If you’re craving a classic treat that feels both nostalgic and delightfully indulgent, you absolutely must try this Butter Sugar Cookies with Coarse Sugar Crust Recipe. These cookies have that perfect balance of buttery softness inside with a sparkly, crunchy sugar crust on the outside that adds just the right amount of texture and sparkle to every bite. Whether you’re baking for holiday gatherings, afternoon tea, or just because, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s simple enough for any home baker to master and rich enough to keep everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients, big flavor! Each component in this Butter Sugar Cookies with Coarse Sugar Crust Recipe plays an essential role—whether it’s adding richness, sweetness, texture, or that lovely golden color we love in a beautifully baked cookie.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base of the dough, giving the cookies their structure and tender crumb.
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and helps create that melt-in-your-mouth texture everyone adores.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the depth of flavor.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough to just the right level without overpowering.
- 2 large egg yolks: Provide moisture and contribute to the cookie’s tender chew.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Brings a warm, aromatic backdrop that elevates the buttery goodness.
- â…“ cup sanding sugar or coarse sugar: Creates the signature crunchy crust that makes these cookies truly special.
How to Make Butter Sugar Cookies with Coarse Sugar Crust Recipe
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Start by beating the softened butter with the sugar and salt until the mixture is light and fluffy—about 2 to 3 minutes. This crucial step helps incorporate air so your cookies become wonderfully tender and not dense or heavy.
Step 2: Add Egg Yolks and Vanilla
Next, mix in the egg yolks and vanilla extract until everything’s thoroughly combined. Be sure to pause and scrape the sides of your bowl once or twice during mixing to get a consistent dough.
Step 3: Incorporate the Flour
On low speed, gradually mix in the all-purpose flour just until the dough starts to come together. The dough will feel soft at this stage, so transfer it to a floured surface and knead it gently a few times until it forms a smooth, cohesive ball. This helps develop just enough gluten to hold your cookies together without toughening them.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
Shape your dough into a log about 12 inches long, wrap it tightly in parchment or plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least an hour. Chilling allows the flavors to meld and makes cutting the dough easier while preventing spreading during baking.
Step 5: Prepare for Baking
When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Sprinkle the coarse sugar onto a clean surface for coating the dough log.
Step 6: Coat the Dough in Coarse Sugar
Unwrap the chilled dough and roll it gently in the sanding sugar, pressing lightly to ensure a good coating. This step gives your cookies that beautiful coarse sugar crust, adding crunch and a lovely glimmer when they bake.
Step 7: Slice and Arrange
Using a sharp knife, cut the dough into slices about ¾ inch thick. Place them on your parchment-lined baking sheets, leaving about an inch of space between each cookie to allow for gentle spreading.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Bake your Butter Sugar Cookies with Coarse Sugar Crust Recipe for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges just start to turn golden brown. This ensures a tender center with a delicate crisp edge. Let the cookies cool completely on the trays before moving them to a rack or container.
How to Serve Butter Sugar Cookies with Coarse Sugar Crust Recipe
Garnishes
Feel free to add a little extra flair with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or some edible glitter on top just before baking for an elegant touch. A light dusting of powdered sugar after baking can also elevate their appearance for a festive vibe.
Side Dishes
These cookies are fantastic alongside a steaming cup of tea, a rich mug of hot cocoa, or a glass of cold milk. Their buttery crumb and sugary crust pair perfectly with warm, comforting beverages that highlight their sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking your butter sugar cookies in pretty jars or tins tied with a ribbon for gift-giving. For parties, arrange them on a decorative platter with fresh berries, or sandwich vanilla or chocolate buttercream between two cookies for an easy twist on traditional sandwich cookies.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Proper storage prevents them from drying out while maintaining that irresistible coarse sugar crunch.
Freezing
You can freeze the cookie dough log wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 3 months. When ready, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge before slicing and baking. Baked cookies also freeze well—place them in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking.
Reheating
If you want to enjoy cookies fresh-baked warmth, pop them in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes or microwave briefly for 10 to 15 seconds. This refreshes the soft, buttery texture and brings the coarse sugar crust sparkle right back to life.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
While unsalted butter is recommended to control the salt level precisely, you can use salted butter. Just reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to avoid over-seasoning.
Why is chilling the dough important?
Chilling solidifies the fat, prevents excessive spreading during baking, and improves flavor development. It also makes the dough easier to slice neatly.
Can I substitute the coarse sugar with regular granulated sugar?
Regular granulated sugar will work but won’t provide the same crunchy, sparkly crust that coarse sugar delivers, which is a signature feature of this cookie.
How do I store Butter Sugar Cookies to keep them fresh?
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. Adding a slice of bread inside can help retain moisture, keeping them softer longer.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Using a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend should work, but texture might vary slightly. Be sure to check your blend’s recommendations for best results.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Butter Sugar Cookies with Coarse Sugar Crust Recipe enough if you want a timeless, delicious treat that’s both simple and stunning. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll return to again and again to brighten your days or impress friends. Trust me, once you try these cookies, they’ll become your new favorite go-to for a buttery, sweet indulgence that’s just a little bit magical.
Print
Butter Sugar Cookies with Coarse Sugar Crust Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 25-27 minutes plus chilling time
- Yield: 16 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These classic buttery cookies are delightfully tender and sweet, featuring a crisp edge coated with sparkling sanding sugar. Perfect for any occasion, they combine the richness of unsalted butter with a hint of vanilla, baked to golden perfection for a simple yet indulgent treat.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (240g)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- â…“ cup sanding sugar or coarse sugar (66g)
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (227g)
- ½ cup granulated sugar (100g)
- 2 large egg yolks
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- Beat Butter and Sugar: In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and salt together until the mixture is light and fluffy, approximately 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add Egg Yolks and Vanilla: Incorporate the egg yolks and vanilla extract into the butter mixture, mixing until fully combined. Stop occasionally to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing.
- Mix in Flour: Gradually add the all-purpose flour while mixing on low speed just until incorporated. The dough will be soft. Turn it out onto a floured surface and knead a few times until it forms a solid ball. Shape the dough into a 12-inch long log.
- Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough log tightly in parchment paper or plastic wrap and seal by twisting the ends. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 72 hours. To prevent the dough from flattening, consider placing it inside an empty cardboard paper towel roll.
- Prepare for Baking: When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Coat in Sanding Sugar: Sprinkle sanding sugar on a clean surface or rimmed baking sheet. Unwrap the chilled dough and roll it over the sugar while pressing lightly so the sugar adheres thoroughly to the entire surface.
- Slice Cookies: Using a sharp knife, cut the sugar-coated dough into slices approximately ¾-inch thick. Place the slices on the prepared baking sheets about 1 inch apart to allow for slight spreading.
- Bake and Cool: Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges just begin to turn golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheets before serving.
Notes
- Chilling dough longer enhances flavor and helps maintain the cookie shape during baking.
- Use sanding sugar for a decorative sugary crust that adds texture and sparkle.
- Ensure butter is softened but not melted for best creaming results.
- If you don’t have a stand mixer, a hand mixer or vigorous hand mixing will also work.
- Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
