Sugar cookies – the sweet treats that bring joy to both kids and adults alike. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, these classic cookies are a staple in any dessert repertoire. From traditional vanilla flavors to creative twists with glazes, nuts, and spices, there’s a sugar cookie recipe for every occasion.
In this article, we’ll be sharing 18 irresistible sugar cookie recipes that are sure to become new favorites. Whether you’re planning a holiday party, looking for a sweet treat to brighten up your day, or just want to indulge in some old-fashioned baking fun, these recipes have got you covered.
Classic Vanilla Sugar Cookies
A timeless favorite, these soft-baked sugar cookies are a staple of any cookie jar. With their sweet and subtle vanilla flavor, they’re perfect for snacking or sharing.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 large egg
– 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
– Colored sprinkles or chopped nuts for decoration (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
7. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Lemon Glazed Sugar Cookies
A sweet and tangy twist on classic sugar cookies, these lemon glazed treats are perfect for a bright and cheerful dessert or snack.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 large egg
– 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
– Lemon glaze (see below)
– Colored sprinkles or chopped nuts for decoration (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and baking powder.
3. In a large bowl, cream sugar and butter until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and lemon juice.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
5. Roll out dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes.
6. Place cookies on prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each cookie.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Lemon Glaze:
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
Whisk together until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cookies and decorate with sprinkles or nuts, if desired.
Brown Butter Sugar Cookies
These chewy cookies are a perfect combination of caramelized brown butter and crunchy sugar, making them a sweet treat for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– Pinch of salt
– Optional: chopped nuts or sea salt for topping
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Continue cooking until it turns golden brown and has a nutty aroma, stirring occasionally.
3. Remove from heat and stir in white granulated sugar until dissolved.
4. Whisk in brown sugar, vanilla extract, flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches between each cookie.
6. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
7. Remove from oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes
Soft-Baked Holiday Sugar Cookies
These soft-baked sugar cookies are perfect for the holiday season. With a hint of vanilla and a touch of sparkle from the colored sugar, they’re sure to be a hit at any gathering.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1 large egg
– 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
– Colored sugar for decorating (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and baking soda. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a dough forms.
5. Roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes.
6. Place on prepared baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
7. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Chocolate-Dipped Sugar Cookies
Experience the perfect combination of sweet and indulgent with these scrumptious sugar cookies dipped in rich chocolate.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 egg
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
3. In a large bowl, cream together sugar and butter until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in egg and vanilla extract.
5. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a dough forms.
6. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness.
7. Cut into desired shapes using a cookie cutter.
8. Place cookies on prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each.
9. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
10. Allow cookies to cool completely before dipping in melted chocolate.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Funfetti Sugar Cookies
Get ready to add a pop of color and flavor to your baking with these Funfetti Sugar Cookies! These classic treats get a festive twist with the addition of sprinkles, making them perfect for parties, holidays, or just because.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 egg
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1 cup Funfetti sprinkles
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, and baking soda in a medium bowl.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined.
5. Fold in Funfetti sprinkles.
6. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches between each cookie.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Iced Almond Sugar Cookies
These chewy sugar cookies are infused with the warm flavors of almond and topped with a sweet and tangy icing. Perfect for a quick dessert or snack, these cookies are sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 egg
– 1 teaspoon almond extract
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.
3. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and almond extract.
4. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a dough forms.
5. Roll out dough to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
7. Allow cookies to cool completely before icing with confectioners’ sugar.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies
Get ready to delight your taste buds with these soft and chewy Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies, perfect for fall festivities!
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
– 1/4 tsp ground cloves
– 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
– 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
– 2 large eggs
– Colored sugar or sprinkles for decorating (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves in a medium bowl.
3. Beat butter and sugars until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
4. Beat in pumpkin puree and eggs until well combined.
5. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a dough forms.
6. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches between each cookie.
7. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes
Vegan Sugar Cookies
Vegan Sugar Cookies Recipe
Sweet treats just got a whole lot kinder! These soft-baked cookies are made with plant-based ingredients and are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup vegan butter (such as Earth Balance), softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1 egg replacement (such as Ener-G Egg Replacer or flaxseed mixed with water)
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– Colored sprinkles or chopped nuts for decoration (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the vegan butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
3. Add the egg replacement, vanilla extract, and mix well.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
5. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
7. Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Gluten-Free Sugar Cookies
These classic sugar cookies are now gluten-free, making them a perfect treat for those with dietary restrictions. Enjoy the sweet and simple delight of homemade cookies without worrying about gluten contamination.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups almond flour
– 1/4 cup coconut sugar
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together almond flour, coconut sugar, granulated sugar, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, cream together butter and egg until smooth. Add vanilla extract and mix well.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
5. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.
