Best Sugar Cookie Recipe

Introduction

These classic sugar cookies are soft, buttery, and perfectly sweet—ideal for any occasion. Easy to make and deliciously versatile, they hold their shape well for decorating or enjoying plain.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter (226 grams)
• 1 cup granulated white sugar (200 grams)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 1 egg
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3 cups all purpose flour (360 grams)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Step 2: In a mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until smooth, about 3 minutes.
3. Step 3: Beat in the vanilla extract, almond extract, and egg until fully combined.
4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk the baking powder and salt into the flour. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing well after each addition.
5. Step 5: If the dough appears crumbly, continue mixing for 30 seconds to 1 minute until it pulls away from the sides of the mixer.
6. Step 6: If the dough is still too dry or stiff, turn it out onto a floured surface. Dust your hands with water and knead the dough gently by hand to bring it together.
7. Step 7: Do not chill the dough. Divide it into 2 to 3 batches, roll each out on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness, and cut into desired shapes.
8. Step 8: Bake the cookies for 6 to 8 minutes at 350°F. Let them cool on the baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a rack to cool completely.

Tips & Variations

• For a subtle nutty twist, try swapping the almond extract for a touch of lemon or orange zest.
• If the dough is sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time, to achieve the right consistency.
• To decorate, wait until cookies are completely cool before adding icing or sprinkles.

Storage

Store these sugar cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To keep them fresh longer, freeze the baked cookies in a sealed bag for up to three months. Reheat briefly in a low oven if you prefer them warm.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

Yes, but reduce or omit additional salt in the recipe to prevent the cookies from becoming too salty.

Do I have to chill the dough before baking?

No, this recipe is designed to be baked without chilling, which saves time and helps maintain a soft texture.

Best Sugar Cookie Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 104 reviews

This classic sugar cookie recipe yields soft, buttery cookies with a subtle vanilla and almond flavor. Perfectly thick and tender, these cookies are quick to prepare and bake, making them an ideal treat for any occasion.

• Author: lina
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Total Time: 23 minutes
• Yield: 36 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cookie Dough

• 1 Cup unsalted butter (226 grams)
• 1 Cup granulated white sugar (200 grams)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3 cups all purpose flour (360 grams)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350° F (175° C) to prepare for baking the cookies.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy, which should take at least 3 minutes.
3. Add Extracts and Egg: Beat in the vanilla extract, almond extract, and the egg until fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the baking powder and salt with the all-purpose flour. Gradually add this flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing slowly as you go.
5. Adjust Dough Consistency: If the dough appears crumbly, continue mixing for another 30 seconds to 1 minute until it starts to pull away from the sides of the mixer bowl.
6. Knead the Dough: If the dough remains too dry or stiff, transfer it onto a floured countertop. Wet your hands and knead the dough gently until it reaches a smooth consistency.
7. Prepare for Cutting: Do not chill the dough. Divide it into 2-3 workable chunks, roll each out on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness, then cut into desired shapes.
8. Bake the Cookies: Place the cut cookies on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 6 to 8 minutes until they are set but not browned.
9. Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet until firm enough to move, then transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Notes

• Do not chill the dough as it is best worked and rolled out immediately after preparation.
• If the dough is too crumbly, keep mixing or knead by hand with wet hands to improve consistency.
• Rolling the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness results in softer, thicker cookies rather than thin and crispy ones.
• Watch the cookies closely during baking to avoid overbaking; they should not brown.
• These cookies can be decorated with icing or enjoyed plain.

Keywords: sugar cookies, classic sugar cookie recipe, soft sugar cookies, vanilla almond cookies, easy cookie recipe, holiday cookies