These cookies are vanilla scented, buttery yet crisp enough that you can dip in milk or coffee. Sprinkle the tops with sugar right before baking, it gives the cookies a lovely, sparkly texture. Â When planning on shaping these or covering with royal icing, make sure they go in the freezer before baking, so that they maintain their shape.
Notes: An offset spatula is the best tool to pick up the cookies and place them onto the parchment covered cookie sheet. These cookies will keep for at least 3-5 days at room temperature in a sealed container. You can make this dough up to two weeks ahead. Roll out between two sheets of parchment, wrap in plastic and freeze. Also, feel free to double the recipe.
Vanilla Sugar Cookies Recipes
Vanilla Sugar Cookies
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all purpose flour plus 2 tablespoons
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar plus 2 tablespoons
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter at room temperature (1 1/2 sticks)
- 1 large egg at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup sugar for sprinkling onto the cookies before baking (optional)
Instructions
- Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt together in a bowl.
- In a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, mix the butter and 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar together at medium speed until the mixture is fluffy and light. Add the egg and vanilla and mix until just combined.
- Add the flour mixture in batches, making sure to scrape down the bowl. Do not over mix.
- When combined, place the dough on a floured surface. Shape into a disk, and cover with cling wrap. Place in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
- Preheat over to 350 F, and cover 2 cookie sheets with parchment paper.
- Place the cookie dough onto a large piece of parchment paper. Cover with another large sheet of parchment paper, and roll out the dough with a rolling pin to 1/4 inch thickness.
- Using a round cookie cutter, cut out cookies. Using an offset spatula, place the cookies on the prepared sheets, about 1 inch apart.
- Sprinkle sugar on top of the cookies.
- (f you plan on decorating these cookies with royal icing, chill the cookies for at least 15 minutes before baking them or until they are stiff. Also do not sprinkle with sugar)
- Bake for 10 minutes, or until light golden brown.
- Cool on a rack.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
© Food And Meal
This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the Spoonacular Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.
Air Fryer Vanilla Sugar Cookies
To create our delightful cookies, begin by whisking together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl, laying the foundation for the recipe. In another bowl, use a hand mixer to cream the butter and sugar until achieving a fluffy and light consistency, imparting the cookies with a delicate crumble. Blend in the egg and vanilla extract, ensuring a well-incorporated mixture where the vanilla extract gracefully weaves its aromatic dance. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet, taking care not to overmix and aiming for a soft, pliable dough, the canvas for our cookie artistry. Allow the dough to rest in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes, a crucial step ensuring the cookies’ characteristic soft yet firm texture. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C), keeping an eye on the cookies as they bake to golden perfection due to the unique temperament of each air fryer. Shape the chilled dough with love into small balls, gently flattening them – these are not just cookies; they’re crafted delights. Place the shaped cookies in the air fryer basket, ensuring space for expansion, and cook for 8-10 minutes, witnessing the golden hue that promises an enchanting flavor. Allow the cookies to cool, savoring each second of anticipation as flavors beckon. Serve with a cold glass of milk or your favorite beverage, immersing yourself in the delightful dance of creamy, crispy, and chewy textures.
Tips for making Vanilla Sugar Cookies
Serving Suggestions
A warm cup of Soy Milk or Almond milk can complement the sweetness of the cookies. The nutty flavor of these plant-based milks provides a cozy beverage pairing, making it ideal for a relaxing snack time.
Consider serving your vanilla sugar cookies with a side of fresh fruit salad or atop Apple Crumble as an added delight. The cookies can act as a crunchy counterpart to the soft textures of the fruits, creating a balance in every bite.
Top your vanilla sugar cookies with a scoop of ice cream for a classic American dessert. Whether it’s during a hot summer day or as a treat after a satisfying meal, this combination never disappoints.
If you’re feeling adventurous, blend your vanilla sugar cookies into a fine crumb and mix with Butter to create a unique cookie butter spread. Spread it over Grilled bread or use it as a dip for fruit slices for a perfect sweet snack.
Use two vanilla sugar cookies to sandwich a filling of your choice—be it Hazelnut Milk-infused chocolate ganache or a simple cream cheese frosting. This transforms the cookies into a portable and indulgent dessert.
