Sugar cookies are everyone’s favorite! Simple, versatile, and so delicious. Whether you’re an expert baker or trying it for the first time, this easy crumbly sugar cookie recipe will make you an expert.
In this guide, I’ll show you step-by-step, share some important tips, and answer FAQs so your cookies turn out perfect every time.
Easy Crumbly Sugar Cookie Recipe
Ingredients
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- A taste of salt
Why Sugar Cookies Are a Baking Staple
Sugar cookies are loved for their simplicity. With just a few ingredients, they offer a blank canvas for creativity. From holiday decorations to everyday indulgences, sugar cookies adapt to any occasion.
But what sets this easy crumbly sugar cookie recipe apart is its texture—soft and delicate with just the right amount of crumble, making them irresistible to cookie lovers everywhere.
The Appeal of Crumbly Cookies
Crumbly sugar cookies have a melt-in-your-mouth quality that adds to their charm. Achieving the perfect crumb requires a balance of ingredients and careful technique, which we’ll dive into below.
Step-by-Step Easy Crumbly Sugar Cookie Recipe
Here’s what you’ll need
Step 1.
- Preheat the oven: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: Take a large mixing bowl and cream the unsalted butter and sugar. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer and mix until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Step 3.
- Add the wet ingredients: Now add the eggs and vanilla extract and mix well.
Step 4.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix this into the wet ingredients, on low speed.
Step 5.
- Chill the dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
Step 6.
- Roll and Cut: Roll out the dough on a floured surface (to ¼-inch thickness) and use your favorite cookie cutters.
Step 7.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Tips for Perfect Sugar Cookies Every Time
- Use Room Temperature Butter: Cold butter won’t cream properly, while melted butter can lead to dense cookies.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing develops gluten, which can make the cookies tough. Mix just until combined.
- Invest in Good Tools: Parchment paper and sturdy cookie cutters make a big difference in ease and results.
- Watch the Bake Time: Sugar cookies can overbake quickly. Remove them when the edges are just golden for soft, crumbly cookies.
Serving Suggestions for Your Crumbly Sugar Cookies
Your crumbly sugar cookies are ready—now it’s time to serve them in style! Here are some fun and creative ways to enjoy them.
- With a Hot Beverage
- Pair your sugar cookies with a steaming cup of chai, coffee, or hot chocolate. The crumbly texture of the cookies complements warm drinks perfectly.
2. As a Dessert Base
- Use the cookies as a base for desserts like ice cream sandwiches. Simply layer your favorite ice cream between two cookies for an indulgent treat.
3. For Gifting
- Pack the cookies in a decorative box or jar and gift them to friends and family during festivals, birthdays, or special occasions.
4. With a Spread
- Serve them with Nutella, peanut butter, or fruit preserves for a quick snack or breakfast treat.
5. Dressed Up for Parties
- Add a drizzle of melted chocolate or sprinkle colorful icing to make them the star of your party dessert table.
6. On a Cookie Platter
- Mix these crumbly sugar cookies with other baked goodies like brownies and cupcakes for a diverse and tempting cookie platter.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
- Skipping the Chill Step: Warm dough spreads too much in the oven, leading to misshapen cookies.
- Overworking the Dough: Handle it gently to keep the cookies tender.
- Ignoring Measuring Techniques: Use the scoop-and-level method for flour to avoid dense cookies.
- Baking on a Hot Pan: Always use a cool baking sheet to prevent uneven baking.
How to Store Your Crumbly Sugar Cookies
To keep your sugar cookies fresh and delicious for as long as possible, proper storage is key. Here’s how to store them effectively.
At Room Temperature
- Best for short-term storage: Place your cookies in an airtight container.
- Use wax or parchment paper to separate the layers if you stack them.
- Keep them in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight or heat.
- Shelf life: Up to 1 week.
In the Refrigerator
- Refrigeration can extend the freshness slightly.
- Use a sealed container to prevent them from absorbing fridge odors.
- Shelf life: Up to 2 weeks, but bring them to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.
In the Freezer
- For long-term storage, freeze the cookies.
- First, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid (about 1-2 hours).
- Then, transfer the cookies to a freezer-safe zip-top bag or airtight container.
- Shelf life: Up to 3 months.
Reheating Frozen Cookies
- To enjoy your frozen cookies, thaw them at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
- For a freshly baked taste, warm them in an oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes.
Conclusion
There you have it—an easy crumbly sugar cookie recipe perfect for any occasion. With just a few simple steps and tips, you’ll be baking cookies that melt in your mouth and impress everyone. Happy baking!
Nutrition
Total Fat: 42g | Saturated Fat: 25g | Cholesterol: 75mg | Sodium: 398mg | Total Carbohydrate: 102g | Dietary Fiber: 1g | Total Sugars: 55g | Protein: 5g | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 90mg | Potassium: 98mg | Iron: 2mg
FAQ
Can I use salted butter?
Yes, but reduce the salt so the cookies don’t become too salty.
How do you store sugar cookies?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or freeze for longer storage.
Why are cookies spreading too much?
Make sure the dough is chilled and measure ingredients correctly.
Do you need to add decorations before baking?
Absolutely! Sprinkle sugar or add nonpareils before baking for a festive look.
How to make gluten-free?
Use gluten-free baking flour instead of all-purpose flour.