If you have been hunting for the Best Sugar Cookies Recipe, you are in the right place! These sugar cookies come out perfectly soft with a delicate crunch at the edges and a buttery sweetness that melts in your mouth. Whether you want to decorate them for holidays, enjoy a simple treat with your afternoon tea, or bake a batch with your kids, this recipe transforms basic ingredients into a timeless favorite that’s truly irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, classic ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Each one plays an essential role in creating the perfect texture and flavor that makes these the Best Sugar Cookies Recipe.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that gives structure and perfect chewiness to the cookies.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Provides a gentle lift to keep the cookies light and airy.
- 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature): Adds richness and tenderness while keeping the dough soft enough to roll out.
- 1 cup sugar: Sweetens the dough evenly and helps achieve that lovely golden color when baked.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness perfectly.
- 1 large egg: Binds all the ingredients together and adds moisture for a tender crumb.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Brings warm, aromatic undertones that make these cookies so comforting.
How to Make Best Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
Begin by whisking the flour and baking powder together in a medium bowl. This ensures the rising agent is evenly distributed in the flour for consistent texture throughout your cookies.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
Using a stand mixer or a sturdy bowl and hand mixer, beat the room temperature butter, sugar, and salt on medium-high until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes and is key for that soft, tender crumb you want in sugar cookies.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. These ingredients introduce moisture and flavor, helping the dough come together beautifully.
Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing here to keep the dough soft and prevent tough cookies.
Step 5: Shape and Chill the Dough
Divide the dough into two equal balls, then gently press each into a disk about 1 inch thick. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Chilling solidifies the butter, making the dough easier to roll out and ensuring cookies hold their shape when baked.
Step 6: Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheets
Before baking, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even browning.
Step 7: Roll and Cut
Let the dough rest at room temperature for 20 minutes after chilling to make rolling easier. Roll it out on a lightly floured surface to a quarter-inch thickness. Then, cut into your favorite shapes using cookie cutters for a fun and festive touch.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Arrange the cut cookies evenly on the baking sheets and bake one sheet at a time for 9-11 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges just begin to turn a light golden brown. This timing ensures the iconic soft center and crisp edges.
How to Serve Best Sugar Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these sugar cookies are delightful on their own, decorating them with royal icing, sprinkles, or edible glitter elevates their visual appeal and sweetness. Try adding a dusting of powdered sugar for a snowy effect for seasonal celebrations.
Side Dishes
Serve your sugar cookies alongside a cup of hot cocoa, a fresh brew of coffee, or a glass of cold milk for a classic pairing that makes snack time cozy and comforting. They also make a charming accompaniment to fruit preserves or cream cheese spreads.
Creative Ways to Present
Gift-wrap batches of sugar cookies in charming tins or cellophane bags tied with a ribbon for themed parties or holiday gifting. For parties, stack them on a tiered tray with fresh flowers or place them in decorative boxes for a stunning homemade treat display.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep leftover sugar cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and delicious for up to one week — perfect if you want to savor them gradually or share with friends.
Freezing
These cookies freeze spectacularly well. Simply place fully baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to freezer bags. They’ll maintain their flavor and texture for up to 3 months, making batch baking ahead of time quick and easy.
Reheating
To refresh stored cookies, warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F (149°C) for about 5 minutes. This brings back that fresh-baked softness and makes them taste just like new.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
Yes, you can use salted butter if that’s what you have on hand. Just be sure to reduce or omit the additional salt in the recipe to prevent the cookies from becoming too salty.
Why do I need to chill the dough?
Chilling the dough solidifies the butter, which helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much as they bake. It also allows the flavors to meld, resulting in a tastier, more manageable dough for rolling and cutting.
Can I add food coloring or flavorings to this recipe?
Absolutely! Adding a few drops of food coloring or a splash of almond or lemon extract can personalize your sugar cookies without affecting the texture.
How thick should I roll the dough?
For the best texture and even baking, roll the dough out to about 1/4 inch thick. Thinner cookies will be crispier, while thicker ones stay softer in the middle.
Can I freeze the dough before baking?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked dough disks wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. When ready to bake, thaw them overnight in the fridge, then roll and cut as usual.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Best Sugar Cookies Recipe that makes every bite feel like a little celebration. Simple, classic ingredients come together in a way that’s approachable yet incredibly rewarding. Whether you’re a baking novice or a seasoned cookie connoisseur, this recipe is sure to become a cherished staple in your kitchen. I can’t wait for you to try it and create your own wonderful sugar cookie memories!
Print
Best Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 2 hours chilling)
- Cook Time: 10 minutes per batch
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Best Sugar Cookies are classic, buttery, and perfectly soft on the inside with just a hint of crunch on the edges. Made with simple ingredients like butter, sugar, and vanilla, this recipe yields tender, flavorful cookies that are ideal for any occasion, from holidays to everyday treats. The dough is chilled to enhance flavor and texture, then rolled and cut into fun shapes before baking to a light golden perfection.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking powder. Set the mixture aside for later use.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the room temperature unsalted butter, sugar, and salt on medium-high speed until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale in color, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add egg and vanilla: Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract until everything is fully combined and smooth.
- Combine flour mixture: Gradually add the flour and baking powder mixture to the wet ingredients, blending until fully incorporated and a dough forms.
- Shape dough: Divide the cookie dough into two equal portions. Shape each into a ball and then gently press to form thick, flat disks approximately 1 inch thick.
- Chill dough: Wrap each dough disk tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to firm up the dough and develop flavor.
- Preheat oven and prepare pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Rest and roll dough: Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator and let it rest at room temperature for 20 minutes to soften slightly for easier rolling. On a lightly floured surface, roll each disk to about 1/4 inch thickness.
- Cut shapes: Use cookie cutters to cut the dough into your desired shapes. Place the cookies evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheets to allow room for spreading.
- Bake cookies: Bake one sheet at a time in the preheated oven for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the edges begin to turn a light golden brown, signaling they are done but still soft inside. Remove from the oven and let cookies cool on the sheets briefly before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
- Chilling the dough is essential for maintaining the cookie shape and enhancing flavor.
- Be sure to roll the dough evenly to ensure consistent baking.
- Use parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and help with cleanup.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients.
- Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
