Short Description
Sweet crunchy sugar cookies are crisp on the edges, buttery in the center, and coated with sparkling sugar for an irresistible crunch. These easy-to-make cookies are perfect for holidays, afternoon treats, or whenever you crave a classic sweet bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy and buttery – A perfect balance of crunch and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Easy to make – Simple ingredients and no chilling required.
- Great for decorating – Coat with colored sugar or drizzle with icing.
- Perfect for gifting – These cookies stay fresh and crunchy for days.
- Customizable – Add citrus zest, spices, or dip in chocolate for extra flavor.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- All-purpose flour
- Baking soda
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Unsalted butter (softened)
- Granulated sugar
- Egg
- Vanilla extract
- Milk
- Coarse or sparkling sugar (for coating)
Directions
- Preheat the oven – Set to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix dry ingredients – In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Cream butter and sugar – Beat softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add wet ingredients – Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth.
- Combine everything – Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Shape the cookies – Roll dough into 1-inch balls, then coat with coarse sugar.
- Bake – Arrange on a baking sheet and bake for 12-14 minutes, or until edges turn golden brown.
- Cool and enjoy – Let cookies cool on a wire rack before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 24 cookies
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 12-14 minutes
- Total time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Citrus twist – Add lemon or orange zest for a refreshing flavor.
- Cinnamon sugar – Roll in cinnamon sugar instead of plain sugar.
- Almond version – Replace vanilla with almond extract for a nutty taste.
- Dipped in chocolate – Coat half of each cookie in melted chocolate.
- Gluten-free option – Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Freezing: Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw before serving.
- Reheating: Enjoy at room temperature or warm for 5-10 seconds in the microwave.
FAQs
How do I make the cookies extra crunchy?
Bake for an extra 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
Can I use brown sugar instead of white sugar?
Yes, but the cookies will be softer with a slight caramel flavor.
What sugar is best for rolling the cookies?
Use coarse sugar or sanding sugar for the best crunch.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes! The dough can be refrigerated for up to 3 days before baking.
Do I need to chill the dough?
No chilling is required, but chilling for 30 minutes can enhance flavor.
Can I use salted butter?
Yes, just reduce the added salt in the recipe.
Can I make these into shapes?
Yes, but they hold their shape best when slightly flattened before baking.
How do I keep them fresh longer?
Store in an airtight container with a paper towel to absorb moisture.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Mix in chopped nuts or mini chocolate chips for extra texture.
What should I serve with these cookies?
They pair perfectly with coffee, tea, or a glass of milk.
Conclusion
Sweet crunchy sugar cookies are a delightful treat with a satisfying crunch and rich buttery flavor. Whether enjoyed plain, coated in sugar, or decorated with icing, these cookies are a crowd-pleaser. Try them today for a simple yet irresistible homemade dessert!
PrintSweet Crunchy Sugar Cookies
These Sweet Crunchy Sugar Cookies have the perfect balance of buttery sweetness and a crisp, golden texture. With a simple dough and a sprinkle of sugar on top, they are perfect for dunking in milk, gifting, or enjoying as an everyday treat!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-14 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar (plus extra for sprinkling)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Make the Dough
- In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy (2-3 minutes).
- Add egg and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.
Step 3: Shape & Coat the Cookies
- Scoop out 1-inch balls of dough and roll them in granulated sugar for extra crunch.
- Place cookies 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
- Flatten slightly with a fork or the bottom of a glass for an extra crispy texture.
Step 4: Bake & Cool
- Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until edges are golden brown.
- Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
- Enjoy with milk, coffee, or tea, or store for later!
Notes
- Extra Crunchy Cookies: Bake for an additional 2 minutes.
- Make It Sparkly: Use coarse sugar or sanding sugar for a beautiful finish.
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container for up to 7 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Flavor Twist: Add ½ tsp almond extract or zest of 1 lemon for extra flavor.