Easy Sugar Cookies
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I don’t often get the chance to talk about my kids in my posts, but this recipe comes with a personal twist—and I’d love to share a little about my daughter. It’s a longer story, but every bit of it led to these simple, joyful sugar cookies.
My daughter was born with a genetic condition called Turner Syndrome, which can bring a range of challenges—including the possibility of learning disabilities. She’s also been diagnosed with ADHD and a learning disability that falls within the autism spectrum. Her journey hasn’t always been easy.
When she was five, we’d already had a therapist coming into our home for over a year. With that support, my daughter began to do things that most children her age were doing—like engaging in imaginative play, which hadn’t come naturally to her before. One day, her therapist explained that the next step was structured playdates. At the time, my daughter didn’t really play or interact with kids her own age. She preferred chatting with adults instead—always full of curiosity and thoughtful conversation.
It was through one of those carefully planned playdates that we ended up baking sugar cookies. And just like that, this recipe became more than just a treat—it became a little memory that still brings warmth to my kitchen.
Cookies for a playdate
At the time, my daughter’s developmental age was closer to three, so we were encouraged to arrange a short, structured playdate with a child of a similar age—just thirty minutes with two activities. For her very first playdate, I planned something simple and fun: first they’d blow bubbles, then frost and decorate sugar cookies. My daughter absolutely adores sugar cookies and gingersnaps—her top two favorites.
The day before the playdate, I headed to the pantry, hoping to find a trusty Betty Crocker Sugar Cookie Mix—something fast and fuss-free. But of course, I had every other flavor except sugar cookies. Isn’t that always how it goes?
Then I remembered something sweet. Not long before, my sister-in-law had watched my daughter for me, and apparently, my kiddo had been devouring sugar cookies at her house like they were going out of style! My sister-in-law mentioned that they were from a go-to recipe she makes all the time—no rolling, no frosting necessary, and still delicious.
So I did what any cookie-loving mom would do: I called her up to ask for the recipe. And like the gem she is, she emailed it right over. That’s how these easy sugar cookies became the heart of our little playdate—and a sweet memory I’ll always cherish.
Beware, you’ll become addicted to these easy sugar cookies!
I went into this recipe hoping for an easy win—and it totally delivered. These sugar cookies came together in no time. I love that no cookie cutters are needed! I will admit, the first batch baked a little longer than I intended. My sister-in-law, who shared the recipe with me, said she bakes them for 9 minutes and lets them sit on the cookie sheet for a minute or two to stay chewy and soft. Apparently, my oven runs a little hotter, because mine came out crispier than expected—but honestly? Still absolutely delicious. The flavor was spot-on, even with the crunch!
But here’s your warning: once you make these, there’s no going back. I’m officially hooked on this chewy sugar cookie. They’re ridiculously simple to whip up, and dangerously tempting to make over and over again. No frosting required—just pure cookie joy. I’ve started baking them for 8 minutes, and they turn out perfectly soft. Trust me, this recipe is worth keeping close.
During my daughter’s playdate, the cookies were a big hit. The two girls decorated their treats with pink and purple frosting—my daughter’s favorite colors (or as she says, pinkalicious and purplicious). Watching her enjoy the cookies she helped make was the sweetest part. There’s even a photo below of her glowing with joy mid-cookie munch!
Bonus tip: These cookies also double beautifully as a base for mini fruit pizzas! I love to make them for showers or summertime.
Ingredients for Easy Sugar Cookies
- ALL-PURPOSE FLOUR
- BAKING SODA
- BAKING POWDER
- BUTTER
- SUGAR
- EGG
- VANILLA EXTRACT
Instructions for Easy Sugar Cookie Recipe
Preheat the Oven – Set your oven to 375°F and line your baking sheets with parchment paper or leave them ungreased—no need for liners!
Mix the Dry Ingredients – In a small bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside.
Cream the Butter & Sugar – In a large mixing bowl, beat together softened butter and granulated sugar. Mix until smooth and fluffy. I love to do this in my stand mixer with the paddle attachment.
Add Egg & Vanilla – Beat in the egg and vanilla extract. Blend until fully incorporated.
Combine & Form Dough – Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms. Scoop out rounded teaspoonfuls of the sugar cookie dough and roll into balls. Place them about 2 inches apart on your baking sheets.
Bake the Cookies – Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look soft—that’s perfect!
Cool & Enjoy – Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to chill the dough before baking?
Not for this recipe! These cookies are designed to be quick and easy—no chilling required. Just mix, roll, and bake.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, you can substitute margarine, but the flavor and texture may differ slightly. Butter gives the cookies a richer taste and softer crumb.
How do I keep the cookies soft?
Bake for 8 minutes and let them rest on the cookie sheet for 2 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Slight underbaking helps keep them chewy.
Can I freeze the dough or baked cookies?
Yes! Freeze cookie dough balls on a tray, then store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Baked cookies can also be frozen—just thaw at room temperature before serving.
Do these cookies need frosting?
Not at all! They’re delicious plain, but you can frost or decorate them for holidays or parties. They also make a great base for mini fruit pizzas.
FOR MORE RECIPES LIKE THIS, TRY:
- Chocolate Sugar Cookies
- No Roll Sour Cream Sugar Cookies
- Frosted Soft Ginger Cookies
- Swig Sugar Cookies
Easy Sugar Cookies
Real Mom Kitchen
Ingredients
- 2 ¾ cups flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 cup butter SOFTENED
- 1 ½ cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat to oven to 375 degrees.
- In a small bowl, stir together flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in egg and vanilla. Gradually blend in the dry ingredients. Roll rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls, and place onto ungreased cookie sheets.
- Bake 8-10 minutes, or until golden. Let stand on cookie sheet tow minutes before removing to cool on wire racks. Makes around 3 dozen.
Nutrition
