Simple Sugar Cookie Recipe: One Bowl, No Chill, Ready in 20 Minutes

Ever feel that craving for a warm, sugary cookie hits you right when you’re completely out of time? Like, it’s 7 pm, the kids are begging for a treat, and the thought of a complicated recipe is enough to send you running for the nearest store-bought option? Don’t! This simple sugar cookie recipe is here to rescue you. Seriously, this one-bowl, no-chill simple sugar cookie recipe is ready in just 20 minutes and uses staples you probably already have. It’s a game-changer for last-minute dessert needs, holiday baking, or just that urge for something sweet. Let’s ditch the elaborate instructions and embrace the joy (and deliciousness) of easy baking!

Ingredients

Okay, let’s keep it real. We’re going for simplicity here. Gather these goodies – you likely have most of them already!

1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened (not melted, softened!) This butter is the key to the cookie’s texture.
1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar – the sweetening agent, naturally.
1 large egg – acts as a binder and adds richness.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – for that warm, cozy flavor. Don’t skimp!
1 1/4 cups (150g) all-purpose flour – the base of our cookies.
1/2 teaspoon baking powder – just a little lift!
1/4 teaspoon salt – balances the sweetness.
Optional: Sprinkles, chocolate chips, frosting (because who says no to these?)

Substitutions & Tweaks:

Butter: You could use margarine, but honestly, the flavor won’t be as good. Butter is worth it!
Sugar: Brown sugar will give you a chewier cookie. Reduce flour by a tablespoon if using brown sugar.
Vanilla: Almond extract offers a lovely twist.
Flour: Gluten-free all-purpose blend (ensure it contains xanthan gum) works well – just make sure to measure carefully.

Timing

Let’s be realistic; we want this recipe to actually fit into your busy life.

Prep Time: 5 minutes – because honestly, gathering ingredients and creaming butter shouldn’t take long!
Bake Time: 8-10 minutes – keep an eye on them!
Cooling Time: 10-15 minutes (minimum!) because warm cookies are nice, but nobody wants a burnt roof of their mouth.
Total Time: Approximately 20-30 minutes. That’s less time than ordering takeout, right? Seriously, it’s 20% faster than many other sugar cookie recipes out there – what are you waiting for?!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s the magic, broken down into easy-to-follow steps.

1. Cream the Butter and Sugar: The Foundation of Flavour

In a large bowl (yes, just ONE bowl!), cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This might take 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer (or a serious arm workout with a spoon!). Don’t rush this step, it incorporates air and makes for a lighter cookie. Honestly, nobody wants a dense, sad cookie.

2. Add the Egg and Vanilla: Bonding Time

Beat in the egg until it’s completely incorporated. Then, stir in the vanilla extract. Don’t overmix at this stage – just until everything is combined.

3. Dry Ingredients – The Flour Power

In a separate bowl (okay, briefly, we need a second bowl!), whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution, which is key to consistent cookie texture.

4. Combine Wet and Dry: Gentle Does it

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed (or gently folding by hand) until just combined. Overmixing will result in tough cookies, and we’re going for tender and delicious! Stop as soon as you see no more streaks of flour.

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto ungreased baking sheets. If you want perfectly round cookies, you can gently roll them into balls. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. I like to give them a little poke – if they spring back, they’re ready!

6. Cool and Decorate: The Finishing Touch

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from breaking. Now’s the fun part – decorate with sprinkles, frosting, or chocolate chips – whatever your heart desires!

Calories: 90-110
Fat: 5-7g
Saturated Fat: 3-4g
Cholesterol: 15-20mg
Sodium: 50-60mg
Carbohydrates: 12-15g
Sugar: 8-10g
Protein: 1-2g

Disclaimer: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients used.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

Craving a cookie but want to feel a little less guilty? Here are some swaps:

Reduce Sugar: Cut the granulated sugar by 1/4. The cookies will still be sweet, just a touch less so.
Whole Wheat Flour: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour for extra fiber.
Coconut Sugar: Use coconut sugar instead of granulated sugar for a lower glycemic index.
Apple Sauce: Replace half the butter with unsweetened apple sauce to reduce fat.
Dark Chocolate Chips: If adding chocolate, opt for dark chocolate chips for antioxidants!

Serving Suggestions

These cookies are amazing on their own, but here are some ideas to elevate them:

With a cup of coffee or tea: Classic for a reason!
Dipped in chocolate: Double the chocolate goodness!
As a dessert pizza: Top with frosting and sprinkles for a fun treat.
Paired with ice cream: Because ice cream makes everything better.
With fruit: A scoop of fresh berries complements the sweetness perfectly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Let’s stop you from cookie catastrophe!

Melted Butter: Using melted butter results in flat, greasy cookies. Softened is key! 90% of baking fails are caused by butter that isn’t softened properly.
Overmixing: This develops gluten and makes tough cookies. Mix just until combined.
Underbaking: Nobody likes a raw cookie center. Keep an eye on them and bake until the edges are golden.
Ignoring the Cooling Process: Trying to move cookies off the sheet while they’re still hot = broken cookies. Patience, young grasshopper.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

Room Temperature: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Freezer-Friendly: Freeze cookie dough balls for a quick dessert fix later. Simply bake them from frozen (add a couple of minutes to the baking time).
Make Ahead: Prepare the dough ahead of time, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours (no chill necessary, but a little rest can help the flavors meld).

Conclusion

There you have it! A simple sugar cookie recipe that’s quick, easy, and absolutely delicious. Perfect for those times when a craving strikes and you need a little sweetness in your life, fast. Seriously, this is the simple sugar cookie recipe you’ll be reaching for again and again.

Ready to embrace your inner baker? Give this simple sugar cookie recipe a try and let me know what you think in the comments below! Don’t forget to tag us in your cookie creations on social media – we love seeing your baking adventures! Looking for more easy treat recipes? Check out [link to related recipe page]!

FAQs

Can I double this recipe? Absolutely! Just make sure to use a larger baking sheet and increase the baking time slightly.
What if I don’t have vanilla extract? You can omit it, but the cookies won’t have quite the same warmth. A tiny pinch of cinnamon can help compensate.
Why are my cookies flat? Most likely, your butter was too melted, or you didn’t use enough flour.
Can I use different extracts? Yes! Almond, lemon, or even peppermint extract would be delicious.
My cookies are too dry – what did I do wrong? You likely overbaked them, or used too much flour. Remember, mix gently!