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Grandma’s Sugar Cookies Recipe

Grandma’s Sugar Cookies Recipe

4.9 from 14 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect baking temperature before your cookies go in.
  2. 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.
  3. Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract until fully combined, ensuring the dough is smooth and consistent in texture.
  4. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to distribute the leavening agent evenly.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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

Keywords: sugar cookies, grandma’s recipe, classic cookies, easy cookie recipe, buttery cookies, vanilla cookies