Description
The Best Sugar Cookies are soft, sweet, and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 and 1/4 cups (281g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- Royal Icing, Easy Glaze Icing, or Cookie Buttercream for decorating
- Assorted sprinkles
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt together. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together on high speed until light and creamy, about 3 minutes. Add the egg, vanilla, and almond extract and beat until combined, about 1 minute.
- Scrape down the sides of the bowl and mix again if needed. Add the dry ingredients and mix on low speed until combined. If the dough is too soft, add 1 more tablespoon of flour.
- Divide the dough in half and roll each portion on floured parchment paper to about 1/4-inch thickness. Dust with flour to prevent sticking.
- Refrigerate the rolled dough tightly covered for at least 2 hours or up to 2 days.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cut the dough into shapes with a cookie cutter and arrange on the baking sheets 3 inches apart.
- Bake for 11-12 minutes until edges are lightly browned. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.
- Decorate cooled cookies with icing and sprinkles. Allow to set before serving or storing.
- Store cookies at room temperature for up to 5 days or refrigerate for up to 10 days.
Notes
- Freezing Instructions: Freeze plain or decorated cookies for up to 3 months.
- For longer storage, freeze cookie dough for up to 3 months.
- Thaw dough in the refrigerator overnight before rolling out.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: sugar cookies, best sugar cookies, cookie recipe, dessert