread and shortbread
• Dipped in melted white or dark chocolate for extra elegance

Perfect Sugar Cookies Variations and Substitutions

Add Citrus Zest: Stir in the finely grated zest of lemon, orange, or lime to brighten the flavor.

Use Almond Extract: Swap half of the vanilla for almond extract for a nostalgic, bakery-style sugar cookie.

Dip in Chocolate: Once cooled, dip one side of each cookie in melted chocolate and let set. Optional: sprinkle with sea salt or sprinkles while wet.

Make Mini Cookies: Roll the dough thinner and use a 1½-inch cutter for bite-size cookies—perfect for tea trays or party platters.

Make Them Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. The texture stays surprisingly close to the original.

Roll in Colored Sugar: Before baking, roll the dough balls in colored sanding sugar for a festive holiday look.

Add a Jam Center: Press a small indent in the center before baking, and add a tiny spoonful of jam halfway through baking.

Storing / Freezing Perfect Sugar Cookies

To store: Let cookies cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh at room temperature for up to 5 days and often taste even better on the second day.

To refrigerate dough: If prepping ahead, wrap the dough tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Let it soften slightly at room temperature before rolling out.

To freeze baked cookies: Place cooled cookies in layers separated by parchment in a freezer-safe container. They keep for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

To freeze cookie dough: Shape the dough into a flat disc, wrap in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before rolling and cutting as usual.

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