Why You’ll Love These Cookies
- Soft and buttery texture
- Perfect for decorating
- Holds shape beautifully
- Easy-to-make dough
- Great for holidays and special occasions
- Freezer-friendly
- Delicious with or without icing
Ingredients
For the Sugar Cookies
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Optional Vanilla Glaze
- 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar
- 3-4 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Royal Icing
- 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons meringue powder
- 6-8 tablespoons warm water
Equipment Needed
- Electric mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutters
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat together:
- Softened butter
- Granulated sugar
Mix for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.
Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients
Beat in:
- Egg
- Vanilla extract
- Almond extract (if using)
Mix until smooth and fully combined.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl whisk together:
- Flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
Gradually add to the butter mixture.
Mix until a soft dough forms.
Do not overmix.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
Divide dough into two discs.
Wrap each in plastic wrap.
Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Chilling prevents spreading and makes rolling easier.
Step 5: Roll Out the Dough
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
On a lightly floured surface, roll dough to approximately ¼ inch thick.
Step 6: Cut Shapes
Use cookie cutters to cut desired shapes.
Transfer cookies to prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Re-roll scraps as needed.
Step 7: Bake
Bake for 8-10 minutes.
The edges should be just barely golden.
For softer cookies, remove before noticeable browning.
Step 8: Cool
Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.
Transfer to a wire rack and cool completely before decorating.
Vanilla Glaze
Instructions
Whisk together:
- Powdered sugar
- Milk
- Vanilla extract
until smooth.
Adjust consistency by adding more milk or powdered sugar as needed.
Dip or drizzle over cooled cookies.
Allow glaze to set before serving.
Royal Icing for Decorating
Instructions
Beat together:
- Powdered sugar
- Meringue powder
- Warm water
Mix for 5-7 minutes until stiff peaks form.
Adjust consistency for outlining and flooding cookies.
Decorate as desired.
Allow icing to dry completely.
Baker’s Tips
Chill the Dough
Cold dough helps cookies maintain sharp edges and beautiful shapes.
Don’t Overbake
Sugar cookies continue baking on the hot pan after removal.
Roll Evenly
Uniform thickness ensures consistent baking.
Use Room Temperature Butter
Softened butter creates a smoother dough.
Cool Completely Before Decorating
Warm cookies can cause icing to melt.
Variations
Lemon Sugar Cookies
Add:
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
for a bright citrus flavor.
Almond Sugar Cookies
Increase almond extract to 1 teaspoon for a richer almond taste.
Sprinkle Sugar Cookies
Top unbaked cookies with colored sugar or sprinkles before baking.
Chocolate-Dipped Sugar Cookies
Dip half of each cooled cookie into melted chocolate and allow to set.
Storage
Room Temperature
Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Refrigerator
Store for up to 2 weeks.
Freezer
Freeze undecorated cookies or dough for up to 3 months.
Thaw before decorating or baking.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Cookie)
- Calories: 140
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fat: 6g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Sugar: 9g
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy these sugar cookies with:
- Coffee or tea
- Hot chocolate
- Milk
- Ice cream sandwiches
- Holiday dessert platters
- Cookie decorating parties
Recipe Notes
The Best Sugar Cookies are everything a classic sugar cookie should be—buttery, tender, lightly sweet, and beautifully versatile. Whether cut into festive holiday shapes, decorated with colorful icing, or enjoyed plain with a cup of tea, these cookies are a timeless treat that never goes out of style. Once you try this recipe, it may become your go-to sugar cookie recipe for years to come.
