Sugar cookies can be soft, crisp, glazed, or filled with bold flavors like lemon, matcha, or red velvet. This list brings together fun spins, small-batch options, and classic takes that work for every mood. Whether you’re baking for a party, craving something sweet and simple, or testing out seasonal flavors, these recipes make the most of one basic dough. No complicated steps—just real flavor and texture you’ll want to bake again.

How to Make Soft Funfetti Sugar Cookies

A stack of sugar cookies with real flavor and colorful sprinkles sits on a white plate, with more fun sugar cookies stacked in the background.
How to Make Soft Funfetti Sugar Cookies. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

These sugar cookies bake up thick and tender with rainbow sprinkles in every bite. The dough comes together quickly and doesn’t need chilling. A simple vanilla base keeps the flavor classic. Great for birthdays or brightening any day.
Get the Recipe: How to Make Soft Funfetti Sugar Cookies

Strawberry Sugar Cookies

A white plate holds ten pink frosted sugar cookies arranged in a circle, with extra cookies, a wooden spoon, and a pink cloth nearby on the marble surface—fun treats packed with real flavor.
Strawberry Sugar Cookies. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Fresh strawberries or strawberry extract give these cookies a soft pink color and fruity flavor. The dough stays soft with a slightly crisp edge. Add glaze or sugar on top for extra pop. A sweet change from the usual vanilla.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Sugar Cookies

Lemon Sugar Cookies

A stack of three lemon sugar cookies with one cookie leaning against the stack, in front of jars of milk.
Lemon Sugar Cookies. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Lemon zest and juice give these cookies a sharp citrus punch. The texture stays soft with a lightly golden bottom. Bright, clean, and not too sweet. A fresh twist that works year-round.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Sugar Cookies

Red Velvet Sugar Cookies

Three red velvet cookies with white frosting are stacked on a pink surface. Crumbled red velvet pieces are sprinkled on top.
Red Velvet Sugar Cookies. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Cocoa powder and food coloring give these cookies their signature look, with just a hint of chocolate. The center stays chewy, and the top cracks slightly. Dust with powdered sugar or top with cream cheese glaze. A fun alternative to the usual red velvet cake.
Get the Recipe: Red Velvet Sugar Cookies

Glazed Sugar Cookies

Glazed sugar Christmas cookies on a white plate.
Glazed Sugar Cookies. Photo credit: Ginger Casa.

Soft cookies get topped with a thin, sweet glaze that sets to a slight crunch. You can add flavor to the glaze or tint it for holidays. Bake the cookies plain and decorate after. Great for gifting or decorating with kids.
Get the Recipe: Glazed Sugar Cookies

A man is using an embossed rolling pin to roll out dough on a table.
Easy Sugar Cookie Recipes. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

These no-chill sugar cookies roll and cut easily, bake evenly, and hold their shape. Add frosting, sprinkles, or keep them plain. A go-to base for all kinds of add-ins. Works for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Easy Sugar Cookie Recipes

Rainbow Sugar Cookies

Rainbow Sugar Cookies. Photo credit: Trop Rockin.

Multiple doughs in different colors get swirled or stacked to make a bright cookie that’s fun to look at and soft to bite. A big hit with kids. Each batch looks a little different. No extra flavoring needed—just color and fun.
Get the Recipe: Rainbow Sugar Cookies

Almond Flour Sugar Cookies

Almond flour sugar cookies in Christmas tree shape dusted with cane sugar around a cut of coffee.
Almond Flour Sugar Cookies. Photo credit: Fitasamamabear.

Almond flour gives these cookies a slightly nutty flavor and tender texture. The dough holds together well and bakes up golden. Great for gluten-free baking. Simple and easy to adapt.
Get the Recipe: Almond Flour Sugar Cookies

Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies

Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies. Photo credit: Trop Rockin.

Pumpkin puree and warm spices give these cookies a fall-ready flavor. The texture stays soft and thick. Add a maple glaze or cinnamon sugar for more depth. Cozy and great with coffee.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies

Pecan Sugar Cookies

Pecan Sugar Cookies. Photo credit: Xoxo Bella.

Chopped pecans add texture and buttery flavor to this soft cookie base. The dough mixes quickly and doesn’t need chilling. They bake up crisp on the edges and chewy in the middle. A nutty twist on the classic.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Sugar Cookies

Matcha Sugar Cookies

Matcha sugar cookies on a wooden board, surrounded by pink flowers and a small sieve with matcha powder.
Matcha Sugar Cookies. Photo credit: Easy Homemade Life.

Green tea powder adds color and a subtle earthy note to these cookies. They’re not too sweet, with a soft crumb and golden edge. Add white chocolate chips or keep them plain. A grown-up sugar cookie with a twist.
Get the Recipe: Matcha Sugar Cookies

Small-Batch Sugar Cookies

A plate of sugar cookies with a mug of milk and a gray cloth in the background.
Small-Batch Sugar Cookies. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This recipe makes just enough for a quick craving—no leftovers, no waste. The dough rolls and cuts like a full batch. Bake a few or freeze the extras. Ideal for solo baking or quick gifts.
Get the Recipe: Small-Batch Sugar Cookies

Disney Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Sprinkle Dip

Disney Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Sprinkle Dip. Photo credit: Xoxo Bella.

Soft cookies get served with a side of whipped cream cheese dip, topped with sprinkles. It’s a fun, shareable dessert inspired by theme park treats. Great for kids’ parties. More dip than decorating required.
Get the Recipe: Disney Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Sprinkle Dip

A woman with shoulder-length blonde hair, wearing a white T-shirt and dark jeans, stands in a kitchen with a brick backsplash and stainless steel appliances. She is smiling and resting her hands on the counter.

About the author

Hi, Iโ€™m Lucy! Iโ€™m a home cook, writer, food and wine fanatic, and recipe developer. Iโ€™ve created and tested hundreds of recipes so that I can bring you the best tried and true favorites.

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