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Sugar cookies just hit the spot. They always have! This recipe keeps it simple and yields the best sugar cookies each and every time. 

Sugar cookies with Christmas decorations

This is the ultimate sugar cookies recipe! It requires no chilling and the cookies keep their shape when baking. 

Sugar cookies are sweet, simple and perfect for holiday baking. In under 15 minutes of prep time, you will have a dough that you can rely on for all that holiday baking you have to do. 

Whether you are creating fun shapes or making a classic round cookies, sugar cookies are the most versatile cookies out there. You can dip them in chocolate and cover them in nuts, decorate them into snowmen or eat them plain. Whatever you do, be prepared to free your inner child! 

Sugar cookies in the hand

Sugar Cookies

There is rarely an occasion that sugar cookies don’t fit seamlessly into. It is so important to have the perfect sugar cookies recipe in your back pocket. I love this recipe because it’s easy, reliable and so darn tasty. 

With Christmas right around the corner, you are probably planning on hosting or attending a party. Take the guesswork out of what to bring and make a batch of sugar cookies! Everyone loves them and you can get super festive and decorate them according to the season. Read on for my best tips and tricks for making this classic cookie! 

How Sugar Cookies are Made

  • Prepare your ingredients and make sure your butter is softened at room temperature. In a small pan, combine the flour and baking powder.
  • Beat butter with sugar until smooth. Add in egg and vanilla extract and whip until combined.
  • Stir in flour mixture to butter mixture in small parts.
  • Beat until the dough turns crumbly.
  • Divide dough into small portions and roll to 1/4 inch thickness. Use a cookie cutter to cut your favorite shapes.
  • Bake cookies at 350°F for about 8 minutes.
  • Let cookies cool to a room temperature. Decorate and enjoy!
An egg and vanilla extract added to the bowl with sugar and butter
Flour being added into the bowl with the sugar mixture
Dough mixture in the mixing bowl
Doug rolled out on the table and the cookie cutter pressed into the dough

Tips for Making Sugar Cookies 

  • Use real butter. Do not use any kinds of substitutes like margarine, vegan butter or spreadable stuff. Only real butter works in this recipe!
  • Fully mix batter. Be sure that the dough is full incorporated and smooth. You don’t want any lumps of flour or butter!
  • Use room temperature butter. For a smooth and consistent dough, allow your butter to reach room temperature before you mix up you batter.
  • Don’t over bake your cookies. It might seem short, but only bake your cookies for 8 minutes. They may look underbaked, but trust me, they will harden as they cool and reach room temperature.
  • Allow your dough to reach room temperature prior to baking. If you plan on refrigerating your dough for later use, make sure you bring it to room temperature before baking. If you don’t, the cold dough will be shocked by the heat of the oven, causing uneven baking and burning.
  • If your dough is too crumbly, knead it with wet hands. If your dough is crumbly and falling apart, knead the dough with wet hands until it is nice and smooth.
Cutting out cookies

Freezing Sugar Cookies 

There are two ways to freeze sugar cookies: baked or unbaked. I prefer freezing the unbaked dough because you will preserve that freshbaked flavor. But, you can definitely freeze baked cookies as well. Here’s how to do both: 

Baked Cookies

First, bake your cookies according to the instructions. Then, allow them to cool completely. Store cookies between layers of parchment paper in an airtight container. You can freeze cookies for up to 2 months. Allow them to thaw in the refrigerator overnight when you’re ready to eat them.

Unbaked Cookies 

To freeze your dough, simply roll it into a ball or a log. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container. Freeze the dough for up to 2 months. When you are ready to bake, allow the dough to thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Then, make sure it reaches room temperature before you shape your cookies and bake them. 

Sugar cookies with frosting

FAQ

What thickness should sugar cookies be?

Roll your sugar cookies to about 1/4-inch thickness. Keep in mind that the thicker you roll them, the longer they will take to bake. Add a couple minutes and keep a close eye for when they turn slightly golden.

What do sugar cookies mean?

Sugar cookies are classic, standard cookies made with a sweet and neutral dough. They are perfect eaten plain or decorated with frosting and sprinkles.

Why are my sugar cookies puffy?

Adding too much sugar and butter can cause your cookies to spread and lose their shape. This creates a puffy texture that can result in a cookie that’s hard to decorate.

How long in advance can I make sugar cookies?

See instructions above for freezing your dough ahead of time. Always try to bake your cookies day-of for the freshest flavor. However, the day before will be just fine too.

Other Amazing Cookies You Will Love

Recipe

THE Perfect Sugar Cookies

Print Pin
Servings
40 cookies
Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 8 mins
Total Time 23 mins
Recipe contributed by: Natalya Drozhzhin
Sugar cookies just hit the spot. They always have! This recipe keeps it simple and yields the best sugar cookies each and every time.

Ingredients

US Units – Metric

Instructions

  • Prepare all ingredients. Be sure to use butter that is softened in a room temperature. In a small pan, combine the flour and baking powder.
    Ingredients on the table including; 2 sticks of butter, an egg, a shot glass with vanilla extract, a little bowl with baking powder, a bowl with sugar and a bowl with flour
  • Beat together butter with sugar, until the mixture is smooth. To the mixture, add in the egg and vanilla extract. Whip everything together until it's well combined.
    An egg and vanilla extract added to the bowl with sugar and butter
  • Stir the flour mixture into the butter mixture, adding it in small parts. The dough will be a bit crumbly, but that is OK.
    Flour being added into the bowl with the sugar mixture
  • Divide the dough into small parts and roll it out into a 1/4 inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out your favorite shapes.
    Doug rolled out on the table and the cookie cutter pressed into the dough
  • Bake cookies at 350°F on a lined baking sheet for about 8 minutes. Cookie time depends on the size of the cookies.
    Cut out cookies placed on a baking pan lined with a silicon mat
  • Let cookies cool to a room temperature and they are yours to enjoy!
    THE Perfect Sugar Cookies spread on the table in the shape of candy canes, presents, snowmen, mittens, ornaments, and snowflakes
Nutrition Facts
THE Perfect Sugar Cookies
Amount Per Serving
Calories 96 Calories from Fat 45
% Daily Value*
Fat 5g8%
Saturated Fat 3g15%
Cholesterol 16mg5%
Sodium 3mg0%
Potassium 43mg1%
Carbohydrates 12g4%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 5g6%
Protein 1g2%
Vitamin A 150IU3%
Calcium 16mg2%
Iron 0.5mg3%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Posted December 2, 2020

About Author

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Natalya Drozhzhin

Natalya founded Momsdish to demonstrate that placing a homemade meal on the table is not hard at all. Natalya makes cooking easier and approachable, by simplifying the ingredients, while still producing the same great taste.