Sugar Cookies

This sugar cookie recipe is simple, never fails, and holds its shape perfectly! It doesn’t spread, making it ideal for icing and decorating.

Published: November 23, 2024 by Pamela

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I swear by this sugar cookie recipe, it’s my ultimate go-to! Back when I ran a home bakery, I made and sold hundreds of cookies every month, and sugar cookies were always a bestseller. During Christmas, it felt like my kitchen turned into a cookie factory, and this recipe never let me down, even during the busiest times.

This is the easiest recipe for sugar cookies you’ll find. It’s foolproof, super simple to make, and works perfectly for cut-outs or classic round cookies. Oh, and, it’s absolutely delicious!

Understanding the Ingredients

• Unsalted Butter: Butter is the base of this recipe, creating a rich, tender texture and helping the dough hold its shape. Using unsalted butter gives you full control over the saltiness in your cookies.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and structure to the cookies while helping create a slightly crisp edge. It also helps the dough cream beautifully with the butter for a smooth base.
• Salt: A small pinch of salt enhances the flavors, balancing the sweetness and highlighting the vanilla’s warmth.
• All-Purpose Flour: Flour is what gives these cookies their structure and stability. The flexibility in measurement (2.5 to 3 cups) allows you to adjust the dough’s consistency based on humidity or your preference for rolling and cutting.

Common Questions I Get Asked

• Why is the flour measurement flexible?
  The amount of flour depends on the dough’s texture. Start with 2.5 cups and add more as needed until the dough is firm yet pliable and not sticky.
• Can I chill the dough for longer than 30 minutes?
  Yes! You can refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours. Just let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before rolling if it becomes too firm. When rolling, you need the dough to be cold but not firm; if it cracks while rolling it out then it’s still too cold.
• How do I prevent the dough from sticking while rolling?
  Dust your surface and rolling pin lightly with flour. Avoid over-flouring, as it can make the cookies dry.
• What’s the best way to store these cookies?
  Store the baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them for up to three months.
• How do I know when the cookies are done?
  Look for lightly golden edges at the bottom of the cookies. Be careful not to overbake, as they will continue to set while cooling.
• Can I double this recipe?
  Yes! This recipe doubles beautifully, perfect for when you need larger batches for holidays or parties.
• Does this Recipe Spread?No! This recipe does not spread, check out the picture below!

If you tried this recipe, be sure to leave a rating and share your thoughts in the comments below. I’d love to hear your feedback!

Sugar Cookie Recipe

This sugar cookie recipe is simple, never fails, and holds its shape perfectly! It doesn’t spread, making it ideal for icing and decorating.

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Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Chill Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 24 Cookies

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 1 Cup Unsalted butter room temperature
• 1 Cup Granulated sugar
• 1 Egg
• A pinch of salt
• 1 tsp Vanilla extract
• 2.5 to 3 Cup All-purpose flour

Instructions

 

• In a bowl, beat room temperature butter until smooth and creamy.
• Add the sugar and mix on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until fluffy.
• Add the egg, salt, and vanilla extract, and whisk to combine.
• Gradually add the flour while mixing on the lowest speed. If using a stand mixer, switch to the dough hook attachment. If using a hand mixer, switch to a wooden spoon or knead by hand.
• Once the dough comes together, wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
• Dust your surface with flour, roll out the dough to your desired thickness, and cut into shapes using cookie cutters.
• Place the cookies on a baking tray lined with baking paper.
• Preheat your oven to 160°C (329°F) and bake the cookies for 8-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
• Transfer the cookies to a cooling rack and let them cool completely at room temperature.

Video

Notes

• Nutrition info is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and portions. For the most accurate details, consider using a nutrition tool or checking our full Nutrition Information Disclaimer.

Nutrition

Calories: 156kcal

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