Why You'll Love These Classic Sugar Cookies
These classic sugar cookies are soft, buttery, and easy to work with, making them perfect for decorating or enjoying plain. This recipe has been tested to create cookies that hold their shape while baking, making it ideal for holidays, birthdays, and special occasions. Whether you're baking with kids or preparing cookies for an event, these sugar cookies offer reliable results every time.
Unlike overly crisp or dry sugar cookies, this recipe balances flavor and texture, producing cookies that stay soft for days when stored properly. They pair beautifully with royal icing, glaze, or simple sanding sugar, and can be customized with flavors like vanilla, almond, or lemon.
Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon milk (optional – for softer dough)
Tip: Measure flour correctly by spooning and leveling for best texture.
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
- Add egg and vanilla extract. Mix until fully combined.
- Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Mix until a soft dough forms. If the dough feels crumbly, add 1 tablespoon of milk.
- Divide dough into two discs, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Roll dough to 1/4 inch thick on a lightly floured surface.
- Cut into shapes using cookie cutters and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until edges are just barely turning golden.
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before decorating.
Tip: These cookies are best decorated after they've cooled completely.
Royal Icing Recipe
Perfect for decorating your sugar cookies!
Ingredients
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons meringue powder
- 6 tablespoons warm water
- Gel food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine powdered sugar and meringue powder.
- Add warm water and mix on medium-high for 1–2 minutes.
- When the icing forms soft peaks, it's ready.
- For outlining: use icing as is.
- For flooding: add water 1 teaspoon at a time until it reaches a smooth, pourable consistency.
- Color with gel food coloring if desired.
💡 Tips & Variations
- Chill the dough: Chilling prevents spreading and keeps cookies thick.
- Measure flour correctly: Spoon and level for best texture.
- Do not overbake: Remove cookies when edges are just set.
- Cool before decorating: Warm cookies will melt icing.
- Flavor variations: Replace half the vanilla with almond extract for almond cookies, or add lemon zest for lemon cookies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze sugar cookie dough?
Yes. Dough can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before rolling.
Why did my cookies spread?
Spreading is usually caused by warm dough or too little flour. Chilling the dough helps prevent this.
What icing works best for decorating?
Royal icing is best for detailed decorating and piping, while glaze icing works well for simple designs and drizzles.
How long do these cookies stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies will stay fresh for up to 5 days.
Can I make these cookies in advance?
Yes. You can prepare the dough days in advance and store it in the refrigerator, or freeze it for up to 3 months.
What's the best way to store decorated cookies?
Store decorated cookies in a single layer in an airtight container. Avoid stacking to prevent icing from cracking or peeling.
Storage & Shelf Life
Store plain cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For decorated cookies, ensure the icing has completely dried before stacking, and store in a single layer to prevent damage. You can also freeze dough for up to 3 months, or baked cookies for up to 1 month in an airtight freezer-safe container.
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