Description
These classic Sugar Cookies are soft, buttery, and perfectly sweet—ideal for cut-out shapes, frosting, decorating, or enjoying plain. They hold their shape beautifully and bake up tender every time.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract if using.
- Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Divide the dough in two, flatten into discs, wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness.
- Cut into shapes using cookie cutters and transfer to prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes, until edges are lightly golden.
- Cool completely before frosting or decorating if desired.
Notes
Chilling the dough helps the cookies hold their shape while baking. For a softer cookie, bake until the edges are just barely turning golden. Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Dough can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Cookies
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 65mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: sugar cookies, soft sugar cookies, classic sugar cookie recipe, cut-out cookies, Christmas cookies, easy sugar cookies