Description
These Best Sugar Cookies are a classic treat with a tender, buttery texture and a delicate vanilla flavor. Perfect for any occasion, this recipe yields soft cookies that hold their shape beautifully, making them ideal for decorating. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.
Ingredients
Scale
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 until evenly combined. Set this mixture aside for later use.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the unsalted butter, sugar, and salt on medium-high speed for 2-3 minutes until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for your cookies.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract to the creamed butter mixture until fully incorporated, ensuring an even flavor spread throughout the dough.
- Combine Flour and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, blending well after each addition until the dough is fully formed and all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Shape Dough: Divide the dough into two equal portions. Shape each into a ball, then gently press down to create a thick, flat disk about 1 inch thick to facilitate easier chilling and rolling.
- Chill Dough: Wrap each dough disk tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to firm up the dough, which ensures better handling and prevents spreading during baking.
- Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
- Rest and Roll Dough: Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator and allow it to rest at room temperature for about 20 minutes to soften slightly. Roll the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness for perfect cookie texture.
- Cut Shapes: Use cookie cutters to cut the dough into your preferred shapes. Place the cutouts evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheets to allow room for slight spreading.
- Bake Cookies: Bake one sheet at a time in the preheated oven for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges just begin to turn golden brown, indicating they are perfectly baked but still tender inside.
Notes
- Ensure butter is at room temperature for easier creaming and a smoother dough.
- Chilling the dough is crucial to prevent excessive spreading while baking.
- Allowing the dough to rest before rolling helps to make the dough easier to handle and less sticky.
- For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of cinnamon or almond extract along with vanilla.
- Store baked cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to a week.
