Vanilla Sugar Cookies are a quick and easy recipe ready in just 30 minutes. The soft, chewy cookies, with their rich vanilla flavor, make for a delightful treat that you can enjoy anytime.
With just a handful of basic ingredients, you can whip up these sweet cookies in no time. This recipe is perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in, and you'll definitely want to make these often!
Whether you're baking for a special occasion, family get-togethers, or just because, these cookies are a great addition to any dessert spread. Try them today!
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 1 Tablespoon Rodelle vanilla paste
- ½ cup granulated sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350ºF (177ºC). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Set aside.
- In a medium size bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl with a handheld mixer, or the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter and powdered sugar on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Stop the mixer, add the egg, vegetable oil, and vanilla paste, then beat again on medium speed until everything is combined, stopping the mixer to scrape down the sides of the bowl as necessary.
- Reduce the mixer speed to low, then add the dry ingredients in two additions, ensuring the first addition is mostly incorporated before adding the second. Continue to beat on low until just combined. Dough should be soft but not very sticky, and you should be able to scoop it with a cookie scoop without issue. Once it is dropped into the sugar, it will decrease in stickiness.
- Place the granulated sugar into a small bowl, then, using a cookie scoop, drop balls of dough into the sugar and use your fingers to gently roll the ball in the sugar. When dough ball is completely covered in sugar, place on prepared baking sheet (8 per sheet).
- Bake the cookies for 8-9 minutes, just until edges are set. Allow to cool on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Store cookies covered tightly at room temperature up to 1 week. Cookies freeze well, up to 3 months. Unbaked dough balls also freeze well, up to 3 months. Do not roll in sugar, thaw in refrigerator overnight, and roll in sugar before baking.
Cooking Tips
Tip 1:
Use high-quality butter for the best flavor. It's worth it to invest in unsalted butter, as it provides a richer taste in your vanilla sugar cookies. Aim for a butter that's creamy and fresh for optimal results.
Tip 2:
Chill your dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps solidify the butter, which can lead to thicker cookies that don’t spread too much. It also enhances the flavors as they meld together.
Tip 3:
Avoid overmixing your dough. Mix just until the ingredients are combined to prevent tough cookies. This helps maintain a tender texture, which is key for a light bite.
Tip 4:
Use a cookie scoop for even-sized cookies. This not only helps with uniform baking but also saves time when portioning the dough. Aim for about 1.5 tablespoons per cookie for ideal size.
Tip 5:
Look for the perfect bake by checking the edges. You want the edges to be lightly golden while the centers remain soft. This usually takes about 10-12 minutes at 350°F.
Difficulty Level:
Easy – these cookies are straightforward and great for beginners.
Nutrition Note:
Remember, while these cookies are a treat, they can be enjoyed in moderation. Each cookie contains approximately 80 calories, so consider portion control.
Storage
Room Temperature:
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to 5 days. Adding a slice of bread in the container can help keep them soft.
Refrigerator:
If you want to extend their freshness, place the cookies in a sealed container in the refrigerator. They can last about 1-2 weeks this way, but may firm up a bit and require some time to come back to room temperature.
Freezer:
For longer storage, freeze your cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them into a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating:
To bring back the fresh-baked taste, reheat cookies in the oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes or in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. This softens them perfectly!
Variations
Chocolate Chip Variation:
Add 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips to the dough for a delicious twist, resulting in gooey chocolate flavor complementing the vanilla.
Lemon Zest Variation:
Incorporate 1 tablespoon of lemon zest into the dough for a fresh citrus flavor that brightens the cookies, enhancing the vanilla notes.
Almond Variation:
Replace half of the vanilla extract with almond extract (1 teaspoon) for a nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the cookies.
Oatmeal Variation:
Mix in 1 cup of rolled oats for a heartier texture, creating a chewy cookie that still maintains the classic buttery flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serving Suggestion: Arrange your vanilla sugar cookies on a decorative platter to showcase their golden edges and inviting appearance.
Drink Recommendation: Pair your cookies with a warm cup of coffee or a refreshing glass of milk for a delightful treat.
Best Occasions: These cookies are perfect for casual weeknight dessert, holiday gatherings, or even for a cozy movie night at home.
Garnishing: Dust the cookies lightly with powdered sugar or add a drizzle of chocolate to enhance their visual appeal.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should vanilla sugar cookies bake in the oven?
Bake your vanilla sugar cookies for about 8 to 10 minutes until they're lightly golden around the edges.
How do I know when vanilla sugar cookies are done?
You can tell they are done when the edges are set and lightly browned, but the centers still look slightly soft.
What temperature works best for vanilla sugar cookies?
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) for the best results while baking vanilla sugar cookies.
Can I freeze vanilla sugar cookies?
Yes, you can freeze them! Just place the cookies in an airtight container and they’ll last up to three months in the freezer.
How long do vanilla sugar cookies last in the refrigerator?
In the refrigerator, these cookies will stay fresh for about one week when stored in an airtight container.
Can I prepare vanilla sugar cookies the day before?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a day in advance and chill it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
Why are my vanilla sugar cookies spreading too much?
Cookies can spread if your butter is too warm or if there's not enough flour. Make sure to chill the dough before baking.
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Vanilla Sugar Cookies Quick and Easy Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350ºF (177ºC). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Set aside.
- In a medium size bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl with a handheld mixer, or the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter and powdered sugar on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Stop the mixer, add the egg, vegetable oil, and vanilla paste, then beat again on medium speed until everything is combined, stopping the mixer to scrape down the sides of the bowl as necessary.
- Reduce the mixer speed to low, then add the dry ingredients in two additions, ensuring the first addition is mostly incorporated before adding the second. Continue to beat on low until just combined. Dough should be soft but not very sticky, and you should be able to scoop it with a cookie scoop without issue. Once it is dropped into the sugar, it will decrease in stickiness.
- Place the granulated sugar into a small bowl, then, using a cookie scoop, drop balls of dough into the sugar and use your fingers to gently roll the ball in the sugar. When dough ball is completely covered in sugar, place on prepared baking sheet (8 per sheet).
- Bake the cookies for 8-9 minutes, just until edges are set. Allow to cool on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Store cookies covered tightly at room temperature up to 1 week. Cookies freeze well, up to 3 months. Unbaked dough balls also freeze well, up to 3 months. Do not roll in sugar, thaw in refrigerator overnight, and roll in sugar before baking.
Nutrition
Notes
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to 5 days. Adding a slice of bread in the container can help keep them soft. Refrigerator:
If you want to extend their freshness, place the cookies in a sealed container in the refrigerator. They can last about 1-2 weeks this way, but may firm up a bit and require some time to come back to room temperature. Freezer:
For longer storage, freeze your cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them into a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature before enjoying. Reheating:
To bring back the fresh-baked taste, reheat cookies in the oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes or in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. This softens them perfectly!
