Grandma’s Sugar Cookies Recipe
Grandma’s Sugar Cookies are tender, buttery, and lovingly baked treats with a delicate crunch from the sugar topping. These classic cookies deliver a nostalgic flavor that’s perfect for any occasion, easily made with simple pantry ingredients and baked to soft perfection.
- Author: Douaa
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Total Time: 20 mins
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
Topping
- Extra granulated sugar for topping
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect baking temperature before your cookies go in.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This step aerates the dough and helps create a tender texture.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract until fully combined, ensuring the dough is smooth and consistent in texture.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to distribute the leavening agent evenly.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing just until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Shape Cookies: Scoop approximately 1-inch balls of dough and roll each ball in extra granulated sugar for a sweet, crunchy exterior. Place the balls on a lined baking sheet, leaving space between them for spreading.
- Flatten Cookies: Gently flatten each dough ball slightly with the bottom of a glass or your hand to help them bake evenly and achieve their classic shape.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft and slightly underbaked for the best texture.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 2–3 minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For softer cookies, slightly underbake and allow to cool on the pan.
- You can substitute vanilla extract with almond extract for a different flavor twist.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freezing dough balls prior to baking can help maintain shape and is convenient for later baking.
- Use room temperature butter for easier creaming and better dough texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: sugar cookies, grandma’s recipe, classic cookies, easy cookie recipe, buttery cookies, vanilla cookies