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Best Sugar Cookies Recipe

December 11, 2020 by Megan Porta 6 Comments

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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!

WATCH THIS TUTORIAL TO SEE HOW TO MAKE THE BEST SUGAR COOKIES!

 

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: SUGAR COOKIES

  • 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 COOKIES FOR HOLIDAY BAKING

Add these delicious cookies to your holiday baking list, too!

  • 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.
  • These Chocolate Kiss Cream Cheese Cookies are a great dessert for gatherings any time of the year. They are light, creamy and sugary, with just the perfect kiss of milk chocolate!
  • 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.
  • Oreo Balls are an easy no-bake dessert requiring only three ingredients! This easy dessert is great for the holidays or any time of year. Decorate with colored sprinkles to be festive and match the occasion.
  • 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

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.
Print Pin Rate
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: how do i make sugar cookies
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Chill time: 2 hours
Servings: 36
Calories: 121kcal

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
  • 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

Filed Under: Dessert, Latest, Popular Tagged With: Baking, Christmas baking, Christmas Day, Cookies, Dessert, Easter, Holiday baking, Holiday Baking Party, Holiday Party, Icing, Kid Friendly, Sugar, Treats

Previous Post: « Peanut Butter Buckeye Balls Recipe
Next Post: Easy Antipasto Skewers Recipe »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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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