If you love classic homemade cookies, this Ina Garten Sugar Cookie Recipe is a wonderful choice. These cookies are soft, buttery, and gently sweet, making them perfect for any occasion. Many home bakers love this Ina Garten Sugar Cookie Recipe because it uses simple ingredients and delivers bakery-style results every time.
Whether you are baking for holidays, family gatherings, or a quiet evening treat, this recipe never disappoints. In this guide, you will learn how to make Ina Garten Sugar Cookie Recipe step by step, using easy methods and clear tips. You will also discover the exact ingredients for Ina Garten Sugar Cookie Recipe and how to get perfect cookies every time.
The Secret Behind This Delicious
The secret behind these delicious sugar cookies is quality and technique. Using good butter at room temperature creates a rich and smooth base. Creaming the butter and sugar properly adds air, which helps the cookies stay soft. Another secret is not overbaking them.
These cookies should be lightly golden at the edges while staying pale in the center. This keeps the texture tender and melt-in-your-mouth. Simple flavors like vanilla and a touch of salt also play a big role. They balance the sweetness and bring out that classic sugar cookie taste everyone loves.
Recipe Card info
- Recipe Name: Ina Garten Sugar Cookie Recipe
- Servings: 24 cookies
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Course: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
- Calories: 180 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Large mixing bowl
- Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
- Spatula
Ingredients You Need for Ina Garten Sugar Cookie Recipe
- Unsalted butter, softened
- Granulated sugar
- Large eggs
- Pure vanilla extract
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
Instructions
1. Prepare the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar
Add softened butter and sugar to a bowl. Beat until light, fluffy, and pale in color.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla
Mix in eggs one at a time. Add vanilla extract and beat until smooth and well combined.
4. Mix Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly blended.
5. Combine Wet and Dry
Slowly add dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix gently until a soft dough forms.
6. Shape the Cookies
Scoop dough and roll into balls. Place them evenly spaced on prepared baking sheets.
7. Flatten Slightly
Press each dough ball gently with your fingers or a glass to flatten slightly.
8. Bake the Cookies
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until edges are lightly golden but centers remain soft.
9. Cool Completely
Remove cookies from oven. Let them cool on the baking sheet briefly, then transfer to a rack.
Expert Tips & Variations
- Use room-temperature butter for smooth mixing and better texture.
- Chill the dough for ten minutes if it feels too soft to handle.
- Add lemon zest for a light citrus flavor.
- Roll cookies in sugar before baking for extra sparkle.
- Add almond extract for a subtle nutty taste.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Fat | 9 g |
| Carbohydrates | 22 g |
| Sugar | 12 g |
| Protein | 2 g |
Serving Suggestions
Serve these sugar cookies with a warm cup of tea or coffee for a cozy treat. They are perfect for holiday cookie platters and birthday parties. You can decorate them with icing or sprinkles for festive occasions.
They also taste great when served with vanilla ice cream or a glass of cold milk. These cookies are simple enough for everyday snacking and special enough for celebrations.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. To keep them softer, add a slice of bread inside the container. You can also freeze the baked cookies for up to three months.
Thaw them at room temperature before serving. If you want warm cookies, heat them in the microwave for ten seconds only. Avoid overheating, as this can dry them out.
Ina Garten Sugar Cookie Recipe
Ingredients
- Unsalted butter softened
- Granulated sugar
- Large eggs
- Pure vanilla extract
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
Instructions
Prepare the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
Cream Butter and Sugar
- Add softened butter and sugar to a bowl. Beat until light, fluffy, and pale in color.
Add Eggs and Vanilla
- Mix in eggs one at a time. Add vanilla extract and beat until smooth and well combined.
Mix Dry Ingredients
- In another bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly blended.
Combine Wet and Dry
- Slowly add dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix gently until a soft dough forms.
Shape the Cookies
- Scoop dough and roll into balls. Place them evenly spaced on prepared baking sheets.
Flatten Slightly
- Press each dough ball gently with your fingers or a glass to flatten slightly.
Bake the Cookies
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until edges are lightly golden but centers remain soft.
Cool Completely
- Remove cookies from oven. Let them cool on the baking sheet briefly, then transfer to a rack.
Notes
- Use room-temperature butter for smooth mixing and better texture.
- Chill the dough for ten minutes if it feels too soft to handle.
- Add lemon zest for a light citrus flavor.
- Roll cookies in sugar before baking for extra sparkle.
- Add almond extract for a subtle nutty taste.
FAQs about Ina Garten Sugar Cookie Recipe
Can I make this dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough up to two days ahead and store it covered in the refrigerator. Let it soften slightly before shaping.
Why did my cookies spread too much while baking?
This usually happens if the butter is too warm. Chilling the dough briefly can help prevent excess spreading.
Can I decorate these cookies with icing?
Yes, these cookies are perfect for icing. Make sure they are fully cooled before decorating.
Can I substitute margarine for butter?
Butter is best for flavor and texture. Margarine may change the taste and make cookies spread more.
Are these cookies good for kids to help make?
Yes, this recipe is simple and fun. Kids can help roll dough and decorate cookies safely.
Conclusion
This Ina Garten Sugar Cookie Recipe is a timeless classic that never goes out of style. It uses simple ingredients and easy steps, making it perfect for beginners and experienced bakers alike.
Now that you know how to make Ina Garten Sugar Cookie Recipe at home, you can enjoy soft, buttery cookies anytime. With helpful tips, clear instructions, and flexible variations, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen. Bake a batch, share with loved ones, and enjoy every sweet bite.
Sofia Lane is a food lover who loves cooking and sharing easy, tasty recipes. She believes in making cooking simple and fun for everyone. On DiveCrave, Sofia shares her favorite meals, desserts and treats that anyone can make at home.