Vanilla Sugar Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking for a cookie recipe that always hits the sweet spot—delicate, buttery, with just the right touch of vanilla—these Vanilla Sugar Cookies are about to become your new go-to treat. They strike the perfect balance between crisp edges and a soft, melt-in-your-mouth center, all shot through with the unmistakable flavor of real vanilla. Loved by kids, coveted by adults, and perfect for everything from holiday trays to afternoon snacks, these charming cookies prove that the simplest things in life are often the most delightful.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The key to knock-out Vanilla Sugar Cookies is sticking to classic, well-chosen ingredients—each plays a vital role in delivering taste, texture, and that flawless golden color. Here’s what you’ll need, along with why it matters:

• All-Purpose Flour: The backbone that holds your cookies together, giving just enough structure without being heavy.
• Baking Powder: Adds a light lift, ensuring every cookie rises to cloud-like heights.
• Baking Soda: Works alongside the powder for a tender crumb and helps the cookies spread perfectly.
• Salt: Just a hint balances sweetness and deepens flavor.
• Unsalted Butter: Softened to room temp for a creamy, rich base—plus, it lets you control the salt.
• Powdered Sugar: Makes the cookies extra soft and delivers that dreamy, melt-in-the-mouth feeling.
• Large Egg: Essential for binding everything together and adding a touch of richness.
• Vegetable Oil: Keeps the cookies moist and ensures they stay soft for days.
• Rodelle Vanilla Paste: The star ingredient—nothing beats the flavor punch (and those beautiful specks) of real vanilla paste.
• Granulated Sugar: For that irresistible sugary coating, it lends sparkle, crunch, and extra sweetness.

How to Make Vanilla Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheet

Let’s set the stage for baking success! Preheat your oven to 350ºF (177ºC), then line your biggest baking sheet with parchment or a silicone mat. Not only does this make for easy cleanup, it helps your cookies bake evenly and prevents sticking—always a cookie win.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This little blend ensures your leaveners and seasoning are evenly distributed, so every Vanilla Sugar Cookie has the perfect bite.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

Grab your stand mixer or hand mixer and cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar. Two to three minutes on medium-high is just right—you’re aiming for a pale, fluffy mixture that feels like whipped clouds. This step is what gives these cookies their tender crumb.

Step 4: Add Egg, Oil, and Vanilla Paste

Stop the mixer briefly, then add the egg, the splash of vegetable oil, and, best of all, that luscious Rodelle vanilla paste. Beat everything together until smooth, scraping the bowl as you go—this is where your cookies develop their rich flavor.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

With your mixer on low, add the dry ingredients in two additions. Take your time here; the goal is a soft, scoopable dough—if it’s looking a bit sticky, don’t worry, it’ll firm up after rolling in sugar.

Step 6: Shape and Roll in Sugar

Scoop balls of dough (a #50 cookie scoop works wonders!) and roll them gently in a bowl of granulated sugar. This step gives you cookies dusted with a lovely, crunchy coating and makes them look as good as they taste.

Step 7: Bake and Cool

Arrange your sugar-coated dough balls about eight to a sheet, leaving room to spread. Bake for 8 to 9 minutes, just until the edges set. Give them a short rest on the tray before transferring to a wire rack—this ensures the perfect chewy-to-crisp ratio in every Vanilla Sugar Cookie.

How to Serve Vanilla Sugar Cookies

Garnishes

Sprinkle a little extra vanilla sugar on top right after baking, or add edible glitter for special occasions. For an extra flair, drizzle lightly with melted white chocolate or arrange a few colorful sprinkles while they’re still warm. Simple, but oh-so-pretty!

Side Dishes

These Vanilla Sugar Cookies shine next to a cold glass of milk, a hot cup of tea, or sophisticated espresso. For parties, pair with bowls of fresh berries or a platter of other classic cookies—think chocolate chip or lemon shortbread for a playful contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Tuck cookies into clear cellophane bags tied with ribbon for gifting, or stack them in festive tins lined with parchment paper. For a fun twist, use them as a base for homemade ice cream sandwiches—vanilla ice cream between two cookies tastes like pure summer magic.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your cookies delicious for up to a week by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. Slip in a piece of parchment or wax paper between layers to prevent sticking—it keeps them looking bakery-fresh and inviting.

Freezing

Vanilla Sugar Cookies are fantastic for freezing. Once baked and cooled, pop them in an airtight freezer bag; they’ll stay scrumptious for up to three months. For ultimate convenience, you can also freeze unbaked dough balls (just skip the sugar coating until you’re ready to bake).

Reheating

To restore that fresh-from-the-oven magic, warm leftover cookies in a low oven (about 275ºF) for a few minutes. They’ll come out perfectly soft in the center and slightly crisp at the edges, ready to enjoy all over again.

FAQs

Can I make Vanilla Sugar Cookies without a mixer?

Absolutely! A sturdy wooden spoon, a strong arm, and a little patience will get you there. Creaming the butter and sugar by hand takes a bit longer but yields delicious results.

What’s the secret to the best vanilla flavor?

Using vanilla paste (instead of extract) packs in both flavor and those classic flecks of vanilla bean. If you can’t find it, a good quality pure vanilla extract works in a pinch, but the paste really takes these cookies to the next level.

Can I decorate these cookies for holidays?

Definitely! They make a wonderfully sturdy base for royal icing, colored sprinkles, or even edible paint. Just let them cool completely before decorating for best results.

Why roll the dough in granulated sugar?

That final roll in sugar before baking is what creates the cookie’s delicate crust—it adds both sparkle and a little extra crunch, which is a hallmark of classic Vanilla Sugar Cookies.

Can I double this recipe for a crowd?

Go for it! Just be sure to mix the dough well and bake in batches so the cookies have plenty of room on the sheet. You’ll have enough Vanilla Sugar Cookies to share…and then some!

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been searching for the perfect cookie to make and share, Vanilla Sugar Cookies are sure to win hearts and spark smiles. They’re easy, utterly delicious, and endlessly versatile—truly a recipe worth coming back to again and again. Give them a try and watch them disappear faster than you can say “just one more!”

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