1-Getting started: with this easy homemade sugar cookie recipe is as simple as preheating your oven and gathering your tools. Begin by preheating the oven to 350°F and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper for even baking and easy cleanup. This step ensures your cookies bake uniformly and slide right off without sticking.

2-In a medium bowl, whisk together 2½ cups all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, and 3/4 teaspoon fine sea salt to evenly mix the dry ingredients. Next, in a large bowl, beat 2 sticks (226 grams) unsalted butter at cool room temperature and 1¼ cups (250 grams) granulated sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes; remember to scrape the bowl sides as needed for a smooth mixture.

3-Then, add 1 large egg, 1 egg yolk (both at room temperature), and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; beat until fully combined, scraping as necessary to incorporate everything well. Gradually beat in the flour mixture on low speed until just mixed, avoiding overworking the dough to keep it tender.

4-Place the remaining ¼ cup (50 grams) granulated sugar in a shallow dish for rolling. Form the dough into balls, each about 3 tablespoons in size, to create larger cookies with ultra-soft centers. Roll each dough ball evenly in the granulated sugar, then place them on the prepared baking sheets, spaced about 2 inches apart.

5-Slightly flatten each dough ball with the bottom of a measuring cup before baking. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies are set and just beginning to brown at the edges, but remove them when the centers still look slightly wet for that perfect chewy texture. Let the cookies cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheets, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely, allowing the flavors to settle.