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Sugar Cookies Recipe: Easy Classic Homemade Cookies for Decorating

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This classic sugar cookies recipe yields tender, buttery cookies that hold their shape perfectly for decorating. With simple pantry ingredients and foolproof instructions, these cookies are ideal for holidays, parties, or everyday baking fun.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (345g)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder (5g)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (2g)
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (226g)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar (200g)
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract (7ml)
  • Optional: 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (2ml)
  • For decorating: royal icing or simple glaze (powdered sugar + milk + vanilla)
  • Sprinkles (any color or style you like)
  • Food coloring (gel colors recommended)

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, beat unsalted butter with granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
  3. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract (and almond extract, if using) until fully incorporated.
  4. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
  5. Divide the dough into two flat discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight). For a quick chill, 30 minutes in the freezer works.
  6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
  7. On a lightly floured surface, roll one disc of dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Dust rolling pin and dough with flour as needed.
  8. Use cookie cutters to cut shapes and transfer to prepared baking sheets about 1 inch apart. Gather scraps, reroll, and cut until all dough is used.
  9. Bake for 8-10 minutes, until cookies look set and just barely golden at the edges.
  10. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  11. Once cool, decorate with icing, glaze, or sprinkles. Allow royal icing to set before stacking or storing.

Notes

Chill the dough for at least 1 hour to prevent spreading. For best results, bake one test cookie to check oven temperature and timing. Dip cookie cutters in flour for clean edges. Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days, or freeze undecorated cookies for up to 2 months. For gluten-free or vegan adaptations, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and plant-based butter with a flax egg.

Nutrition

Keywords: sugar cookies, classic sugar cookies, easy sugar cookies, sugar cookies for decorating, holiday cookies, cut-out cookies, baking, dessert, Christmas cookies, kid-friendly

Find it online: https://tessierecipes.com/sugar-cookies-recipe-easy-classic-homemade-cookies-for-decorating/