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Best Sugar Cookie 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.

Ingredients

Scale

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