One-Bowl Easy Sugar Cookie Recipe

When you want sugar cookies fast—without multiple mixing bowls, complicated steps, or extra cleanup—this one-bowl easy sugar cookie recipe is the hero you need. Soft, sweet, and ready for any decoration, these cookies come together using only one bowl, one spoon (or mixer), and a handful of simple pantry ingredients.

Whether you’re baking for a last-minute holiday party, prepping Christmas cookie boxes, whipping up a quick after-school treat, or trying sugar cookies for the very first time, this recipe keeps things simple while still delivering bakery-quality results.

Unlike traditional sugar cookie recipes that require chilling, multiple mixing steps, or delicate shaping techniques, this one-bowl version is streamlined but still fluffy, tender, and full of vanilla flavor. They can be rolled, scooped, frosted, sprinkled, or enjoyed plain—and are versatile enough for every season.

This is one of the most beginner-friendly cookie recipes you can make, yet it’s also great for busy bakers who want high-quality cookies without extra dishes. From holiday baking to everyday cravings, these one-bowl sugar cookies will quickly become a household staple.

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Why You’ll Love This One-Bowl Sugar Cookie Recipe

Minimal Cleanup

Only one bowl is needed—perfect for busy families, holiday chaos, or small kitchens.

Quick Prep Time

You can have the dough ready in under 10 minutes.

Beginner Friendly

No tricky techniques, no chilling required, and no stand mixer needed.

Customizable

Add sprinkles, frostings, glazes, or mix-ins—all work beautifully.

Soft and Tender

Even with the simple method, these cookies bake up perfectly soft with slightly crisp edges.

Works for Any Holiday

Christmas, birthdays, Valentine’s Day, Easter, and everyday desserts.

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Ingredients for One-Bowl Sugar Cookies

Dry + Wet (All Used in One Bowl)

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 1 large egg

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder

• ½ teaspoon salt

• Optional: 1–2 tablespoons milk (only if dough seems too crumbly)

• Optional: sprinkles, colored sugar, or chocolate chips

These basic pantry staples come together seamlessly to create a dough that’s soft, smooth, and easy to work with.

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Step-by-Step Instructions (One Bowl Only!)

Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar until smooth, creamy, and pale. This step improves cookie softness and spread control.

Step 2: Add the Egg and Vanilla

Mix in the egg and vanilla until fully incorporated.
At this stage, your mixture should look fluffy and smooth.

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients

Add flour, baking powder, and salt directly into the same bowl.
Mix slowly until the dough forms.
If dough seems dry, add a splash of milk.

Step 4: Shape the Cookies

You can:

• Roll dough into balls

• Flatten gently for smooth tops

• Roll in sugar for sparkle

• Add sprinkles for festive cookies

Step 5: Bake

• Bake at 350°F (175°C)

• Bake 8–10 minutes
  Cookies should look set around the edges but still soft in the center.

Step 6: Cool

Let cookies sit on the baking tray for 5 minutes before moving to a cooling rack.
This helps them finish baking without drying out.

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No-Chill Option vs Chill Option

No-Chill Version

Perfect for quick baking — cookies spread slightly for a soft, classic look.

Chill the Dough (Optional)

If you prefer thick, more defined cookies, chill dough for 20–30 minutes.
This helps for special shapes or tall cookies.

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Texture Expectations

These cookies bake soft, slightly chewy in the center, with lightly crisp edges. Because the recipe is so simple and fast, they maintain a tender, homey flavor and a classic sugar cookie feel.

If you bake them a little longer, they become crisp and perfect for dipping.

If you underbake slightly, they stay ultra-soft.

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Flavor & Add-In Ideas

This recipe is highly customizable—here are some easy ways to switch it up without needing extra bowls or steps.

Classic Variations

• Add ½ teaspoon almond extract for bakery-style cookies

• Add lemon or orange zest for citrus sugar cookies

• Add 1 teaspoon cinnamon for warm spice flavor

For Christmas Cookies

• Mix red and green sprinkles into the dough

• Roll dough balls in colored sugar

• Add peppermint extract and top with crushed candy canes

For Chocolate Lovers

• Add mini chocolate chips

• Drizzle melted chocolate after baking

• Add cocoa powder (replace ¼ cup of flour with cocoa)

For Kids

• Add rainbow sprinkles to make funfetti sugar cookies

• Use cookie stamps to create designs

Every variation still works flawlessly using the one-bowl method.

