Bake Perfect: Easy Sugar Cookie Recipe That Melts in Your Mouth
Servings: 24 Cookies
Calories: 120kcal
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Optional: a pinch of lemon zest for brightness
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment. Pro move: this keeps fingers and cookies happy.
- Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Dry ingredients get their own spa day before the dough arrives.
- Cream the butter and sugar in a separate bowl until light and fluffy. This usually takes 2–3 minutes with an electric mixer. Scrape the sides so nothing hides up there.
- Add the egg and vanilla (and lemon zest if you’re feeling fancy) and mix until smooth. Don’t overbeat—just until it comes together like a good playlist segue.
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a soft dough forms. It should be easy to roll, not rock-hard. If it’s sticky, chill for 15 minutes.
- Roll dough into 1/2-inch balls or press gently with your hands. Place on the sheet about 2 inches apart.
- Bake 8–10 minutes, until edges just begin to turn golden. The centers may look a little soft—that’s fine; they’ll firm up as they cool.
- Cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack. Do not skip cooling, or your decorations will melt faster than your patience.