Easy Sugar Cookies

Easy Sugar Cookies

My grandmother made really good sugar cookies.

Yeah, yeah, everyone’s grandmother probably did. But the thing is, sugar cookies have never been my favorite. I could take them or leave them. But hers? No way. I ate them all up every time she baked them.

Sugar cookies are my son’s favorite, but I used to avoid making them because I didn’t like the work involved with either rolling out dough or making a log and slicing off cookies. But this recipe is simplicity itself. My son can get his cookies, and I can spend more time playing Connect Four with him instead of rolling out cookies.

Easy Sugar Cookies

I’m going to keep this one short, since I’ve had a heck of a week. I’ll spare you the details, but I’ve been yelled at and kicked enough for one seven-day period. Yep, I’ve got small children. They’re cute and lovable about 85% of the time, fussy 10%, and scary monsters the other 5%. Some days I just. Cannot. Deal.

Are any of you familiar with the afternoon rush? No, I’m not talking about rush hour, with the cars honking everywhere. Luckily, I have a 10-minute commute. I’m talking about what happens when you walk in the door and several small people come hurtling themselves at you, all talking at the same time.

Easy Sugar Cookies

It’s totally overwhelming, but I suspect I’ll miss it someday. From what I can tell of teenagers based on the students I teach, kids stop oversharing with their parents at some point, which means I will someday come home to kids hiding in their rooms, trying to avoid me. I should probably enjoy the afternoon rush now, even though it makes me want to crawl under the dining room table and cover my ears with my hands.

What can I say? Kids are loud.

Easy Sugar Cookies

On those busy, overwhelming days, only a simple cookie recipe will suffice. That is, if you choose to bake at all. With these, you just press the dough into a rectangle, sprinkle with sugar (or fun green sugary sprinkles in honor of St. Paddy’s Day!), bake and cut. Couldn’t be easier!

Now my son is happy, and even though these are not my grandmother’s classic sugar cookies, they are definitely good. Besides, if his mouth is full of cookie when I get home, then maybe the afternoon rush will be just that much quieter!

 

Easy Sugar Cookies

Ingredients

3/4 cup sugar
1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
1/3 cup oil
1 tablespoon milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon almond extract
1 egg
1 and 1/2 cups flour
1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
sugar or sugar sprinkles for dusting

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350. Line a cookie sheet with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper. Set aside.
  2. In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the first six ingredients together until light and fluffy. Combine the dry ingredients and mix until incorporated.
  3. Pat the cookie dough evenly onto the prepared pan, forming a thin rectangle that measures almost to each edge of the pan. Evenly distribute the sugar or sprinkles on top.
  4. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the cookies are set and turning golden at the edges.
  5. Cool for 10 minutes. Cut into bars. Store in an airtight container.
http://justaboutbaked.com/easy-sugar-cookies/

Mir

I fulfill many roles in life: wife, mother, teacher, everlasting learner. This site is dedicated to one role that expresses my creativity in ways that I find consistently challenging and rewarding: baker. Inventing new ways to enhance food, especially if that food involves chocolate or peanut butter (or both!), is a passion of mine. I look forward to sharing my ideas with you.

This Post Has 20 Comments

  1. Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy

    I think everyone thinks that their grandmother was the best cook, but I don’t think mine ever made cookies. She did make the BEST pies though.
    Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy recently posted…Comment on One Pot Wonder: Ratatouille by DanniiMy Profile

    1. Mir

      Oooh, I like pies better than cookies even!

  2. Kate @ Framed Cooks

    This took me back to my grandmothers molasses cookies – our grandma’s cookies are the best! And while I remember rush hour, believe it or not you will miss it one day! In e meantime, these cookies will make everything better.

    1. Mir

      I know I’ll miss it. It can just be tough in the moment! But I’m sure you remember that. 🙂

  3. Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice

    Sugar cookie bars are the best! While I love sugar cookies, bars are so nice because you don’t have to chill them or roll out the dough. My Aunt actually makes delicious cookies, but I have a feeling these would rival hers!
    Gayle @ Pumpkin ‘N Spice recently posted…30 Minute Thursday: Mushroom Barley SoupMy Profile

    1. Mir

      The no chilling time is such a huge bonus!

  4. Jen | Baked by an Introvert

    Grandma’s recipe are always the best! Love how you turned the sugar cookies into an easier version. Sometimes easy is better!!
    Jen | Baked by an Introvert recently posted…Easter Cheesecake MacaronsMy Profile

    1. Mir

      Easier is necessary sometimes for sure!

  5. Amanda

    I have fond memories of sugar cookies too. I used to love rolling the dough balls in sugar before pressing them down on the cookie sheet. Just a typical sugared up eight year old. These look lovely and deliciously buttery!
    Amanda recently posted…Chocolate Chip Molasses BlondiesMy Profile

    1. Mir

      Sugared-up eight year-olds are TERRIFYING. I have one. 😉

  6. Renee @ Two in the Kitchen

    To me, the holidays are all about sugar cookies and I love how easy you have made them here. They are perfect!!

    1. Mir

      Me too, Renee. Thanks so much!

  7. Dorothy @ Crazy for Crust

    These would make my Friday better!! Family recipes are the best. I hope the weekend is better than the week!
    Dorothy @ Crazy for Crust recently posted…The BEST No-Bake Shortbread CrustMy Profile

    1. Mir

      Thanks, Dorothy! It usually helps to get a nap in somewhere. 😉

  8. Michele @ Alwayzbakin

    I remember those days! My youngest is going to be ten in a couple of months and I can’t believe it. My two older ones are 22 and 20. My babies are not babies anymore. :'( There’s no doubt cranky little people can be stressful. These sugar cookies are just the thing to keep them a little bit quieter. I hope you have a wonderful weekend!
    Michele @ Alwayzbakin recently posted…Lemon Blueberry Loaf CakeMy Profile

    1. Mir

      Wow, that’s a big age gap. So your days with the little ones went for longer. Quiet days are definitely not a thing right now!

  9. mira

    Sugar cookies are my favorite! Love the shape of these! Grandma’s recipes are my favorite!
    mira recently posted…Oven Baked Zucchini And Feta Cakes (Fritters)My Profile

    1. Mir

      Grandmothers are the best bakers, Mira!

  10. annie@ciaochowbambina

    Hahah! I think you’re on to something! Sugar cookies = quiet…for a minute… Just long enough to get our bearings! These sound yummy! I’ll be quiet for these cookies, too!
    annie@ciaochowbambina recently posted…Soul SnacksMy Profile

    1. Mir

      I love using cookies to get my bearings, Annie!

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