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Classic Sugar Cookies Recipe

4.4 from 51 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 250g plain flour
  • 25g cornflour

Wet Ingredients

  • 100g unsalted butter, softened
  • 100g caster sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Mix the dry ingredients: Gradually whisk in the cornflour and plain flour until the dough comes together into a smooth, cohesive ball.
  4. 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.
  5. Preheat the oven: Set the oven to 200°C (180°C fan) or Gas mark 6 for optimal baking temperature.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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