Servings: 36 cookies
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Bake Time: 8–10 minutes per batch
Total Time: About 1 hour 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1½ cups (300 g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar, for rolling

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1½ cups of sugar until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale in color. This usually takes about 3–4 minutes with an electric mixer.

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until fully combined.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the cookies tough instead of tender.

Step 2: Chill the Dough

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour. Chilling helps the cookies hold their shape while baking and develops a better texture.

Step 3: Shape the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

Place the remaining ¼ cup sugar in a small bowl. Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball. Roll each dough ball in the sugar until completely coated.

Arrange the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between them. Gently flatten each ball with the bottom of a glass or the palm of your hand to create thin, even rounds.

Step 4: Bake

Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden while the centers remain pale. For extra-thin, crisp cookies, bake an additional 1–2 minutes.

Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serving Suggestions

These classic Old-Fashioned Thin Sugar Cookies are delicious served with a cold glass of milk, hot coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. They are perfect for holiday cookie trays, afternoon snacks, or simple family gatherings.

Recipe Notes

The secret to achieving the perfect thin sugar cookie is chilling the dough and flattening the cookies before baking. The result is a delicate cookie with lightly crisp edges, a buttery center, and a sparkling sugar coating. These cookies store well in an airtight container for up to one week and can also be frozen for up to three months.

With their simple ingredients and timeless flavor, these Old-Fashioned Thin Sugar Cookies are a nostalgic treat that never goes out of style. Crisp, sweet, buttery, and wonderfully light, they are sure to become a favorite recipe for generations to come. 🍪✨