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The Best Sugar Cookies Recipe

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3.8 from 7 reviews

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.

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.

Find it online: https://bitezly.com/the-best-sugar-cookies-recipe/