Description
Perfect Sugar Cookies are a fun, easy recipe that turns simple pantry staples into buttery, soft-centered cut-out cookies with crisp edges that are perfect for decorating. These cookies are ideal for holiday baking, party desserts, easy dessert ideas, homemade food ideas, and sweet treat platters when you want a reliable recipe that looks beautiful and tastes classic.
Ingredients
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
Instructions
1. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
2. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and creamy.
3. Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until fully combined.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix on low speed until a soft dough forms.
5. Divide the dough into two disks, wrap well, and chill for at least 1 hour.
6. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
7. Roll the dough on a lightly floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness.
8. Cut into shapes and place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets.
9. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until the edges are set but not deeply browned.
10. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before decorating.
Notes
Chilling the dough is the key to clean cookie shapes and less spreading.
For softer cookies, remove them from the oven as soon as the edges are set.
Let the cookies cool completely before adding icing or sprinkles for the neatest finish.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: perfect sugar cookies, sugar cookies, cut out sugar cookies, easy dessert, holiday cookies, decorated cookies, homemade cookies, dessert ideas, food ideas