These Easy Drop Sugar Cookies are the perfect blend of simplicity and indulgence, ready in just 25 minutes. With a soft, chewy center and a slightly crisp edge, each bite melts in your mouth, delivering a sweet, buttery flavor that feels like a warm hug. Perfect for busy days or last-minute cravings, they’re a foolproof treat that brings joy with minimal effort.
Packed with rich, comforting flavors and a hint of vanilla, these cookies are a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Their golden, tender texture pairs beautifully with a glass of milk or a cup of tea, making them an irresistible snack or dessert. Whether you’re baking for family or friends, these cookies promise to delight with every bite.
What You’ll Need for Easy Drop Sugar Cookies
- 20 Tablespoons (282 g) unsalted butter, softened (leave at room temperature for 30 minutes)
- 1 ½ cups (300 g) granulated sugar (can substitute with coconut sugar for a slightly different flavor)
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (use pure vanilla for the best flavor)
- 3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled for accuracy)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- Colored sugar, for decorating (or use sprinkles for a fun twist)
How to Make Easy Drop Sugar Cookies
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until the mixture is creamy and well-combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking soda until evenly mixed.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until the dough is completely combined and no dry streaks remain.
- Scoop the dough by rounded 1 ½ tablespoon-sized balls and roll them between your palms until smooth. Roll each ball in colored sugar to coat evenly.
- Place the sugared dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them at least 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look slightly soft, but they will firm up as they cool.
- Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack or serving. Enjoy!
Creative Decorating Ideas
Take your Easy Drop Sugar Cookies to the next level by experimenting with different toppings! Instead of colored sugar, try rolling the dough in crushed nuts, sprinkles, or even mini chocolate chips. For a festive touch, drizzle melted white or dark chocolate over the cooled cookies and add a pinch of edible glitter or holiday-themed sprinkles.
Perfect Pairings for Serving
These cookies are delightful on their own, but they pair wonderfully with a glass of cold milk, a cup of hot cocoa, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a cookie sandwich. For a cozy treat, serve them alongside a warm mug of spiced chai tea or coffee.
Storage Tips for Freshness
Keep your cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you’d like to enjoy them later, freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Quick Time-Saving Hacks
Short on time? Use a cookie scoop to portion the dough evenly and skip the rolling step—just flatten the scoops slightly before baking. You can also prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2 days, or freeze it for up to 1 month. Bake straight from the fridge or freezer, adding a minute or two to the baking time if needed.
Fun Recipe Variations
Switch things up by adding 1 teaspoon of lemon zest or orange zest to the dough for a citrusy twist. For a nutty flavor, mix in ½ cup of finely chopped almonds or pecans. If you’re a chocolate lover, fold in ½ cup of chocolate chips or swap out ¼ cup of flour for cocoa powder to create chocolate sugar cookies.
Easy Drop Sugar Cookies
Ingredients
- 20 Tablespoons unsalted butter softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- Colored sugar for decorating
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F (175C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper². Set aside.
- In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until creamy and well-combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and baking soda.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet, stirring until completely combined.
- Scoop dough by rounded 1 ½ tablespoon-sized balls and roll between your palms until smooth. Roll through colored sugar and place on prepared baking sheet, spacing cookies at least 2” apart.
- Transfer to 350F (175C) oven and bake for 10-11 minutes. Allow to cool completely on baking sheet before enjoying!