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Perfect Sugar Cookies

  • Author: Sally Thompson
  • Prep Time: 40 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
  • Yield: 24 cookies 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

These Perfect Sugar Cookies are a go-to for quick baking sessions, easy dessert tables, or creative food ideas with kids. With a soft, buttery base and crisp edges, they’re the perfect blank canvas for decorating. Whether you’re after a quick breakfast treat, a holiday party snack, or fun dinner ideas for the family, this easy recipe is a winner for any occasion. They’re also freezer-friendly, stackable, and adaptable to all kinds of shapes and flavors, making them one of the most reliable and festive cookie recipes around.


Ingredients

Scale

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup granulated sugar

1 large egg

1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

3/4 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt


Instructions

1. Cream the butter and sugar together in a large bowl until light and fluffy (2–3 minutes).

2. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Mix until well combined.

3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.

4. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet until a soft dough forms.

5. Divide the dough into two discs, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 1–2 hours.

6. Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Roll dough on a floured surface to 1/4 inch thickness.

7. Cut out shapes using cookie cutters and place on parchment-lined baking sheets.

8. Bake for 9–11 minutes, until edges are just golden. Cool on sheet for 5 mins, then transfer to a rack.

9. Once cool, decorate with icing and sprinkles as desired. Let icing set completely before storing.


Notes

For best results, don’t skip chilling the dough—it helps maintain shape and improves texture.

Roll dough between two sheets of parchment to avoid sticking and excess flour.

Royal icing will give the cleanest look for decorating, but a simple glaze works beautifully too.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie
  • Calories: 120
  • Sugar: 7g
  • Sodium: 60mg
  • Fat: 6g
  • Saturated Fat: 3.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 1g
  • Cholesterol: 20mg

Keywords: sugar cookies, perfect sugar cookies, easy cookie recipe, holiday cookies, decorated cookies