There’s something so wonderfully nostalgic about a classic vanilla cookie—the warm, sweet aroma filling your kitchen as they bake. This Vanilla Sugar Cookies Recipe is my go-to for when I want those tender, buttery bites with just the right hint of vanilla that make people come running to the cookie jar. It’s straightforward, forgiving, and truly a joy to bake.
Jump to:
Why You'll Love This Vanilla Sugar Cookies Recipe
This recipe has a special place in my heart because it’s both timeless and incredibly versatile. Over the years, I’ve found it makes the perfect base for decorating or enjoying plain with a cup of tea. Plus, it’s easy enough that even beginner bakers can nail it without stress.
- Classic Flavors: The perfect combo of vanilla and butter makes these cookies irresistibly comforting.
- Simple Ingredients: You probably already have everything in your pantry—no fancy shopping needed.
- Customizable Thickness: Roll them thinner for crisp bites or a bit thicker if you love your cookies soft and chewy.
- Kid-Friendly and Fun: Great for cookie cutters and decorating with icing or sprinkles for holidays or any celebration.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient in this Vanilla Sugar Cookies Recipe plays a starring role to get those perfect textures and flavors. I’ve learned over time that good-quality butter and vanilla extract really elevate the whole experience, so don’t rush over these parts at the store.
- Unsalted Butter: Softened butter gives a tender crumb and rich flavor; using salted is fine but skip extra salt then.
- Caster (Superfine) Sugar: It dissolves quickly and blends beautifully for smooth dough—but regular sugar works if that’s all you have.
- Vanilla Extract: This is the cookie’s soul – a good, pure vanilla enhances the sweetness without overpowering.
- Egg: Adds moisture and helps bind everything together perfectly.
- All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure while keeping the cookies tender, strike a balance with the baking powder for gentle rise.
- Baking Powder: Just enough to give a light lift, making cookies fluffy but not cakey.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and deepens flavor—don’t skip it even if your butter’s salted.
Make It Your Way
I love that this Vanilla Sugar Cookies Recipe allows for so much creativity. Whether you want to keep things classic or jazz up your cookies with fun decorating, it’s a solid foundation. You can play with thickness or try different icing textures—making it your own is part of the fun!
- Roll Thick or Thin: I’ve personally enjoyed rolling them thinner when I’m craving a crisp cookie and thicker when I want that soft, almost melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Icing Variations: Sometimes I drizzle simple vanilla icing, other times I dip half in melted chocolate for a grown-up twist.
- Flavor Twists: A sprinkle of cinnamon or lemon zest can add subtle surprises without overpowering the vanilla base.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Vanilla Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Start by beating your softened butter with the sugar until that mixture is creamy and dreamy—about a minute on medium speed. This step is key because it traps air that makes your cookies light, so don’t rush it. A good cream here means better texture later.
Step 2: Add the Egg and Vanilla
Mix in the egg followed by the vanilla extract until everything is well combined. The dough will start smelling heavenly right now. Keep your mixer on low so you don’t overwork the dough, which could make your cookies tough.
Step 3: Bring in the Dry Ingredients
Slowly add the flour, baking powder, and salt to the bowl. I usually start mixing slowly so the flour doesn’t puff everywhere, then gradually beat until the dough forms—and yes, it will look a little clumpy, but that’s okay!
Step 4: Chill and Roll Out the Dough
Dust your work surface with flour, then scrape the dough from the bowl. I split it into two discs since it’s easier to handle that way. Roll it out to your preferred thickness between ⅛" and ¼"—sprinkle flour underneath and over the dough as you roll to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Cut Shapes and Bake
Use your favorite cookie cutters to press out shapes, then carefully transfer them to parchment-lined baking sheets. Any leftover scraps go straight into the fridge to chill while you bake so they stay firm. Bake at 350°F (180°C) for about 10 minutes, switching trays halfway through so everything bakes evenly—the edges should just start turning light golden.
Step 6: Cool and Decorate
Let your cookies cool completely on the trays—the residual heat finishes the job. Then it’s decorating time! Whether you ice, dip in chocolate, dust with powdered sugar, or just enjoy them plain, these cookies really shine.
Top Tip
Over the years, I’ve learned a few little tricks that make this Vanilla Sugar Cookies Recipe really shine. These tips save me time and give consistent results every single time I bake.
- Chill Your Dough: Cooling the dough after mixing makes it much easier to roll and shape, and helps the cookies keep their shape while baking.
- Use Parchment Paper: This prevents sticking and means less cleanup, plus cookies brown evenly.
- Swap Baking Sheets Midway: Placing two trays in the oven and swapping their positions halfway ensures even baking—no burnt edges or underdone bottoms.
- Get Creative with Textures: Slightly thinner dough means crisper cookies; thicker dough keeps them soft and chewy—choose what you love.
