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
Scale
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.