🍪 Easy Drop Sugar Cookies for Every Home Baker
Makes about 4 dozen cookies
What You’ll Need
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2¾ cups (345 g) all‑purpose flour
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1 tsp baking soda
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½ tsp baking powder
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1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, softened
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1½ cups (300 g) granulated sugar
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1 large egg
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1 tsp vanilla extract
Step‑By‑Step Bake Guide
1. Prep for success
Preheat your oven to 375 °F (190 °C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or use a nonstick spray.
2. Mix dry ingredients
Whisk together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder in a bowl. This ensures even rising and consistent texture.
3. Cream butter & sugar
In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter with sugar until it becomes smooth and slightly fluffy.
4. Add egg and flavor
Beat in the egg and vanilla until the mixture is well combined.
5. Combine wet & dry
Gradually add the flour mix into the butter blend. Stir until a soft cookie dough forms—no chilling necessary.
6. Shape & bake
Roll walnut‑sized balls and place them about 2 inches apart on baking sheets. Bake for 8–10 minutes, until the edges start to turn golden. Let them rest on the sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.
Why This Recipe Works
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Easy drop method—no rolling, cutting, or chilling required
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Balanced use of baking soda + baking powder gives just the right lift
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Soft, chewy center with lightly crisp edges, highly rated by Allrecipes users
Variations & Tips
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Add-ins: Mix colorful sprinkles, mini-chocolate chips, or crushed peppermint for festive flair.
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Texture tweak: For a crinkly top, gently bang the hot pan on the counter right when they come out—this pushes moisture to the center
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Storage: Keep in airtight containers at room temperature for 3–4 days. Freeze baked or dough balls for up to 2 months .
FAQs
Can I make cut-out cookies with this dough?
Yes—this dough works fine for gentle roll-out cookies. Shape, bake at 350 °F until edges are lightly golden, and cool completely before icing
What’s better—baking powder or baking soda?
This recipe uses both to balance flavor, texture, and rise. Baking soda gives browning and crispness, while baking powder adds a light, tender rise.
Need a gluten-free version?
Swap flour for a 1:1 gluten-free blend and add ¼ tsp xanthan gum for structure. Bake as usual, but check at the 7‑minute mark since GF cookies bake faster.
The Final Craving
You don’t need a gourmet bakery to enjoy fresh, soft sugar cookies—just this simple recipe and 30 minutes. They’re perfect for last-minute treats, kids’ activities, or making memories.
Your Turn to Bake!
Gather your flour, butter, and vanilla. Bake a batch tonight and share your creations with #EasySugarCookies. Want a printable recipe card or a decorating video? Just say the word—I’ve got you covered!
