Classic Butter Sugar Cookies (Printable)
Buttery cookies with crisp edges and soft centers, ready in just 30 minutes.
# What You'll Need:
→ Dry Ingredients
01 - 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
03 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
→ Wet Ingredients
04 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
05 - 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
06 - 1 large egg
07 - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
→ For Rolling
08 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly distributed.
03 - In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, approximately 2 to 3 minutes.
04 - Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Beat on medium speed until fully combined and smooth.
05 - Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just incorporated. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
06 - Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into even balls. Optionally roll each ball in granulated sugar for a sparkling finish.
07 - Place the dough balls 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Flatten each ball slightly using the bottom of a glass or the palm of your hand.
08 - Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until the edges are just turning golden. Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- These cookies hit that impossible sweet spot between crisp edges and a center that practically dissolves on your tongue.
- The dough comes together in one bowl with zero fuss, making it my go-to when unexpected guests or sudden cravings arrive.
02 -
- Overmixing the dough after adding flour is the fastest way to turn tender cookies into tough little hockey pucks.
- Butter that is too warm or melted will cause the cookies to spread thin and lose that soft center entirely.
03 -
- Take the butter out of the fridge one hour before you plan to bake so it reaches that perfect soft but still cool consistency.
- Rotate your baking sheets halfway through the bake time if your oven has hot spots that cause uneven browning.