Best Sugar Cookie Recipe

Introduction

This classic sugar cookie recipe yields soft, buttery cookies with just the right amount of sweetness. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies are easy to make and delightful to share with family and friends.

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 oven to 350° F (175° C).
2. Step 2: In the bowl of your mixer, cream the butter and sugar together until smooth, at least 3 minutes.
3. Step 3: Beat in the vanilla and almond extracts along with the egg until fully combined.
4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, combine the baking powder and salt with the flour. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients a little at a time, mixing well after each addition.
5. Step 5: If the dough appears crumbly, continue mixing for 30 seconds to 1 minute longer until it starts pulling away from the sides of the mixer bowl.
6. Step 6: If the dough still seems too dry or stiff for your mixer, turn it out onto a floured countertop. Flour your hands slightly and finish kneading the dough by hand.
7. Step 7: Do not chill the dough. Divide it into 2-3 workable batches. Roll each batch onto a floured surface and cut into desired shapes. Aim for cookies about 1/4 inch thick rather than too thin.
8. Step 8: Bake at 350° F for 6-8 minutes. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet until firm enough to transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or lemon zest to the dough before baking.
• If you prefer softer cookies, take them out of the oven when the edges are set but centers still look slightly underbaked.
• You can decorate these cookies with royal icing or sprinkles for festive occasions.
• Use almond extract sparingly; it complements vanilla but can become overpowering if too much is used.

Storage

Store cooled sugar cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To keep them soft, place a slice of bread in the container. Cookies can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature before serving. Reheat gently in a low oven if desired.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I substitute butter with margarine or shortening?

Butter provides rich flavor and texture that margarine or shortening cannot fully replicate. While substitutions are possible, the cookies may have a different taste and softer texture.

Why is chilling the dough not recommended?

This recipe is designed for dough to be rolled and cut immediately for the best texture and ease of handling. Chilling the dough can make it too stiff and harder to roll out smoothly.

Best Sugar Cookie Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 79 reviews

• Author: Lila
• Total Time: 23 minutes
• Yield: 36 servings 1x

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Description

This best sugar cookie recipe yields soft, tender cookies with a delicate almond and vanilla flavor. Perfectly balanced in sweetness and thickness, these cookies bake quickly to a golden finish and are ideal for decorating or enjoying as a simple, classic treat.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Wet 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

Dry Ingredients

• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3 cups all purpose flour (360 grams)

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350° F to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking your sugar cookies evenly.
2. Cream butter and sugar: In the bowl of your mixer, beat together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy, which should take at least 3 minutes. This step incorporates air for lightness.
3. Add extracts and egg: Beat in the vanilla extract, almond extract, and the single egg until fully combined, building flavor and moisture into the dough.
4. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the baking powder and salt with the all-purpose flour. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients a little at a time to avoid lumps and create a homogeneous dough.
5. Adjust dough consistency: If your dough looks crumbly, continue mixing for 30 seconds to 1 minute until it pulls away from the sides of the mixer bowl, indicating it’s coming together properly.
6. Knead dough by hand (if needed): If the dough still feels too dry or stiff for the mixer, turn it onto a lightly floured countertop and wet your hands slightly to finish kneading the dough by hand until smooth.
7. Divide and roll out dough: Do not chill the dough. Instead, divide it into 2-3 workable chunks. Roll each batch out onto a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness, aiming for thicker cookies rather than thin, crispy ones. Cut into your desired shapes.
8. Bake: Place the cut cookies on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven at 350° F for 6-8 minutes. Bake just until the edges are set; the centers should remain soft.
9. Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet until they are firm enough to handle, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

• Do not chill the dough before rolling and cutting, as it will hinder the soft texture.
• If the dough is too dry, gently wet your hands while kneading to bring it together.
• For thicker cookies, aim for around 1/4 inch thickness when rolling out the dough.
• Watch the cookies closely during baking to prevent overbaking and losing their softness.
• These cookies can be decorated once completely cooled with icing or sugar sprinkles if desired.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: sugar cookies, classic cookie recipe, soft sugar cookies, almond extract sugar cookies, vanilla sugar cookies, baked cookies