Description
Looking for a no-fail, classic sugar cookie recipe that’s buttery, soft, and holds its shape perfectly for decorating? These Perfect Sugar Cookies are ideal for every occasion—from holiday bakes to birthday treats and anytime you need a comforting, sweet bite. With simple pantry ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, this is your new go-to recipe for crowd-pleasing, beautifully iced cookies. Great for baking with kids, gifting, or pairing with tea, they check all the boxes for easy recipe ideas, food ideas for parties, and dessert inspiration.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1.5 teaspoons vanilla extract
2.5 cups all-purpose flour
0.5 teaspoon baking powder
0.5 teaspoon salt
Instructions
1. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
2. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until a soft dough forms.
5. Divide the dough in half, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
6. Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness.
7. Cut into shapes using cookie cutters and place on a lined baking sheet.
8. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes until edges are slightly golden.
9. Let cookies cool completely before decorating with icing or sprinkles.
10. Store in an airtight container or freeze for later enjoyment.
Notes
For a crisper cookie, bake closer to 10 minutes. For softer centers, stick to 8 minutes.
Chill the dough thoroughly to help cookies hold their shape when cutting and baking.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 55mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 25mg