If you’ve been searching for a delightful treat that strikes the perfect balance between buttery richness and sweet simplicity, then you are going to adore The Best Sugar Cookies Recipe. These cookies boast a soft yet slightly crisp texture, kissed with just the right hint of vanilla and almond to make every bite melt-in-your-mouth irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a festive occasion or simply craving a classic homemade dessert, this recipe promises to bring joy to your kitchen and smiles to everyone who tastes them.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The best sugar cookies begin with a handful of simple pantry staples that together create a dough that’s both easy to work with and wonderfully flavorful. Each ingredient plays an important role in crafting the cookie’s texture, taste, and appearance.
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure for a tender crumb without being too dense.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise ever so slightly, creating a light texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Works with baking soda to ensure a balanced rise.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and moisture, making the cookies delectably soft.
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and adds a slight crunch when rolled on the outside.
- 1 large egg: Binds all ingredients together and contributes to that perfect chewy texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances sweetness with warm, aromatic flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional): Gives a subtle nutty twist that elevates the cookies’ flavor.
- 3–4 tablespoons milk (as needed): Moistens the dough just enough to make it pliable without being sticky.
- Additional sugar for rolling: Creates a charming, sparkling coating that caramelizes slightly when baked.
How to Make The Best Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), and line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even baking. Getting this step done right away makes the whole process smooth and stress-free.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder. This ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed, setting the stage for perfectly risen cookies.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
Using a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This aeration is key for tender cookies that melt on your tongue.
Step 4: Add Egg and Extracts
Beat in the egg along with the vanilla extract and almond extract, if using. These ingredients add depth and warmth to the cookie’s flavor profile that you’ll love.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough. If the dough feels dry, add milk one tablespoon at a time until the perfect consistency is reached—soft but not sticky.
Step 6: Shape and Coat
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, then roll each ball in additional granulated sugar. This little extra step gives the cookies a delightful sparkle and subtle crunch on the exterior.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Place the sugar-coated dough balls on the lined baking sheets about 2 inches apart, and gently flatten each one with the bottom of a glass. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges begin to show a lovely golden hue. Let them cool briefly on the pan, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve The Best Sugar Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these sugar cookies shine on their own, you can add some fun garnishes like a sprinkle of colored sugar, edible glitter, or a drizzle of icing to match any celebration or mood. They’re also fantastic with a light dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant touch.
Side Dishes
Pair your sugar cookies with classic accompaniments like a cold glass of milk or a hot cup of tea or coffee to complement their sweet, buttery profile. For a festive touch, try serving them alongside fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Creative Ways to Present
Present these cookies stacked on a decorative platter with fresh herbs like mint or edible flowers for a charming display. You might also sandwich two cookies around jam or frosting for an irresistible cookie treat that looks as good as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cooled, store leftover sugar cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and delicious for up to a week, maintaining their soft, chewy texture with a gently crisp edge.
Freezing
You can freeze the cookie dough in balls wrapped tightly in plastic or freeze baked cookies layered between parchment. This is perfect for preparing ahead of time. Cookies freeze well for up to 3 months; just thaw before serving.
Reheating
To enjoy cookies warm, pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5 minutes or microwave for about 10 seconds. This gently softens the cookie and revives that fresh-from-the-oven feeling.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but reduce or omit any added salt in the recipe, as salted butter will add some saltiness. Unsalted butter allows full control over the flavor balance.
What if I don’t have almond extract?
Almond extract is optional and can be omitted; the cookies will still be delicious with just vanilla extract as the primary flavor.
How do I make the cookies thicker?
Chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This firms it up, which helps the cookies spread less and bake thicker.
Can I decorate these cookies with icing?
Absolutely! These sugar cookies work wonderfully as a base for royal icing or buttercream, perfect for holidays and special occasions.
Why did my cookies turn out cakey?
If the dough is overmixed or too much baking powder is used, cookies can end up cakey. Measure ingredients carefully and mix until just incorporated for the perfect texture.
Final Thoughts
I’m genuinely excited for you to try The Best Sugar Cookies Recipe because it’s such a simple yet incredibly satisfying treat that always wins hearts. Baking these cookies fills your home with comforting aromas and reminds you that classic, homemade desserts never go out of style. Enjoy every bite and don’t hesitate to share this sweet joy with your favorite people!
Print
The Best Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These classic sugar cookies are soft, buttery, and perfectly sweet. Easy to make and ideal for holidays or any occasion, they offer a tender crumb with a delightful sugar-crusted exterior. Customize them with colored sugar or icing for festive celebrations.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 3–4 tablespoons milk (as needed)
Additional
- Additional granulated sugar for rolling
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and baking powder until well combined.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the dough.
- Add Eggs and Extracts: Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract if using; mix thoroughly to fully incorporate.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Adjust Dough Consistency: If the dough feels too dry, add milk one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough reaches a soft but workable consistency.
- Shape Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball in granulated sugar to coat evenly, giving the cookies a sweet, crunchy exterior.
- Arrange and Flatten: Place the sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets spaced about 2 inches apart. Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass to form discs.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges start to turn golden brown, indicating they are perfectly baked.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring they set properly.
Notes
- For crispier cookies, bake 1–2 minutes longer to achieve a firmer texture.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to create thicker cookies that hold their shape better.
- Decorate with colored sugar or icing for festive holiday variations and added visual appeal.
