Old-Fashioned Sugar Cookies Recipe
How to make soft, buttery old-fashioned sugar cookies with simple ingredients and classic flavor; an easy, timeless recipe everyone loves.
If you’ve ever wished you had a recipe box filled with old-fashioned sugar cookies, the kind that taste like they came straight from someone’s great-grandmother’s kitchen, this is the post for you.
After brainstorming ideas for a new cookie to add to our yearly staples (Peanut Butter Kisses and Christmas Bark), it occurred to me that it doesn’t have to be fancy. A classic sugar cookie would be the perfect addition to the mix.
These cookies are simple, buttery, lightly crisp on the edges, and perfectly soft in the center… the kind you can whip up with basic pantry staples. Whether you’re baking for the holidays or just craving a classic treat, these old-fashioned sugar cookies bring all the cozy, homemade charm right to your kitchen.
What Makes These Sugar Cookies Old-Fashioned?
Old-fashioned sugar cookies are all about simplicity, in the best possible way. They skip the fancy techniques and instead rely on the basics: butter, sugar, eggs, flour, and a splash of vanilla. No chilling for hours, no complicated shaping, and definitely no hard-to-find ingredients. Just classic baking the way our grandmothers did it.
The dough is incredibly forgiving, which makes this recipe wonderfully beginner-friendly. It mixes easily, rolls out smoothly, and holds its shape, perfect for anyone who wants homemade cookies without the stress.
What really sets them apart is their texture and flavor. Old-fashioned sugar cookies are tender with lightly crisp edges, a soft middle, and that unmistakable homemade taste you only get from a straightforward recipe that’s been passed down (or at least feels like it has). They’re the kind of cookies that make the house smell amazing and instantly remind you of holidays, childhood, and simpler times, just the way old-fashioned recipes should.
Ingredients You’ll Need (Simple Pantry Staples)
One of the best things about old-fashioned sugar cookies is that you probably have everything you need already sitting in your pantry.
- Flour
- Egg – only 1 needed!
- Sugar
- Vanilla Extract – I currently love Madagascar vanilla extract
- Salt
- Baking Powder
- Butter
- Parchment Paper
- Sanding Sugar – for decorating
Nothing complicated, just simple ingredients that come together beautifully for a crowd-pleasing cookie.
How To Make No-Chill, Old-Fashioned Sugar Cookies
Making old-fashioned sugar cookies couldn’t be simpler. This recipe is easy enough to be beginner-friendly but tastes like a treasured recipe passed down over time.
First, you mix softened butter with the sugar until fluffy. Add in the eggs and vanilla. Then, in a separate bowl, mix the dry ingredients and gradually add them to the butter mixture until a dough is formed.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
You do not need to chill the dough as you do with some other recipes. Using a spoon, scoop a ball of dough, roll it into a ball with your hands, and place it onto your cookie sheet. Then gently press the top of the cookie down with the back of a spoon.
How to put sprinkles on sugar cookies without frosting
I had never made sugar cookies before this, and I wasn’t sure when the best time was to add decorative sugar to cookies when not using icing. So I tried it two ways. On one cookie sheet, I added sanding sugar before baking, and on the other, I added it after.
The easiest way to get the sugar to stick was to use a basting brush to coat the sugar cookie with a little milk. You can do this before or after baking. Then sprinkle your sugar on the milk. I used sanding sugar for this batch.
When I added the sugar crystals to the cookies before baking, they seemed to stay on the cookies better when they were handled.
I baked my old-fashioned sugar cookies for about 12-13 minutes. Sugar cookies don’t get browned around the edges like other cookies do. These come out slightly crisp on the outside and soft on the inside. If you prefer a crispier sugar cookie, you could extend the baking time.
These are truly so easy and so delicious!
This is a great basic recipe for Christmas cookies. You can use cookie cutters and icing to decorate these in any number of ways. I know many people use Royal icing for cookie decorating, but I absolutely love this Wilton cookie icing. The tip on the bottle makes it great for precision decorating without using messy icing bags.
Variations you can try
One of the best things about old-fashioned sugar cookies is how easy they are to customize. Once you have the classic base down, you can switch up the flavors or textures to suit any occasion or just to make the batch feel a little extra special.
- Add a hint of citrus – Mix in a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest for a fresh twist.
- Roll them in sprinkles – Before baking, roll each dough ball in coarse sugar or sprinkles for a festive, lightly crunchy finish.
- Make them almond-flavored – Swap half of the vanilla for almond extract to get that nostalgic bakery-style flavor.
- Turn them into cut-outs – If you want cute holiday shapes, simply roll the dough slightly thinner and use your favorite cookie cutters. They hold their shape beautifully.
- Add spices for warmth – A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg gives the cookies a cozy, old-world flavor perfect for fall and Christmas baking.
- Make them frosted – Top cooled cookies with a simple vanilla icing or go all out with buttercream for a soft, bakery-style treat.
These variations keep the charm of the original recipe while giving you endless options to experiment with. Perfect if you like your traditions with a fun little twist!
How to Store & Freeze Sugar Cookies
Old-fashioned sugar cookies store beautifully, which makes them perfect for holiday baking or make-ahead treats.
To Store: Once the cookies have fully cooled, place them in an airtight container. They’ll stay soft and delicious at room temperature for up to 5 days.
To Freeze Baked Cookies: Layer fully cooled cookies between sheets of parchment and store them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature. They taste just as good as the day you baked them.
To Freeze the Dough: This dough freezes wonderfully. Scoop and roll the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet to freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2–3 months. When baking, add just 1–2 extra minutes to the oven time—no thawing required.
Whether you bake ahead for the holidays or stash a secret batch for cookie emergencies, these sugar cookies hold up beautifully in both the pantry and the freezer.
A Sweet and Simple Recipe
Honestly, there’s just something about old-fashioned sugar cookies that never gets old, the buttery flavor, soft-yet-slightly-crispy edges, and that cozy, nostalgic vibe with every bite. And the best part? You don’t need any fancy ingredients or complicated steps to pull them off.
Whether you’re baking for the holidays, an afternoon treat, or just because, these cookies are super forgiving and easy to make. So go ahead, grab a bowl, scoop out some dough, and enjoy the magic of homemade cookies.
Classic, sweet, and completely satisfying, these are the kind of cookies you’ll keep coming back to year after year… maybe even start your own little tradition with!
old-fashioned sugar cookie recipe card
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix butter and sugar. In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add egg and vanilla. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well blended.
- Mix dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the butter mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Roll the dough into 1" balls. Place 2 inches apart on baking sheet.
- Use the back of a spoon to gently flatten the top of each cookie.
- If desired, lightly brush the tops of each cookie with milk and sprinkle with sugar. Use the back of the spoon again to gently press the sugar into the cookie.
- Bake for 10-13 minutes. Don't wait for them to brown or they will be overcooked.
- Let cool on the baking sheet for 5-10 minutes then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Old Fashioned Sugar Cookie Recipe FAQ’s
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