Description
These soft, chewy sugar cookies are the perfect treat for any occasion! Made with a simple blend of butter, sugar, and vanilla, they create the ideal base for decorating. Whether you’re making cut-out sugar cookies for the holidays or just enjoying a sweet snack, this recipe guarantees a melt-in-your-mouth texture with a delicate balance of sweetness. The best part? They stay soft for days, making them perfect for gifting or sharing with loved ones.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 and 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (281g), spooned & leveled
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (170g)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar (150g)
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional for added flavor)
- For decorating: royal icing, easy glaze icing, or cookie buttercream, plus sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together on high speed for about 3 minutes, until smooth and creamy.
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using), and beat for another minute until combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low until incorporated. If the dough is too soft, add 1 tablespoon of flour.
- Divide the dough into two equal portions. Roll each portion out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thick.
- Cut the dough into shapes using cookie cutters, then transfer the cookies to the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 11-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack.
- Once cooled, decorate the cookies with royal icing, buttercream, or glaze icing. Add sprinkles or edible decorations as desired.
Notes
- To prevent your cookies from spreading too much while baking, chill the dough for at least 1-2 hours before rolling it out.
- If you prefer softer cookies, bake them just until the edges are slightly golden. Overbaking can lead to crispier cookies.
- For a festive touch, feel free to tint your icing with food coloring to match any holiday theme.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: Sugar cookie recipe, Soft sugar cookies, Cut-out sugar cookies, Holiday sugar cookies, Vanilla sugar cookies, Easy sugar cookies, Iced sugar cookies