These are the BEST EVER Easy Sugar Cookies. They are super easy to make (requiring only 7 ingredients) and they are perfect for decorating. You will never need another sugar cookie recipe again!
My favorite time of year is upon us. Wait, let me rephrase that. It is my favorite non-favorite time of year. It can be such a crazy busy time, am I right?! With each passing year I try to do one additional thing that eases stress. A couple years ago I decided that I’d start making a gigantic batch of sugar cookies at the very beginning of the season to freeze and decorate as opportunities pop up throughout the season. This has been a game changer.
And 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 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 it the best. And it IS the best soft sugar cookie recipe you’ll ever have in your hungry little hands. You’ll never need another one ever again!
WATCH THIS TUTORIAL TO SEE HOW TO MAKE SUGAR COOKIES!
HOW TO MAKE THE WORLD’S 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.
CHRISTMAS SUGAR COOKIE RECIPE NOTES
Keep in mind that the smaller the cut-outs you use and the smaller the size of the cookie, the shorter the baking time will be (hence the reason for such a broad time frame listed). 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. Even a thin layer of buttercream frosting with sprinkles is festive, fun and delicious! Or 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 use the dough, allow it to thaw completely either in the fridge or at room temperature 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 store 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 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! Enjoy making these, as they are the perfect holiday baking cookie recipe!
Triple Chocolate Cookies with Peppermint Frosting are already a thick, perfect cookie but Nutella sets them over the edge in goodness. You can’t skip topping them with decadent peppermint buttercream frosting because it transforms them into the perfect dessert. It’s a fun holiday flavor and they look pretty too!
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. These rich cookies are perfect for holiday parties and dessert trays!
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!
Best Ever Sugar Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup salted butter softened (2 sticks)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large 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.
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
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
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.