how to make sugar cookies recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best how to make sugar cookies recipe

I’ve been making this sugar cookie recipe for years, and it’s still a favorite in our household. The first time I tried this recipe, I was immediately hooked – the combination of the crispy edges and chewy center is just perfect.

My kids love helping me make these cookies, and they’re always excited to taste the finished product. I’ve made this recipe for countless family gatherings, parties, and even just as a fun activity with the kids on a rainy day.

The best part is that it’s incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few basic ingredients and some simple mixing and rolling techniques. I love that I can customize the flavor with different mix-ins like nuts or sprinkles, making each batch unique and fun.

Plus, these cookies are relatively healthy compared to other baked goods – they’re made with wholesome ingredients like butter, sugar, eggs, flour, and vanilla extract. My kids devour them in seconds, and I feel good knowing I’m giving them a tasty treat without loading them up with preservatives or artificial additives.

Classic Sugar Cookies

4.9 from 915 votes

These Classic Sugar Cookies are soft, sweet, and perfect for any occasion. They are easy to make and can be decorated with your favorite icing.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time10 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time30 mins
Servings: 24 cookiesCuisine: InternationalCalories: 75 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Dough

2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups white sugar
1 egg
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract

For Decoration

1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup powdered sugar

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat oven to 375°F.
2Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
4This should take about 3 minutes with an electric mixer.
5Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract.
Mix well.
6In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
7Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
8The dough should be slightly sticky.
9On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness.
10Use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
11Bake at 375°F for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
12Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
13In a saucepan, combine 1/2 cup sugar and 1/2 cup water.
14Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
15Remove from heat and let it cool.
16This will be used to make the icing.
17Once the icing has cooled, add powdered sugar to the sugar water mixture.
18Stir until smooth.
19Add food coloring if desired.
20Spread the icing over the cooled cookies and let it set before serving.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Electric mixer
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Rolling pin
Cookie cutters
Saucepan

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 75 kcal🧈Total Fat: 3g💛Saturated Fat: 2g❤️Cholesterol: 15mg🧂Sodium: 65mg🌾Total Carbs: 11g🥦Dietary Fiber: 0g🍬Sugars: 6g🥩Protein: 1g

📝Notes

Tips: For a fun twist, add sprinkles or other decorations to the icing before it sets. Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Sugar cookies are a versatile and delicious treat that can be enjoyed by everyone. They are perfect for any occasion and can be customized to suit your tastes.

This recipe is always a good idea for any occasion and works well for family gatherings. You can make them for holidays, birthdays, or just because.

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze the dough or baked cookies for up to 3 months. You can also experiment with different flavors and toppings to make them your own.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Sugar Cookies

1. What is the secret to making perfect sugar cookies?

The secret to making perfect sugar cookies lies in the technique of chilling the dough before baking. This allows the butter to firm up and gives the cookies their signature texture.

2. Can I use a different type of sugar in this recipe?

Yes, you can use a combination of white and brown sugar for a richer flavor or try using coconut sugar for a lower-glycemic option.

3. How do I get my cookies to retain their shape after baking?

To ensure your cookies retain their shape after baking, chill the dough before cutting out shapes with a cookie cutter.

4. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

You can make the dough ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours or freeze it for up to 2 months.

5. How do I store leftover sugar cookies?

You can store leftover sugar cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze them for up to 2 months.

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