How to Serve Vanilla Sugar Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
I usually keep it simple with a dusting of powdered sugar because it adds a delicate snowy touch, especially around the holidays. But for special occasions, I’ve dipped cookies in melted chocolate or added little edible silver balls for sparkle—they make the cookies almost too pretty to eat (almost!).
Side Dishes
These cookies shine alongside classic pairings like a cup of chai tea, a frothy cappuccino, or hot cocoa with marshmallows. If you’re hosting a party, they’re a lovely sweet addition to fruit platters or cheese boards, bringing a hint of sweetness without overwhelming other flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Once, I arranged these vanilla sugar cookies on a tiered stand, alternating plain and decorated ones, for a Christmas party. It was both festive and inviting. I also love wrapping a few in clear cellophane tied with twine as homemade gifts—people really appreciate that personal touch!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I keep leftover cookies fresh in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay lovely for about a week, though honestly, they rarely last that long in my house! If you want them crisp again after a couple of days, a quick 5-minute pop in a warm oven works wonders.
Freezing
I freeze the dough discs wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and stored in a zip-top bag. This way, I can thaw and roll out fresh batches whenever the craving hits. You can also freeze baked cookies if you want to prepare for a big event ahead of time—just thaw at room temp before serving.
Reheating
If your Vanilla Sugar Cookies have softened too much, warming them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 3-5 minutes revives that delightful just-baked texture without drying them out.
Frequently Asked Questions:
You absolutely can use salted butter. Just omit the extra salt called for in the recipe and be mindful of the overall saltiness in your cookies. This adjustment helps you control the flavor balance perfectly.
Rolling the dough a little thicker (around ¼ inch) and not over-baking them is key. Also, storing cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread helps retain moisture and keeps them soft longer.
Yes! Once your cookies are completely cooled, you can decorate them and let the icing set. Store them in layers separated by parchment paper in an airtight container. This way, they’ll stay fresh and the decorations remain intact for several days.
It’s not strictly necessary, but chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes makes it easier to roll and cut. It also helps reduce spreading during baking, so your cookie shapes hold up nicely.
Final Thoughts
This Vanilla Sugar Cookies Recipe is one I always come back to because it’s reliable, delicious, and invites a bit of creativity in the kitchen. Baking these feels like a warm hug—both for me and anyone lucky enough to share them. So, grab your butter and vanilla, and enjoy the simple pleasure of homemade cookies. Trust me, you’ll want to keep this recipe close for all sorts of occasions!
Print
Vanilla Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 40 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Western
Description
Classic Christmas sugar cookies, soft and buttery, perfect for decorating or enjoying plain during the holiday season. These vanilla biscuits are easy to make and delightfully sweet, ideal for festive gatherings or as a tasty treat any time.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 225g / 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (or use salted, skip salt)
- 1 cup caster/superfine sugar (granulated sugar can be used)
- 1 ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg (55-60g / 1.9-2oz)
- 3 cups plain / all-purpose flour
- ¾ teaspoon baking powder
- ¾ teaspoon salt
Decorations
- Icing for Sugar Cookies (optional)
- Melted chocolate for dipping (optional)
- Silver balls for decorating (optional)
- Icing sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C / 350°F (160°C fan). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prepare for baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until creamy, about 1 minute using medium speed.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined to create a smooth batter.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Add the flour, baking powder, and salt to the wet mixture. Begin mixing slowly, then increase speed until the flour is incorporated but the dough remains slightly clumpy.
- Shape Dough: Dust your work surface with flour and transfer the dough out of the bowl. Pat it together and divide into two equal discs for easier handling.
- Roll Out Dough: Roll each disc out to 0.3cm (⅛") for thinner, crispier cookies, or 0.6cm (¼") for thicker, softer cookies. Sprinkle flour on both the surface and the dough to prevent sticking.
- Cut Shapes: Use cookie cutters to create shapes, then carefully transfer them to the prepared baking sheets using a knife or spatula. Keep any unused dough refrigerated.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the oven for 10 minutes, placing both trays in the oven (one in the middle rack, one on the lower rack). Halfway through baking, swap the trays to promote even cooking. Cookies should be pale golden with lightly golden edges.
- Cool Completely: Let the cookies cool completely on the baking trays, as they will finish cooking as they cool.
- Decorate (Optional): Decorate with icing, melted chocolate dips, silver balls, icing sugar dusting, or serve plain as sweet vanilla biscuits.
Notes
- The number of cookies depends on the size of your cutters and thickness. This recipe fills approximately 3 baking trays and yields about 40 cookies.
- Swapping trays halfway through baking ensures even heat exposure, preventing uneven browning.
- These sugar cookies keep well in an airtight container for up to one week; they remain edible beyond that but may begin to dry slightly.
- For different decorations, try royal icing or colored frostings to match your festive theme.
- If using salted butter, omit the added salt in the recipe for balanced flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 80 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 1.5 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
Leave a Reply