This delicious Buttery Sugar Cookies recipe comes together in about 30 minutes and requires minimal cleanup! It’s a quick and easy treat that your family will love! Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just to satisfy that sweet tooth, these cookies are perfectly versatile. You can switch up the extracts or throw in some chocolate chips to suit your taste. Need to clean out the pantry? This recipe is your go-to for that, too!
Ingredient Breakdown
Let’s gather our ingredients so we can dive into the baking fun! Here’s what you’ll need for these Buttery Sugar Cookies:
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour : This is the base! You can use a gluten-free blend if you’re looking for alternatives.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda : This helps our cookies rise a bit.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder : A little extra lift for that perfect texture!
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened : Creamy goodness. Make sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing.
- 1 1/2 cups white sugar : Sweet, sweet sugar! This gives our cookies that signature sweetness.
- 1 egg : For binding everything together.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract : This adds that warm, comforting flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract : A little unexpected twist that brings out the amazing flavors.
- 3/4 cup royal icing or glaze (optional for decoration) : To make them pretty. Because who doesn’t love a little extra flair?

How to Make Buttery Sugar Cookies
Let’s get cooking! These steps are straightforward and fun! Ready? Let’s do this!
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Get that heat cranking! Nothing like the smell of fresh cookies baking.
In a small bowl, stir together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Give it a good mix, we want those leavening agents evenly distributed.
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until smooth. Use a hand mixer or a whisk; just make sure it’s nice and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. You’ll know you’re there when it looks light and airy.
Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. This is where it starts smelling like cookies! Mix until well combined.
Gradually blend in the dry ingredients. Start with a scoop of the flour mixture and slowly add it. Scrape the yummy bits off the bottom if needed.
Roll rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls. Place them onto ungreased cookie sheets. Space them out because they’ll spread a bit while baking!
Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass. Press it down gently. If you want, add a touch of royal icing on top before baking.
Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until they start getting that golden hue around the edges. You want that perfect mix of chewy and crispy.
Cool on wire racks. Let them sit for a sec, you don’t want to burn your tongue on the first bite!

Why I Love This Recipe
This is my go-to recipe when I want something sweet but need it done quickly. I mean, who has time for elaborate desserts after a long day, right? I’m a real sucker for cookies that bring back childhood memories, and these Buttery Sugar Cookies hit that spot every time. Plus, they’re a fantastic way to use whatever you have lying around the kitchen; throw in some sprinkles or chopped nuts, and boom! Custom cookies!
If you loved this Buttery Sugar Cookies recipe, be sure to check out my Easy Burnt Honey Pie, my No Bake Creamy Cranberry Cheesecake, or my Chinese Candied Fruit!
What Makes This Recipe Special
Quick & Easy
These cookies come together in under 30 minutes! Perfect for those busy weeknights when the craving strikes! They’re quick enough that you can whip them up even after a long day.
Customizable
One of the best parts is how adaptable this recipe is! You can easily switch up the extracts, throw in some chocolate chips, or even mix in some dried fruit. You can use whatever ingredients you have on hand.
Comfort Food
These Buttery Sugar Cookies are not just a treat; they’re a taste of home! It’s a nostalgia trip that brings back memories of baking with family, and they taste like a warm hug. Perfect comfort food for any time of year!
Serving and Storage Tips
How to Serve This
Serve these cookies warm, with a glass of cold milk or a steaming cup of coffee. They’re amazing as a dessert or even as an afternoon snack. Think of them as your treat for a job well done at the end of the day!
Storage
These cookies are best kept in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They’ll stay soft and buttery, yum!
Freezer-Friendly
Absolutely! You can freeze unbaked cookie balls on a baking sheet. Once they’re firm, transfer them to a freezer bag and keep them for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time!
Nailing the Details: Why This Works
The Secret to Great Cookies
The key to the best Buttery Sugar Cookies is the combination of butter and sugar creamed together. This creates a fluffiness that makes each cookie light and melt-in-your-mouth delicious!
Using Real Butter
Using real butter adds so much richness compared to margarine. It’s all about taste! Trust me; it makes a difference.
Don’t Overbake
The cookies will still continue to cook a little after they’re out of the oven, so aim for that perfect golden edge while the centers still look a tad soft.
Experiment with Flavors
Don’t hesitate to try different extracts or add-ins! This recipe welcomes creativity, so let your imagination run wild. You’ll find your favorite combination in no time!
And there you have it! Super easy, super scrumptious, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! Enjoy these Buttery Sugar Cookies with your family, and don’t forget to share about your version, because every baker has their little touch!
Whether you’re whipping these up for a special occasion or just because, it doesn’t get any better than this warm, delicious cookie recipe!
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Print
Quick and Easy Buttery Sugar Cookies
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A quick and easy treat that your family will love! Perfectly versatile and customizable, these cookies are ready in 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups white sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 3/4 cup royal icing or glaze (optional for decoration)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a small bowl, stir together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until well combined.
- Gradually blend in the dry ingredients.
- Roll rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls and place them onto ungreased cookie sheets.
- Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until golden around the edges.
- Cool on wire racks before serving.
Notes
These cookies can be customized with different extracts and add-ins like chocolate chips or nuts. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg



