🍪 Master Sugar Cookies + Easy Flavor Variations
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.
