The Perfect Sugar Cookies Recipe for Sweet Homemade Treats

Sweet, buttery, and irresistibly soft, these perfect sugar cookies recipe are a true delight for anyone with a love for classic treats.

Baking these cookies fills your kitchen with an enchanting aroma that beckons everyone closer.

Each bite promises a melt-in-your-mouth experience that connects you to cherished memories.

The simple ingredients come together effortlessly, creating a canvas for delicate sweetness and pure comfort.

Crisp edges and tender centers make these cookies a standout among dessert favorites.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving something deliciously simple, these sugar cookies will become your new go-to recipe.

Prepare to fall in love with the most delightful cookie you’ll ever taste.

FAQs

• Why use almond extract in sugar cookies?

Almond extract adds a subtle, nutty flavor that enhances the sweetness of the cookies and provides a more complex taste profile compared to using vanilla alone.

• How do I prevent my sugar cookies from spreading while baking?

Chilling the dough for 1-2 hours before baking helps the cookies maintain their shape and prevents excessive spreading during the baking process.

• Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cookie dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 2 weeks, making it convenient for future baking.

• What's the best way to roll out cookie dough evenly?

Using parchment paper and rolling the dough between two sheets helps create an even thickness and prevents the dough from sticking to the rolling pin or surface.

Perfect Sugar Cookies What Makes Them Irresistible

• These sugar cookies transform into stunning decorations for any celebration, from birthdays to holidays, making them a baker's secret weapon for creating memorable moments.
• Beginners can confidently create professional-looking cookies with basic mixing and rolling skills, requiring minimal specialized baking equipment.
• Easily adapt the recipe by changing extract flavors, adding colorful sprinkles, or designing unique shapes that showcase personal artistic flair.
• Prepare these delightful cookies in stages, allowing flexible baking that fits busy schedules while guaranteeing a delicious homemade treat everyone will love.

Everything for Baking Perfect Sugar Cookies

• All-Purpose Flour: The foundational ingredient that provides structure and texture to the sugar cookies.
• Baking Powder: A leavening agent that helps the cookies rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the cookies.

• Unsalted Butter: Creates a rich, creamy base that contributes to the soft and tender texture of the cookies.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a crisp exterior with a soft interior.
• Egg: Binds the ingredients together and provides structure to the cookie dough.
• Vanilla Extract, Almond Extract: Adds depth and complexity to the cookie's flavor profile.

• Extra Flour: Used to adjust the dough's consistency if it becomes too sticky during preparation.
• Parchment Paper: Helps with rolling and prevents the cookies from sticking during preparation and baking.

Equipment Checklist for Sugar Cookie Magic

• Stand Mixer or Electric Mixer: Essential for creaming butter and sugar to smooth, fluffy perfection and mixing ingredients efficiently.
• Medium Mixing Bowl: Perfect for combining dry ingredients with precise whisking.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Parchment Paper: Key for rolling dough and preventing sticking during baking.
• Rolling Pin: Needed to evenly roll cookie dough to consistent 1/4-inch thickness.
• Cookie Cutters: Great for creating fun, uniform cookie shapes.
• Baking Sheets: Necessary for baking cookies to golden-brown deliciousness.
• Cooling Rack: Helps cookies cool evenly and maintain crisp edges.
• Offset Spatula or Thin Turner: Useful for transferring delicate cut-out cookies.

Step by Step Perfect Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Dry Mixture

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined and no lumps remain.

Step 2: Whip Butter And Sweetener

Using an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar on high speed until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and smooth, continuing for about 3-4 minutes to ensure complete integration.

Step 3: Incorporate Liquid Components

Add egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the butter mixture.

Beat thoroughly until all ingredients are seamlessly blended, approximately 1-2 minutes.

Step 4: Create Cookie Dough

Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet mixture using low mixer speed.

If the dough appears too sticky, sprinkle additional flour sparingly until achieving a manageable consistency.

Step 5: Shape And Flatten Dough

Divide the prepared dough into two equal portions.

Roll each section between sheets of parchment paper, aiming for a consistent 1/4-inch thickness.

Step 6: Chill Cookie Dough

Layer the rolled dough sheets with parchment paper between them.

Refrigerate for 1-2 hours to firm up the dough and enhance flavor development.

