The Best Sugar Cookies Recipe

If you’ve ever dreamed of soft, buttery, melt-in-your-mouth treats that bring back sweet childhood memories, then you’re in the right place. The Best Sugar Cookies Recipe is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, perfectly balancing a tender crumb with just the right amount of sweetness. Whether you’re baking for a festive holiday, a casual get-together, or just because, these cookies will fill your home with irresistible aroma and your heart with pure joy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Sometimes, the simplest ingredients make the most heavenly cookies. Each component in this recipe plays a key role, from the creamy butter that guarantees richness to the almond extract which adds an unexpected depth of flavor. Here’s what you’ll need to bring these cookies to life:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature: Softened butter creates that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture you crave.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetness that perfectly balances the buttery base without overpowering.
• 1 large egg, at room temperature: Binds everything together while adding moisture for softness.
• 1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: The classic flavor enhancer that’s absolutely essential in sugar cookies.
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract: A subtle nutty twist that transforms these from good to unforgettable.
• 1 3/4 cup all-purpose flour: The sturdy backbone that gives structure and the delightful chewiness.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and heightens all the other flavors.

How to Make The Best Sugar Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Start by combining your softened butter with granulated sugar in a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Beat them together until just combined, about 45 seconds. This step is crucial for a light texture, as it incorporates tiny air bubbles that help create the tender crumb we love in these cookies.

Step 2: Add the Egg and Extracts

Next, add in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Beat these together for about one minute until everything is smooth and well incorporated. The almond extract might be that secret touch you never knew you needed—don’t skip it! It adds a subtle yet sophisticated flavor nuance.

Step 3: Mix in the Dry Ingredients

Scrape down the sides of the bowl, then sprinkle in the flour and salt. Mix just until no streaks of flour remain. Overmixing here can make the cookies tough, so keep it gentle for that perfect soft bite.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Form the dough into a flat, oval disk, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least an hour, or overnight if you have the time. Chilling not only firms up the dough for easier handling but also helps develop flavor.

Step 5: Roll, Cut, and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the chilled dough to a 1/4 inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to create your favorite shapes, then carefully transfer them to the baking sheets. If you want, sprinkle some colored sugar on top for an extra festive crunch. Bake for 8 to 12 minutes, adjusting time according to cookie size: smaller cookies bake faster, larger cookies need more time. Look for edges just golden brown—it’s your cue that they’re ready!

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy

Once baked, transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Resist the urge to frost or bite immediately; cooling lets the texture set perfectly. These cookies are just as delightful plain, letting their buttery flavor shine.

How to Serve The Best Sugar Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

While these sugar cookies are delicious on their own, a light dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of melted chocolate, or colorful icing can elevate their charm for special occasions. Consider sprinkling coarse sugar crystals before baking for that sparkly finish that catches the eye.

Side Dishes

Pairing sugar cookies with a tall glass of cold milk is a classic for a reason—but don’t stop there. They also go beautifully alongside a steaming cup of coffee, a creamy latte, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Shape your cookies into festive designs for holidays, or personalize them with edible markers and sprinkles. Stack them in a cookie jar or package as a gift in a pretty tin for friends and family. Presentation can turn these simple cookies into heartfelt expressions.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your sugar cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and flavorful for up to one week—which is perfect if you want to savor them slowly or share with friends.

Freezing

If you want to make these cookies ahead of time, the unbaked dough freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place inside a freezer bag for up to three months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and roll out as usual.

Reheating

To refresh baked cookies, warm them briefly in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes or microwave a single cookie for 10-15 seconds. This softens them up and brings back that freshly-baked magic that’s so hard to resist.

FAQs

Can I substitute almond extract with something else?

Absolutely! If almond extract isn’t your thing or you don’t have it on hand, you can simply increase the vanilla extract slightly. The cookies will still be delicious and aromatic.

What’s the best way to roll out the dough without sticking?

Lightly flour both your rolling pin and work surface. You can also roll the dough between two sheets of parchment paper to avoid sticking and make cleanup easier.

How do I make the cookies crispier?

If you prefer crispier sugar cookies, bake them a little longer until golden brown all over, and consider rolling the dough thinner than 1/4 inch. Baking time and dough thickness influence crispiness greatly.

Can I decorate these cookies with icing?

Yes! These cookies provide a perfect canvas for any decoration. Royal icing, buttercream, or simple glaze will adhere nicely once the cookies are fully cooled.

Are these sugar cookies good for kids to help make?

Definitely. The steps are straightforward, and kids will love cutting out shapes and decorating. Just keep an eye on oven safety when it’s time to bake.

Final Thoughts

When you want a truly reliable and scrumptious sweet treat, you can’t go wrong with The Best Sugar Cookies Recipe. It brings simple ingredients together in a way that feels like a warm hug from the inside out. I hope you give this recipe a try and enjoy every buttery, tender bite as much as I do. Happy baking!

The Best Sugar Cookies Recipe

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These classic sugar cookies are tender, buttery, and perfectly sweetened. Rolled out and cut into your favorite shapes, they bake up golden at the edges with a soft, delicate center. Ideal for decorating or enjoying plain, these cookies bring nostalgic comfort and are perfect for any occasion.

• Author: Paula
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 8-12 minutes per batch
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: About 20 cookies
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Cookies

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg, at room temperature
• 1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
• 1 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Mix Butter and Sugar: In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the butter and sugar and beat until just combined, about 45 seconds. This helps create a smooth, creamy base for the dough.
2. Add Egg and Extracts: Incorporate the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract into the butter-sugar mixture, and beat well for about 1 minute until fully combined and smooth.
3. Add Dry Ingredients: Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing. Add the flour and salt and mix until combined and no streaks of flour remain, forming a smooth dough.
4. Chill the Dough: Shape the dough into a flat, oval disk and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least one hour or overnight to firm up the dough and improve the texture of the cookies.
5. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
6. Roll and Cut Cookie Dough: On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to a thickness of 1/4 inch. Cut out cookie shapes using your favorite cookie cutters. Carefully transfer the shapes to the prepared baking sheets.
7. Add Decorations (Optional): If desired, sprinkle the cookies with colored sugar for extra sparkle and sweetness before baking.
8. Bake: Bake the cookies for 8 to 12 minutes depending on their size—mini cookies about 8 minutes, medium about 10 minutes, and large approximately 12 minutes—until the edges are just golden brown.
9. Cool: Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheets or transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling before frosting or serving. Cooling ensures they set properly and prevents breakage when decorating.

Notes

• Chilling the dough is crucial for easier handling and prevents excessive spreading during baking.
• Use room temperature butter and egg for better mixing and texture.
• If you want crispier cookies, bake a minute or two longer but watch closely to avoid burning.
• Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
• For decorating, wait until cookies are completely cool before applying frosting or icing.