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Frosting Ideas for One-Bowl Sugar Cookies

These cookies are amazing plain but even better with something sweet on top.

Vanilla Glaze

Simple and light, made with:

• Powdered sugar

• Milk

• Vanilla extract

Drizzle or dip for a glossy finish.

Easy Buttercream

Perfect for holiday decorating and tastes great on soft sugar cookies.

Colored Icing

Tint glaze or buttercream with gel food coloring for holiday themes.

Cream Cheese Frosting

Works beautifully for Christmas cookie platters.

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How to Decorate These Cookies

This recipe works for both simple and detailed decorating styles.

Basic Decorating

• Add sprinkles before baking

• Dust with powdered sugar

• Dip halfway into chocolate

Holiday Decorating

• Pipe small swirls of buttercream

• Use pastel glaze for soft winter colors

• Add gold or silver sanding sugar

Smooth Tops

Flatten dough balls gently with the bottom of a glass for perfect decorating surfaces.

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Best Occasions for One-Bowl Sugar Cookies

• Christmas cookie exchanges

• Last-minute class party treats

• Cookie boxes and holiday tins

• Birthdays

• Valentine’s Day treats

• New Year snack trays

• Everyday snacks and lunches

• Bake sales

• Gifting to neighbors or coworkers

These cookies are versatile, quick, and universally loved.

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Storage and Freezing

One of the best things about this recipe is how well it stores.

Room Temperature

Cookies stay soft 4–5 days in airtight containers.

Freeze Dough

Roll dough into balls and freeze on a tray.
Bake from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes.

Freeze Baked Cookies

Freeze cooled cookies in airtight containers for up to 2 months.

Freeze-Frosted Cookies

Freeze uncovered for 1 hour before stacking.

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Troubleshooting Guide

Dough is Too Dry

Add 1 tablespoon milk at a time until soft.

Cookies Spread Too Much

• Butter might have been too warm

• Add 1–2 tablespoons extra flour

• Chill dough briefly

Cookies Are Too Puffed

Check baking powder—too much can create cakey cookies.

Cookies Are Tough

Likely caused by overmixing flour.
Mix only until combined.

Cookies Too Pale

Extend bake time slightly for golden bottoms, but don’t let edges brown too much.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use salted butter?
Yes, reduce added salt by half.

Do I need a mixer?
No, a spoon or spatula works fine—the dough is soft.

Can I add frosting?
Definitely! They hold buttercream or glaze perfectly.

Can these be cut-out cookies?
This recipe works best for rolled balls, not detailed shapes.
For cutouts, use a no-spread recipe instead.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes—simply press “×2” on ingredients.

Why do these cookies bake so fast?
They are small, soft, and designed to stay pale and tender.

Can I make the dough ahead?
Yes, refrigerate up to 3 days or freeze up to 2 months.

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Expert Tips for Professional-Quality Results

• Use room-temperature butter—not melted.

• Don’t overmix after adding flour.

• Bake one tray at a time for consistent heat.

• Use parchment paper for smooth bottoms.

• Add vanilla—even a little extra enhances flavor.

• Allow cookies to cool fully for the softest texture.

These small details ensure beautifully soft, flavorful cookies with every batch.

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Conclusion

This One-Bowl Easy Sugar Cookie Recipe is the ultimate solution for bakers who want delicious, soft sugar cookies without the mess or time commitment. With a tender crumb, sweet vanilla flavor, and a simple mixing method that requires only one bowl, this recipe is ideal for beginners, busy parents, holiday baking, and last-minute treats.

Whether you decorate them with sprinkles, frost them with buttercream, glaze them lightly, or enjoy them plain, these cookies deliver consistent results every time. Quick, flavorful, reliable, and endlessly customizable—this one-bowl sugar cookie recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen and a staple in your holiday traditions.