Best Sugar Cookie Recipe

Introduction

This classic sugar cookie recipe delivers soft, perfectly shaped cookies every time without needing to chill the dough. With a hint of vanilla and almond extract, these cookies are ideal for cutting out fun shapes and decorating for any occasion.

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 the bowl of a mixer, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth, which should take about 3 minutes.
3. Step 3: Beat in the vanilla extract, almond extract, and the egg.
4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, combine the baking powder, salt, and flour. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing as you go.
5. Step 5: If the dough appears crumbly, continue mixing for another 30 seconds to 1 minute until it pulls away from the sides of the mixer bowl. If it’s still too dry or stiff, turn the dough out onto a floured surface, wet your hands, and knead it until smooth.
6. Step 6: Do not chill the dough. Divide it into 2-3 workable batches. Roll each batch out on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness for thicker cookies, then cut into desired shapes.
7. Step 7: Place cutouts on a baking sheet and bake for 6 to 8 minutes until edges are set. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet until firm enough to transfer to a cooling rack.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, substitute almond extract with lemon extract or add a teaspoon of citrus zest.
• Use gel food coloring to tint your dough or frosting for vibrant holiday cookies.
• If you want thinner cookies, roll the dough closer to 1/8 inch, but expect a crisper texture.
• Decorate cooled cookies with royal icing or a simple glaze for festive flair.

Storage

Store 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 to retain moisture. Cookies also freeze well—wrap them tightly and thaw at room temperature before serving. Reheat in a low oven if you prefer warm cookies.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Do I have to chill the dough before baking?

No, this recipe is designed so the dough can be rolled and cut without chilling, making it faster to bake and still maintain perfect shapes.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but reduce the added salt in the recipe to prevent the cookies from becoming too salty. Typically, omit the 1/2 teaspoon of salt if using salted butter.

Best Sugar Cookie Recipe

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 78 reviews

This best sugar cookie recipe yields soft, cut-out cookies that keep their shape perfectly without the need for chilling the dough. Featuring a blend of vanilla and almond extracts, these cookies have a delightful flavor and a perfect texture with slightly thicker cutouts, ideal for decorating or enjoying as is.

• Author: reem
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Total Time: 38 minutes
• Yield: 36 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cookies

• 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. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) to ensure it is at the right temperature for baking the cookies evenly.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is smooth and fluffy, about 3 minutes, which helps incorporate air for a light texture.
3. Add Egg and Extracts: Beat in the vanilla extract, almond extract, and egg until fully combined, ensuring the dough will have rich flavor and proper moisture.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix baking powder, salt, and all-purpose flour. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients in the mixer, mixing well after each addition.
5. Adjust Dough Consistency: If the dough looks crumbly, continue mixing for 30 seconds to 1 minute until it starts pulling away from the sides of the bowl. If still too dry, turn the dough onto a floured countertop and knead by hand, wetting your hands if needed to bring the dough together smoothly.
6. Skip Chilling: Do not chill the dough; divide it into 2-3 manageable batches for rolling out.
7. Roll and Cut: Roll out each batch on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness, which ensures thicker cookies. Cut into desired shapes using cookie cutters.
8. Bake: Place the cookies on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 6-8 minutes until edges are set but centers remain soft.
9. Cool: Let the cookies cool on the cookie sheet until firm enough to transfer, then move to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

• Do not chill the dough; it’s designed to be rolled and cut immediately for best texture.
• If dough is too dry, kneading by hand with wet hands can help adjust consistency.
• Roll cookies thicker (about 1/4 inch) for a soft, tender bite.
• Baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven; watch for set edges.

Keywords: best, christmas, cookie, frosting, sugar cookie