Step 7: Cut And Bake Cookies

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Use cookie cutters to create desired shapes from chilled dough.

Arrange on baking sheet and bake until edges turn light golden brown, approximately 11-12 minutes.

Helpful Hints for Sugar Cookie Success

• Use fresh, sifted all-purpose flour to ensure smooth, consistent cookie texture without lumps.
• Let butter soften at room temperature for 30 minutes before mixing to achieve perfect creamy consistency.
• Swap almond extract with orange or lemon zest for a bright, citrusy flavor twist.
• Always refrigerate dough for at least an hour to prevent spreading and maintain crisp cookie shapes during baking.
• Use an oven thermometer to confirm accurate baking temperature for evenly golden cookies.

Fun Sugar Cookie Customizations

• Gluten-Free Cookies: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free blend for celiac or wheat-sensitive bakers.
• Vegan Sugar Cookies: Swap butter with coconut oil and use egg replacement like flax egg or applesauce to create plant-based version.
• Citrus Zest Cookies: Add orange or lemon zest to dough for bright, refreshing flavor profile that enhances classic sugar cookie taste.
• Spiced Holiday Version: Mix in ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom for warm, festive undertones perfect for winter celebrations.

Serving Perfect Sugar Cookies to Guests

• Holiday Party Platter: Arrange cookies on festive ceramic tray with fresh mint leaves and powdered sugar dusting for elegant presentation.
• Colorful Decorating Station: Set up royal icing, sprinkles, and food coloring for guests to personalize their own sugar cookies with creative designs.
• Afternoon Tea Companion: Serve cookies alongside chamomile tea or hot chocolate for a delightful sweet break during relaxed gatherings.
• Gift-Worthy Packaging: Pack cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with decorative ribbons for charming homemade gifts perfect for teachers, neighbors, or family.

Keeping Sugar Cookies Fresh After Baking

• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers. Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and prevent crumbling.
• Wrap completely cooled cookies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months without losing texture or flavor.
• Wrap unbaked cookie dough in plastic wrap, place in freezer bag. Freeze for 2-3 months. Thaw in refrigerator overnight before rolling and baking.
• Warm refrigerated or thawed cookies in oven at 300F for 3-5 minutes. Restore crisp edges and soft center without overcooking.

Perfect Sugar Cookies Recipe

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4.8 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 42 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Homemade sugar cookies shine with buttery sweetness and delicate edges. Classic American treats bring comfort and joy to home bakers seeking simple, delightful desserts you can share with friends and family.

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Ingredients

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Dry Ingredients:

• 2.25 cups (281g) all-purpose flour
• 0.5 teaspoon baking powder
• 0.25 teaspoon salt

Sweeteners and Flavor Enhancers:

• 0.75 cup (150g) granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 0.25 or 0.5 teaspoon almond extract (optional)

Wet Ingredients:

• 0.75 cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 1 large egg, at room temperature

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Instructions

1. Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium mixing bowl, ensuring a uniform, lump-free dry mixture.
2. Using an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar at high speed until the mixture becomes pale, fluffy, and smooth, approximately 3 minutes.
3. Incorporate the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract into the butter mixture, beating until thoroughly blended and creating a uniform consistency.
4. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients using low-speed mixing, adjusting with additional flour if the dough appears excessively sticky or soft.
5. Separate the dough into two equal portions, then carefully roll each section between sheets of parchment paper to achieve a consistent 1/4-inch thickness.
6. Layer the rolled dough sheets with parchment paper between them, then refrigerate for 1-2 hours to firm up and enhance flavor development.
7. After chilling, remove dough and cut desired shapes using cookie cutters, placing them on a prepared baking sheet with adequate spacing.
8. Preheat oven to 350°F and bake cookies for 11-12 minutes, watching for delicate golden-brown edges as an indication of perfect doneness.

Notes

• Ensure butter is softened at room temperature for smooth, even mixing without overmixing.
• Add extra flour gradually if dough feels too sticky, preventing tough cookies by maintaining delicate texture.
• Chill dough thoroughly to prevent spreading and maintain crisp, clean cookie shapes during baking.
• Experiment with flavor variations by swapping almond extract with other extracts like orange or lemon for unique taste profiles.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 143
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 50mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 19g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 15mg