Description
These classic 4 Ingredient Sugar Cookies are delightfully simple to make with just butter, sugar, flour, and vanilla extract. Soft, buttery, and lightly sweetened, they are perfect for any occasion and can be quickly prepared for a delicious treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup softened salted butter
- ¾ cups granulated sugar (plus more for rolling, optional)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prep: Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set them aside to ensure your cookies bake evenly and do not stick.
- Cream: In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream together the softened salted butter and ¾ cup granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Then add the vanilla extract and mix to combine well.
- Stir: Gradually add the all-purpose flour into the butter and sugar mixture, stirring just until combined and a smooth dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Scoop: Using a medium cookie scoop or spoon, portion out approximately 2 tablespoons of dough for each cookie. Roll each portion into a ball to prepare for baking.
- Bake: Optional step: Roll each dough ball in additional granulated sugar for a sparkly finish. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them apart. Slightly flatten each ball with the bottom of a glass or your palm. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are set and just turning golden. Remove from oven and allow to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For a crisper cookie, bake closer to 12 minutes; for softer centers, bake closer to 10 minutes.
- You can substitute unsalted butter but be sure to add a pinch of salt to balance flavors.
- Rolling the dough balls in sugar gives the cookies a nice sparkle and subtle extra sweetness.
- Make sure butter is softened but not melted for best creaming results.
- These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: 4 ingredient sugar cookies, easy sugar cookies, classic sugar cookies, simple cookie recipe, buttery cookies
