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    Home » Dessert » Best Sugar Cookies Recipe

    Best Sugar Cookies Recipe

    Published: Dec 11, 2020 · Modified: Jun 11, 2021 by Megan Porta · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    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.

    Stack of the best sugar cookies shaped like trees

    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!

    Check Out This Web Story On Sugar Cookies

    If you need the perfect recipe for making Christmas sugar cookies, check out the web story to see how easy it can be and then you can get to decorating!

    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.

    dough discs wrapped in plastic wrap

    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.

    small hand using cookie cutters to shape sugar cookies

    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.

    Assortment of halloween themed sugar cookies

    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.

    Christmas themed best sugar cookies with colored icing and decor

    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.

    Tiny Christmas tree shaped cookies with green icing

    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!
    Christmas themed cookies with icing and sprinkles

    Will you help add value to Pip and Ebby?
    If you make this recipe and love it, stop back and give it a 5-star rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and leave a comment. THANK YOU!

    Best Sugar Cookies Recipe

    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.
    4 from 1 vote
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 30 minutes minutes
    Chill time: 2 hours hours
    Servings: 36
    Calories: 121kcal
    Author: Megan Porta

    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

    Nutrition

    Calories: 121kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 23mg | Sodium: 213mg | Potassium: 20mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 171IU | Calcium: 5mg | Iron: 1mg
    Did you make this recipe?If you loved this recipe, please rate the recipe and leave a comment below!
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Jessica Powers

      December 15, 2022 at 9:41 am

      4 stars
      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.

      Reply
      • Megan Porta

        December 15, 2022 at 2:34 pm

        Thank you, I’ll update it.

        Reply
    2. Allison

      December 13, 2018 at 7:59 pm

      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??

      Reply
      • Megan Porta

        December 14, 2018 at 4:20 pm

        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.

        Reply
    3. Money Penny

      January 16, 2017 at 2:32 am

      Could these cookies ever be rolled and dipped in colored sugar and baked

      Reply
      • Megan Porta

        January 17, 2017 at 2:55 am

        Hello Money Penny! I think this would be delicious! Let me know how they turn out.
        Megan

        Reply
    4. Julie

      December 26, 2016 at 2:21 am

      Do you have the recipe for the icing also? I have an icing recipe, but it does not have that consistency. Thanks! Julie

      Reply
      • Megan Porta

        December 26, 2016 at 3:34 am

        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

        Reply

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