Cooking Tips
Quality ingredients are key. Opt for real butter over margarine; it makes a world of difference in flavor. And when it comes to vanilla, choose pure extract over imitation. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself when you take that first heavenly bite.
Make sure your butter is at room temperature—not too hard, not melted—just soft enough to cream smoothly with sugar. It’s like forming a friendship; you don’t want to rush it or force it. Proper creaming is essential for that perfect cookie texture we’re all after.
Give your dough some rest in the fridge. This isn’t the time to be impatient. Chilled dough is easy to handle and holds its shape better in the oven, ensuring your cookies won’t spread too much and lose their character.
Dust your rolling pin and surface with just a pinch of flour to keep things from sticking. But remember, too much flour can lead to a tough cookie (and not in a good way). Be gentle, roll with love, and aim for even thickness.
Every minute counts when baking cookies. You want to achieve that light golden hue, not a tan that overstayed its welcome. Keep an eye on them as they bake, making sure each cookie gets to be its best self.
Once out of the oven, let them steal the spotlight on the cooling rack for a bit. The texture sets in during this time—so this step is essential for achieving that desirable snap, or soft chewiness, depending on how long you baked them.
To maintain the magic of the freshly-baked moment, store your cookies in an airtight container. A hidden trick is to add a slice of bread in there—it keeps the cookies softer for longer.
FAQs about Vanilla Sugar Cookies
- Can I Freeze the Cookie Dough for Later Use?Absolutely. Shape the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once solid, transfer them to a zip-lock bag and store in the freezer. When the craving strikes, bake them straight from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
- What’s the Secret to Getting Soft Yet Firm Cookies? The dance between soft and firm is led by the baking time. Keep a keen eye on them – a golden edge with a soft center promises a cookie that’s firm yet wonderfully tender to the bite.
- How Do I Store Leftover Cookies? Store your baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll hold the whisper of the oven’s warmth, maintaining their crisp edges and soft centers for up to a week.
- Can I Add Chocolate Chips or Nuts to the Dough? Of course! Feel free to sprinkle in your favorite additions. Every added ingredient is a new verse in the lyrical composition of flavors that make these cookies a soulful experience.
- How Can I Ensure My Cookies Are All the Same Size? A cookie scoop or even a tablespoon can be your ally in ensuring each cookie is a mirror reflection of the other, promising consistency in size, shape, and that golden bake.
Conclusion
At Food And Meal, we’ve witnessed the power of a simple cookie to brighten days, complement joyful gatherings, and even offer comfort during quiet moments alone. There’s a certain beauty in their simplicity—and in following the tips shared, you’ll find that making these cookies can be as rewarding as enjoying them.
In today’s culinary landscape, where hustle and complexity often take center stage, vanilla sugar cookies stand out by providing a timeless, elegant simplicity. It’s not just about indulging in a sweet treat; it’s about the timeless act of baking, the delightful aromas that fill each corner of your home, and the smiles that inevitably follow a bite of a perfectly baked cookie.
Food And Meal takes pride in sharing experiences, knowledge, and the sheer pleasure that comes from cooking and baking tried-and-true classics like this. So whether you’re preparing these cookies for the first time or the hundredth, may each batch be a reminder of the warmth and love that comes with every handmade treat.
From our kitchen to yours, keep baking, keep sharing, and always cherish the simple, sweet moments and flavors in life. For more recipes, tips, and culinary inspiration, continue visiting us at foodandmeal.com. Here’s to the delights of uncomplicated baking and the unadulterated pleasure of Vanilla Sugar Cookies.
Hi! I’m Paula from the Philippines, the passionate blogger and skilled photographer behind Gobble the Cook. I also spearhead the media photography for Food And Meal in Vietnam.
I'm James F Anderson, a noted sous chef from London and a Le Cordon Bleu alumnus. My career began in a Michelin-starred Parisian eatery, where my blend of classic and contemporary cooking, using seasonal ingredients, earned accolades. Recognized in culinary publications and on cooking shows, I’m committed to mentoring aspiring chefs and delivering memorable dining experiences, marking me as a standout talent in the culinary world.