Sugar Cookies Recipe: A Step By Step Guide

Irresistible Sugar Cookies Recipe: A Sweet Treat for Every Occasion

There’s something magical about sugar cookies. With their soft, buttery texture and sweet vanilla flavor, they bring a sense of nostalgia and joy. Whether you’re decorating them for the holidays, baking with your kids on a rainy afternoon, or just craving something sweet and simple, sugar cookies are a classic that never goes out of style.

This sugar cookie recipe is perfect for all occasions. It’s easy to follow, produces cookies that hold their shape beautifully, and tastes divine with or without frosting. Let’s dive into how to make these delightful treats step by step.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Foolproof Results: This recipe is beginner-friendly and produces consistently great cookies.
Versatile: Customize the dough with fun shapes or leave it simple for a classic round cookie.
Perfect for Decorating: The cookies bake flat, making them an ideal canvas for icing and sprinkles.
Make-Ahead Friendly: The dough can be prepared in advance and stored until you’re ready to bake.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for these sugar cookies:

For the Dough:

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (or almond extract for a nutty twist)
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt

Optional Frosting:

2 cups powdered sugar
2-3 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Food coloring (optional)
Sprinkles for decorating

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This step incorporates air into the mixture, giving the cookies a soft texture.
Add the Egg and Vanilla:
Crack in the egg and pour in the vanilla extract. Beat the mixture again until well combined. The egg adds structure, while the vanilla enhances the flavor.
Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.
Chill the Dough:
Divide the dough into two discs, wrap them in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling is crucial for firming up the dough, making it easier to roll out and ensuring the cookies hold their shape during baking.

Step 2: Roll and Cut the Dough

Preheat the Oven:
While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
Roll Out the Dough:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to about ¼-inch thickness. Keep the rolling pin floured to prevent sticking.
Cut Out Shapes:
Use cookie cutters of your choice to cut out shapes. Transfer the cookies to the prepared baking sheets, leaving about an inch of space between each one.
Re-roll Scraps:
Gather the dough scraps, roll them out again, and cut more cookies. Repeat with the second disc of dough.

Step 3: Bake the Cookies

Bake:
Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. The key is to avoid overbaking for soft cookies.
Cool:
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 4: Decorate (Optional)

Prepare the Frosting:
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add more milk if needed for a thinner consistency.
Color the Frosting:
Divide the frosting into separate bowls and mix in food coloring as desired.
Decorate the Cookies:
Use a spoon, piping bag, or squeeze bottle to apply the frosting to the cookies. Top with sprinkles or edible glitter for a festive touch.
Let the Frosting Set:
Allow the decorated cookies to sit for 1-2 hours at room temperature so the frosting can harden.

Tips for Perfect Sugar Cookies

Chill the Dough: This is non-negotiable! Chilling prevents the cookies from spreading too much in the oven.
Measure Flour Correctly: Too much flour can make the cookies dense. Use a spoon to scoop the flour into your measuring cup, then level it off with a knife.
Work Quickly: Roll and cut the dough while it’s still cold for the best results. If it becomes too warm, pop it back in the fridge for a few minutes.
Avoid Overbaking: The cookies should look slightly underbaked when you take them out. They’ll firm up as they cool.

Storing and Freezing

Storing:

Keep your sugar cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If decorated, layer parchment paper between the cookies to protect the frosting.

Freezing:

Dough: Wrap the chilled dough discs tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before rolling out.
Baked Cookies: Freeze undecorated cookies in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Let them thaw completely before decorating.

Variations

Add Zest: Mix in lemon or orange zest for a citrusy twist.
Spiced Cookies: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, holiday flavor.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend for all-purpose flour.

Why Sugar Cookies Are Timeless

Sugar cookies are more than just a treat; they’re a tradition. From cutting out festive shapes during the holidays to enjoying their buttery simplicity year-round, they bring people together. Plus, they’re endlessly adaptable, letting you get as creative as you like with shapes, colors, and decorations.

Conclusion

With this foolproof sugar cookie recipe, you’ll have a batch of tender, buttery cookies that are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re decorating with family or savoring them with a cup of tea, these cookies are sure to bring smiles. So, grab your rolling pin and get started on a batch of sweet memories today!