Classic Sugar Cookies Recipe
These classic sugar cookies are buttery, tender, and lightly sweetened, making them perfect for any occasion. With a simple dough rolled out and cut into charming rounds, these cookies bake to a delicate golden perfection, ideal for decorating or enjoying plain with a cup of tea.
- Author: Isabella
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Total Time: 55 mins
- Yield: Around 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Dry Ingredients
- 250g plain flour
- 25g cornflour
Wet Ingredients
- 100g unsalted butter, softened
- 100g caster sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Prepare the butter and sugar: Beat the softened butter and caster sugar together using an electric whisk for about 4 minutes until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which will help create a tender cookie texture.
- Add the eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time to ensure they are fully incorporated, then add the vanilla extract and mix well to infuse the dough with flavor.
- Mix the dry ingredients: Gradually whisk in the cornflour and plain flour until the dough comes together into a smooth, cohesive ball.
- Roll out the dough: Place the dough between two sheets of baking parchment and roll out evenly to a thickness of 6mm using a rolling pin. Then chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to firm up the dough and prevent shrinking when baking.
- Preheat the oven: Set the oven to 200°C (180°C fan) or Gas mark 6 for optimal baking temperature.
- Cut out cookies: Remove the top sheet of parchment, then use a 6cm round cookie cutter or your preferred shape to stamp out cookies. Re-roll any remaining dough and continue cutting until all dough is used.
- Arrange and bake: Transfer the cut cookies to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2cm apart. You may need two sheets. Bake in the preheated oven for 7 to 10 minutes until the edges are just starting to turn golden.
- Cool and store: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 15 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Store in an airtight container for up to one week to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier mixing.
- Do not overbake to keep cookies soft and tender; they may look slightly undercooked when taken out but will firm up as they cool.
- Chilling the dough is essential to prevent spreading during baking.
- For variation, try adding citrus zest or sprinkles before baking.
- Cookies can be decorated with icing or left plain.
Keywords: sugar cookies, classic cookies, homemade cookies, easy cookie recipe, buttery cookies, vanilla sugar cookies