Best Sugar Cookie Recipe
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
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)
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) to ensure it is at the right temperature for baking the cookies evenly.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Skip Chilling: Do not chill the dough; divide it into 2-3 manageable batches for rolling out.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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