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With crisp edges, soft and thick centers, and a buttery, vanilla-almond flavor, these sugar cookies are perfect for decorating. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a special occasion, or just for fun, this easy-to-follow recipe ensures professional-quality results every time.
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Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours 45 minutes (includes cooling)
Servings: 24 (3-4 inch cookies)
Why You’ll Love Making It
- Perfect Texture – These cookies have a soft, thick center with lightly crisp edges, making them ideal for decorating.
- Hold Their Shape – The dough is easy to roll and cut, ensuring sharp, defined cookie edges after baking.
- Make-Ahead Friendly – The dough can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge or freezer for stress-free baking.
- Customizable – Use different extracts, food colorings, or icing techniques to create festive or themed cookies for any occasion.
- Beginner-Friendly – A simple step-by-step process makes it easy for even first-time bakers to achieve perfect sugar cookies.
Ingredients
- 2 and 1/4 cups (281g) all-purpose flour – Spoon and level the flour to avoid dense cookies.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder – Provides a slight lift without making the cookies puffy.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt – Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 3/4 cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened – Ensure it’s at room temperature for easy creaming.
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar – Adds sweetness and structure.
- 1 large egg, at room temperature – Helps bind the dough and creates a tender texture.
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract – Provides a classic sugar cookie flavor.
- 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional) – Adds a nutty depth that enhances the vanilla.
- Royal Icing, Easy Glaze Icing, or Cookie Buttercream – Choose your favorite decorating method.
- Assorted sprinkles – Optional, but great for festive cookies.
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Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Step 2: Cream the Butter & Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, use a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or a hand mixer) to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar on high speed until the mixture is light, fluffy, and smooth—about 3 minutes. Scraping down the sides of the bowl ensures everything is evenly combined.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using). Beat on high speed until fully incorporated, about 1 minute. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed.
Step 4: Combine the Wet & Dry Ingredients
Reduce the mixer speed to low and gradually add the dry ingredients. Mix just until the dough comes together. The dough should be soft but not sticky—if it seems too soft to roll, add an extra tablespoon of flour.
Step 5: Roll & Chill the Dough
Divide the dough into two equal portions. Place each onto a lightly floured parchment paper or silicone baking mat. Using a floured rolling pin, roll the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. If the dough is sticky, dust it lightly with flour.
Stack the two rolled-out dough layers with a piece of parchment paper between them. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours (or up to 2 days). Chilling the dough helps prevent cookies from spreading in the oven.
Step 6: Cut & Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line 2-3 large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
Carefully remove one rolled-out dough layer from the refrigerator. If it sticks, gently run your hand under it to help lift it. Use cookie cutters to cut the dough into desired shapes, re-rolling scraps as needed.
Place the cookies 3 inches apart on prepared baking sheets. Bake for 11-12 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly golden. If your oven has hot spots, rotate the baking sheets halfway through baking.
Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before decorating.
Step 7: Decorate & Serve
Once the cookies are fully cooled, decorate them using royal icing, glaze icing, or buttercream. For vibrant colors, use gel food coloring instead of liquid coloring. If desired, decorate the cookies directly on a baking sheet, then place the entire sheet in the fridge to help the icing set faster.
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before rolling and baking. If you want to store it longer, wrap the dough tightly and freeze it for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw the dough overnight in the fridge before rolling and cutting.
How do I keep my cookies soft?
To keep your sugar cookies soft, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. If they begin to dry out, place a slice of bread in the container—the cookies will absorb the moisture from the bread, keeping them soft for days. Avoid overbaking, as even an extra 1-2 minutes can make them crispier.
