These are the best sugar cookies you’ll ever eat. They are super easy to make (requiring only 7 ingredients) and they’re perfect for decorating.
Original post: December 2016 | Updated: December 2020
For the record, I am a huge advocate for homemade sugar cookies. Why? Because they only require a few ingredients to make, all of which are already sitting in your kitchen.
Also because they just could not be any easier and they’re so much more delicious than anything you can purchase at the store. Plus, you can decide which shapes to turn your cookies into and how to decorate them!
I tested this recipe for years before declaring these the best sugar cookies your lips will ever taste and your hands will ever make. You’ll never need another sugar cookie recipe ever again!
HOW TO MAKE THE BEST SUGAR COOKIES
STEP 1
Using a stand or hand mixer, beat together the butter and sugar on medium speed for 3 minutes in a large bowl. Add the eggs and almond extract and beat until just incorporated.
In a medium bowl, combine dry ingredients: whisk together the flour, baking soda salt. Gradually add in the flour mixture until just combined.
Shape dough into two disks and wrap each in plastic wrap. Chill the dough for a minimum of 2 hours.
STEP 2
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to 1/4-inch thickness. Using cookie cutters, cut the dough into desired shapes.
Place on prepared baking sheets. Roll out excess dough and repeat process until dough is gone.
STEP 3
Bake in preheated oven for 8 to 12 minutes, or until edges are very lightly golden. Let cool to room temperature on wire racks before decorating with icing or sprinkles, if desired.
RECIPE NOTES
- The smaller the cut-outs you use and the smaller the size of the cookie, the shorter the baking time. Keep a close eye starting around the 8-minute mark.
- The options are endless for decorating sugar cookies! A light dusting of powdered sugar is a simple route to go. A simple icing is also a great choice.
- A thin layer of buttercream frosting with sprinkles is festive, fun and delicious!
- Add a few drops of food coloring to the dough for colorful cookies to match your occasion!
- This dough freezes well, so if you don’t have time to roll out and make all of the cookies in one sitting throw them in the freezer for later use! When you are ready to make cookies, allow the dough to thaw completely before rolling out.
- Replace almond extract with vanilla extract for a less “Christmassy” flavor.
- Be careful not to over-beat OR over-bake the dough/cookies.
- This easy recipe can be stored either in the fridge or at room temperature.
WHY CHILL COOKIE DOUGH
The reason many cookie recipes require dough to be chilled is because refrigeration helps to solidify the fat. When the cookies are put into the oven chilled, the fat in the dough (the butter or oil) takes longer to warm up, causing less spreading.
HOW TO CLEAN COOKIE SHEETS
If you have extra grimy cookie sheets, sprinkle a thin layer of baking soda over the surface and cover with hydrogen peroxide. Let it sit for 1 hour and scrub the surface using a dish scrubber. Wash with dish soap!
WHY ARE MY COOKIES FLAT
If your cookies are coming out of the oven looking flat, you either haven’t used the appropriate leavening agents (in this case, baking soda) or you have used too little flour.
If the cookies are flat and greasy, you may have used too much butter. Follow baking recipes very closely to avoid making flat cookies!
HOW TO KEEP COOKIES SOFT
For optimal cookie softness, allow them to cool completely after coming out of the oven and store as stated in the directions. Some cookies store best in the fridge while others store well while covered at room temperature.
BEST TREATS FOR HOLIDAY BAKING
- These delicious Chewy Gingersnaps are the perfect chewy treat. Plus they are super easy to make. Flavored with molasses and spices and the finishing touch – topped with simple icing!
- Triple Chocolate Cookies with Peppermint Frosting are already a thick, perfect cookie but Nutella sets them over the edge in goodness.
- This gorgeous holiday punch can be made with or without alcohol and is a refreshing addition to your party table. Only FIVE ingredients and FIVE minutes of your time are needed to make this thirst-quenching festive punch that everyone will love!
- Hot Cocoa Cookies are like enjoying a cup of hot chocolate, except in cookie form. Chocolate oozes from the centers of these marshmallow-topped treats.
- Check out this delicious roundup of Christmas goodies!
- Sugared Pecans are a tasty little snack. Yummy spices, butter and sugars create an easy treat! Perfect for gift-giving, too!
- These are the BEST Gingerbread Cookies you’ll find! Super easy to make and loved by everyone. Great for the holidays!
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Best Sugar Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup salted butter softened (2 sticks)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 tsp almond extract
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Using a stand or hand-held mixer, beat together the butter and sugar on medium speed for 3 minutes. Add the eggs and almond extract and beat until just incorporated. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda salt. Gradually add in the flour mixture until just combined.
- Shape dough into two disks and wrap each in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to 1/4-inch thickness. Using cookie cutters, cut the dough into desired shapes. Place on prepared baking sheets. Roll out excess dough and repeat process until dough is gone.
- Bake in preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until edges are very lightly golden. Let cool completely before decorating with icing or sprinkles, if desired.
Notes
- The smaller the cut-outs you use and the smaller the size of the cookie, the shorter the baking time. Keep a close eye starting around the 8-minute mark.
- The options are endless for decorating sugar cookies! A light dusting of powdered sugar is a simple route to go. A simple icing is also a great choice.
- A thin layer of buttercream frosting with sprinkles is festive, fun and delicious!
- Add a few drops of food coloring to the dough for colorful cookies to match your occasion!
- This dough freezes well, so if you don’t have time to roll out and make all of the cookies in one sitting throw them in the freezer for later use! When you are ready to make cookies, allow the dough to thaw completely before rolling out.
- Replace almond extract with vanilla extract for a less “Christmassy” flavor.
- Be careful not to over-beat OR over-bake the dough/cookies.
- This easy recipe can be stored either in the fridge or at room temperature
Do NOT use 2 tsp of salt in this recipe! Way too much! Luckily I noticed this misprint before I added it! used 1 tsp and it STILL was too salty. I’d cut this back to a half tsp with the salted butter.
Thank you, I’ll update it.
Why is baking soda in the ingredient list but not called for in the instructions? Also why is it the 7th ingredient in a “six ingredient” recipe? Am I supposed to use baking soda or not??
Allison, thank you for bringing this to my attention! I will update the instructions because you DO want to use baking soda in this recipe.
Could these cookies ever be rolled and dipped in colored sugar and baked
Hello Money Penny! I think this would be delicious! Let me know how they turn out.
Megan
Do you have the recipe for the icing also? I have an icing recipe, but it does not have that consistency. Thanks! Julie
Hi Julie! I always use store-bought icing (Betty Crocker makes GREAT icing pouches!), but if you are looking to make your own try starting with 1 cup of powdered sugar and add 1 tablespoon of milk at a time until the desired consistency is reached. I hope this helps! Enjoy!
Megan