These Sugar Cookies are crisp on the edges and soft in the middle, with the perfect sweetness. Easy to make with simple ingredients, and awesome for cutting into various shapes and decorating!
Looking for more easy cookie recipes? Try my Chocolate Chip Cookies or Brown Sugar Cookies next!
About This Recipe
My friend's mom used to make the best sugar cookies. So naturally, I got this recipe from her, and apparently, she got this recipe from a box. She used to make them all the time, and whenever I went over to their place, I'd sneak one (or two) off the cooling rack. Those afternoons were the best. No responsibilities, just hanging out and stealing cookies from my friend's kitchen. Man, I miss those days.
Anyways.. this recipe is the BOMB dot com (as one of my readers so eloquently described another recipe). It's incredibly easy to make and is virtually fail-proof. It does take some pre-planning since you'll need to refrigerate the dough for 2 hours, but this is super important because it will give the sugar cookies the proper shape after baking. If you don't refrigerate the dough, it will melt too fast.
What I love about sugar cookies is that they are good for any occasion. Sure, most people make them for Christmas, but I enjoy them year-round. They can be used for decorating at almost any holiday. It's really a great activity any time of the year.
Key Ingredients
Flour: I use all-purpose flour, and make sure to SPOON AND LEVEL the flour into your measuring cup. This will ensure you have the proper amount of flour. If you just scoop from the flour bag, you'll end up with way too much flour.
Baking powder: These help the cookies maintain their shape during baking and prevent them from becoming too dense.
Salt: Just a little bit for flavor.
Butter: Make sure this is at room temperature, as it will make beating the sugar much easier.
Sugar: Of course, we need sugar for SUGAR cookies.
Egg: Helps bind the ingredients together.
Vanilla extract: I love the flavor of vanilla. Another popular choice is to replace some of the vanilla extract with almond extract.
Instructions
STEP 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. Set aside.
STEP 2: In a large bowl, cream the butter, sugar, and salt until light, pale, and fluffy. This can take several minutes on high speed.
STEP 3: Beat in the egg and vanilla until combined.
STEP 4: Gradually blend in the flour until well incorporated.
STEP 5: Divide the dough into two equal pieces. Shape each one into a ball, then press down to make a thick, flat disk (about 1 inch thick). Wrap with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
STEP 6: Remove the dough and allow it to rest at room temperature for 20 minutes. Roll the dough on a lightly floured surface until ¼ inch thick.
STEP 7: Cut into desired shapes and place evenly spaced on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
STEP 8: Bake for 9-11 minutes until the edges just start to turn golden brown. Allow the cookies to fully cool before icing!
Best Sugar Cookies
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1 cup sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. Set aside.
- In a large bowl or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter, sugar, and salt on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until combined.
- Gradually blend in the flour until well incorporated.
- Divide the dough into two equal pieces. Shape each one into a ball, then press down to make a thick, flat disk (about 1 inch thick).
- Wrap each disk in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Remove the dough and allow it to rest at room temperature for 20 minutes. Roll the dough on a lightly floured surface until ¼ thick.
- Cut into desired shapes and place evenly spaced out on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake one sheet at a time for 9-11 minutes until the edges just start to turn golden brown.
Beverly
Can you freeze this dough?
Grumpy
Yes, but u have to thaw it overnight in the fridge before using. Make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap
Crystal Nims
Great recipe, made mine a week early and kept in fridge! Love it, thank you
Mary
Can I freeze the cookies for a week and then frost them?
Grumpy
Yes! I actually keep my sugar cookies in the freezer after baking. They stay fresh there for a few months.
Alayne
How long will the dough keep in the fridge after making?
Grumpy
You can keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days, but make sure it's tightly wrapped