Sugar cookies are a timeless classic — crisp on the edges, soft in the center, and endlessly customizable! Once you’ve mastered the base dough, you can easily transform it into fun, flavorful cookies for any occasion.
Here’s a simple Master Sugar Cookie recipe with 6 easy variations to try!
⭐ Base Sugar Cookie Recipe
Ingredients:
1 cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
2½ cups all-purpose flour
½ tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
Method:
Cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Mix in egg and vanilla.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
Combine wet and dry ingredients to form a dough.
Chill the dough for 30 minutes.
Roll out and cut into shapes (or shape into balls).
Bake at 175°C / 350°F for 8–10 minutes or until the edges are just golden.
🍋 Lemon Sugar Cookies
Bright and zesty!
Add 1 tbsp lemon zest + 1 tbsp lemon juice to the dough.
Optional: Roll the dough in sugar before baking for a sparkly, crisp finish.
🍫 Chocolate Sugar Cookies
Rich and decadent.
Replace ¼ cup flour with ¼ cup cocoa powder.
Optional: Add ½ tsp espresso powder for a deeper chocolate flavor.
🌈 Funfetti Sugar Cookies
Perfect for birthdays and celebrations!
Add ½ cup rainbow sprinkles to the dough.
Optional: Add ½ tsp almond extract for that classic bakery flavor.
☕ Chai Spice Sugar Cookies
Warm and cozy with aromatic spices.
Add 1 tsp chai spice mix (blend of cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and cloves).
🍵 Matcha Sugar Cookies
Earthy and elegant.
Add 1–1½ tsp matcha powder to the dough for a vibrant green color and subtle tea flavor.
🌟 Cinnamon Sugar Cookies
A classic twist!
Add 1 tsp cinnamon to the dough.
Roll dough balls in a mix of 2 tbsp sugar + 1 tsp cinnamon before baking for a snickerdoodle-style cookie.
💡 Tips:
Chill your dough for at least 30 minutes for better shape and flavor.
For softer cookies, slightly underbake; for crispier ones, bake until the edges turn golden brown.
Store in an airtight container for up to a week or freeze the dough for later use.
Bake one dough — create endless cookies! Whether you crave something citrusy, chocolaty, or spiced, this master sugar cookie recipe is your go-to for every occasion.