6. Cut into desired shapes using a cookie cutter or glass rim.
7. Place cookies on prepared baking sheet, leaving 1 inch of space between each.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies
Get ready to delight your taste buds with these scrumptious Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies, combining the classic flavors of cinnamon rolls and sugar cookies.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup light brown sugar
– 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Colored sprinkles or sugar for decorating (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Add cinnamon and vanilla extract; mix well.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture; mix until a dough forms.
5. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes using a cookie cutter or glass.
6. Place cookies on prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Orange Zest Sugar Cookies
Brighten up your day with these delightful sugar cookies infused with the warmth of orange zest.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup orange zest (from about 2 oranges)
– 1 large egg
– Colored sugar or sprinkles for decoration (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add orange zest and mix until well combined.
4. Beat in the egg until smooth.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
6. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes.
7. Place on prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each cookie.
8. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes
Peppermint Frosted Sugar Cookies
Brighten up your holiday season with these refreshing Peppermint Frosted Sugar Cookies. A classic sugar cookie gets a cool twist with the addition of peppermint extract and crushed candy canes.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup crushed candy canes (optional)
– 2 tbsp peppermint extract
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add crushed candy canes and peppermint extract; mix well.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients; mix until a dough forms.
6. Roll out dough on a floured surface to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes.
7. Place cookies on prepared baking sheet, leaving 1 inch space between each cookie.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Coconut Sugar Cookies
Sweet Treat Alert!
These Coconut Sugar Cookies are a delightful twist on classic sugar cookies, with the added indulgence of toasted coconut flakes and a hint of tropical flavor.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup toasted coconut flakes
– 1 large egg
– 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, confectioners’ sugar, and baking powder.
3. In a separate bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture; mix until just combined.
5. Fold in toasted coconut flakes.
6. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches between each cookie.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Maple Bacon Sugar Cookies
Maple Bacon Sugar Cookies: A Sweet and Savory Treat
These chewy cookies combine the sweetness of maple syrup with the smoky flavor of bacon, creating a unique and delicious treat. Perfect for snacking or serving at your next gathering.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
– 4 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled
– 1 large egg
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.
3. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Add maple syrup and mix until combined.
4. Stir in crumbled bacon, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Chai Spice Sugar Cookies
Elevate your cookie game with the inviting aroma of chai spices and a hint of sweetness. These soft, chewy cookies are perfect for a cozy gathering or as a thoughtful gift.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup chai spice mix (or to taste)
– 1 large egg
– Colored sugar or sprinkles for decoration (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add chai spice mix and mix until combined.
4. Beat in the egg until well incorporated.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
6. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches of space between each cookie.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
8. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes per batch
Thumbprint Sugar Cookies with Jam
Create sweet and charming cookies with a hidden surprise – a dollop of jam in the center!
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 egg
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– Colored sugar or sprinkles for decoration (optional)
– Jam of your choice (e.g., strawberry, blueberry, apricot)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and baking soda.
3. In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
5. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.
6. Use a cookie cutter or a glass to cut out shapes. Place cookies on prepared baking sheet.
7. Make a thumbprint in each cookie and fill with jam.
8. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.
Tips: Let the cookies cool before serving. Decorate with colored sugar or sprinkles, if desired.
Red Velvet Sugar Cookies
Brighten up your day with these moist and flavorful Red Velvet Sugar Cookies. Perfect for a sweet treat or as a gift for friends and family.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 teaspoon red velvet emulsion
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Colored sugar or sprinkles for decoration (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and baking powder.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and red velvet emulsion until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until combined.
5. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches between each cookie.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are set and centers are slightly soft.
7. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Summary
Get ready to indulge in sweet treats with these 18 irresistible sugar cookie recipes, perfect for every occasion. From classic vanilla and lemon glazed to festive holiday and unique flavor combinations like chai spice and maple bacon, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just looking for inspiration, this collection of sugar cookie recipes is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.