Description
This Homemade Sugar Cookies recipe yields tender, buttery cookies perfect for any occasion. Featuring a simple dough with vanilla and optional almond extract, these cookies are easy to roll out and cut into fun shapes, then baked to a light golden perfection. Finish them off with your favorite royal icing, glaze, or buttercream and sprinkles for delightful treats that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 and 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (281g), spooned & leveled
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (170g)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar (150g)
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional for added flavor)
For Decorating
- Royal icing, easy glaze icing, or cookie buttercream
- Sprinkles or edible decorations (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (177°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later use.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together on high speed for about 3 minutes until the mixture is smooth and creamy, incorporating air for a tender cookie texture.
- Add egg and extracts: Add the large egg, pure vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat on medium speed for another minute until fully combined.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just incorporated. If the dough feels too soft or sticky, sprinkle in an extra tablespoon of flour to firm it up.
- Roll out the dough: Divide the dough into two equal portions. Lightly flour your work surface, then roll each portion out to approximately 1/4-inch thickness to ensure even baking.
- Cut shapes: Use cookie cutters to cut shapes from the rolled-out dough. Transfer the cut cookies carefully to the prepared baking sheets, spacing them slightly apart to allow for slight spreading.
- Bake the cookies: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 11 to 12 minutes, or until the edges turn a light golden color, indicating they are done but still soft in the center.
- Cool before decorating: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, preparing them for decorating.
- Decorate: Once fully cooled, decorate the cookies with your choice of royal icing, buttercream, or glaze icing. Sprinkle on desired edible decorations or sprinkles to personalize your treats.
Notes
- Ensure butter is softened at room temperature for easy creaming with sugar.
- If dough is too sticky to work with, add small amounts of flour cautiously to avoid dry cookies.
- Use parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking and ease cookie removal.
- Decorations are optional but add festive flair for holidays or celebrations.
- Store decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-5 days.
