The Best Sugar Cookies Recipe
These classic sugar cookies are perfect for any occasion, featuring a tender crumb and a delightful vanilla-almond flavor. Easy to make and fun to decorate, they're sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Equipment
- Medium bowl
- Large bowl
- Handheld or Stand Mixer
- Paddle Attachment
- Parchment paper
- Silicone baking mat
- Rolling Pin
- Cookie cutter
- Large baking sheets
- Cooling rack
- Gel food coloring (optional)
Ingredients
Cookie Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (281g), plus more as needed for rolling and work surface
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter (12 Tbsp; 170g), softened to room temperature
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar (150g)
- 1 large egg at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional, but makes the flavor outstanding)
For Decorating
- Royal Icing, Easy Glaze Icing, or Cookie Buttercream (royal icing is pictured)
- Assorted sprinkles
Instructions
Preparation
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt, then set aside.
- In a large bowl, use a mixer to beat butter and sugar until light and creamy, then add egg, vanilla, and almond extract, beating until combined. Scrape the bowl, then mix in the dry ingredients on low speed until just combined; add more flour if the dough is too soft.
- Divide the dough in half and roll each portion to about 1/4-inch thickness on lightly floured parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Dust one rolled-out dough portion with flour, place the second on top, cover tightly, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to 2 days.
Baking
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and line large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- Carefully remove a dough portion from the refrigerator, cut into shapes using a cookie cutter, and arrange cookies 3 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets, rerolling and cutting any scraps.
- Bake for 11–12 minutes until the edges are very lightly browned; cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Decorating & Storage
- Decorate the completely cooled cookies with royal icing, easy cookie icing, or cookie decorating buttercream, optionally tinting with gel food coloring.
- Enjoy cookies immediately or after the icing sets; store plain or iced cookies (with royal/glaze icing) covered tightly at room temperature for up to 5 days, or refrigerate for up to 10 days. For buttercream-decorated cookies, cover and store at room temperature for up to 1 day or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Notes
For best results, ensure butter and egg are at room temperature. If the dough is too sticky, add a tablespoon more of flour. Chilling the dough for at least 2 hours is crucial for easy handling and preventing spread. Rotate baking sheets during baking if your oven has hot spots for even browning. When decorating, you can place decorated cookies on a baking sheet in the refrigerator to help the icing set faster. Plain or iced cookies (with royal or glaze icing) can be stored at room temperature for up to 5 days or refrigerated for up to 10 days. Cookies with buttercream should be refrigerated for up to 5 days.