Delightfully soft and buttery, these sugar cookies are perfect for any occasion. Decorate them with icing, sprinkles, or enjoy them plain—the possibilities are endless! This recipe also includes tips and variations to customize your cookies.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- ½ tsp almond extract (optional)
- 2 ¾ cups (345g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
Optional Add-ins and Variations
- Zest of 1 lemon or orange for a citrusy touch
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon for a spiced version
- Colored sugar or sprinkles for decoration
Preparation
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 1–2 hours
Bake Time: 8–10 minutes per batch
Yield: About 24–30 cookies
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough:
• In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
• Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) until fully combined. - Mix Dry Ingredients:
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until a dough forms. - Chill the Dough:
• Divide the dough into two portions. Flatten each into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This helps the dough hold its shape during baking. - Preheat the Oven:
• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. - Roll and Cut:
• Roll out one disk of dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼-inch (6mm) thickness. Use cookie cutters to shape the dough as desired. - Decorate:
• Transfer the shapes to the prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart. Sprinkle with colored sugar or leave plain for decorating later. - Bake:
• Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Do not overbake to keep the cookies soft. - Cool:
• Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Optional Royal Icing for Decoration
- 2 cups (250g) powdered sugar
- 1–2 tbsp milk or water
- 1 tbsp light corn syrup
- Food coloring (optional)
Mix the powdered sugar, liquid, and corn syrup until smooth. Add food coloring if desired, and pipe or spread onto cooled cookies.
Tips for Success
- Keep Dough Cold: Chilled dough is easier to work with and prevents spreading during baking.
- Even Thickness: Use rolling pin guides or spacers for uniformly thick cookies.
- Customize Flavors: Swap almond extract for peppermint or coconut extract for variety.
Fun Twists
- Glitter Cookies: Roll the dough in edible glitter before baking for a festive look.
- Layered Sugar Cookies: Stack small and large cookie cutouts with icing in between for a 3D effect.
- Marbled Icing: Swirl multiple icing colors for a striking decoration.
Final Touch
Sugar cookies are as versatile as they are delicious. Whether you’re creating a colorful display for the holidays or enjoying a simple, buttery treat, these cookies are sure to impress.
Happy baking—don’t forget to share your creative decorations! 😊