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
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. 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.
