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Ultimate Best-Ever Sugar Cookies – Easy Homemade Recipe
These homemade sugar cookies are crisp around the edges, tender in the center, and lightly flavored with vanilla and almond for a classic bakery-style finish. They’re simple enough for a weeknight treat and festive enough to decorate for holidays, birthdays, or any special gathering.
Prep Time: Not provided
Cook Time: 8 to 10 minutes
Total Time: Not provided
Servings: Not provided
Why Make This Recipe
- Simple ingredients: This recipe uses everyday baking staples you may already have in your kitchen.
- Classic flavor: Vanilla and almond extracts add a balanced, bakery-style taste.
- Easy preparation: The dough comes together in a few straightforward steps without complicated techniques.
- Perfect for decorating: Add the optional frosting and food coloring to customize the cookies for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups white sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for frosting, optional)
- 1 tablespoon milk (for frosting, optional)
- Food coloring (for frosting, optional)
How to Make It
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare the oven so it reaches the correct temperature before the cookies go in.
In a small bowl, stir together flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Mixing the dry ingredients first helps distribute the leavening ingredients evenly throughout the dough.
In a larger bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth. Beat the softened butter and white sugar until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Add these ingredients to the butter mixture and mix until incorporated.
Gradually blend the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Add the flour mixture slowly, stirring until a cohesive cookie dough forms.
Roll rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls, and place onto ungreased cookie sheets. Keep the dough portions evenly sized so the cookies bake at the same rate.
Flatten each ball with the bottom of a glass dipped in sugar. Press gently to create evenly shaped cookies with a lightly sugared surface.
Bake 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until golden. Watch the cookies closely near the end of baking so they do not become overly dark.
For frosting, mix powdered sugar, milk, and food coloring until smooth, then spread over cooled cookies. Allow the cookies to cool before frosting so the topping stays smooth and does not melt. Enjoy your delicious homemade sugar cookies!
How to Serve It
- Serve the cookies with coffee, tea, hot chocolate, or a cold glass of milk.
- Add colorful frosting and arrange the cookies on a dessert platter for parties or holiday gatherings.
- Finish unfrosted cookies with an extra light sprinkle of sugar for a simple, classic presentation.
How to Store It
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. If the cookies have frosting, place parchment paper between layers to help prevent sticking.
For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a freezer-safe container or bag. Separate layers with parchment paper and thaw them at room temperature before serving.
These cookies are best served at room temperature. Reheating is generally not necessary, as warming them can soften the frosting and affect their texture.
Helpful Tips
- Make sure the butter is softened before creaming it with the sugar so the mixture becomes smooth and even.
- Avoid overmixing after adding the flour, as this can make the cookies less tender.
- Keep the dough portions similar in size and flatten them evenly so the cookies bake consistently.
- Let the cookies cool completely before adding frosting for the cleanest finish.
Optional Variations
- Use different food coloring shades in the frosting to match holidays, birthdays, or special events.
- Add extra vanilla extract in place of the almond extract for a more traditional vanilla-forward flavor.
- Sprinkle the frosted cookies with decorative sugar or festive sprinkles before the frosting sets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these cookies without the frosting?
Yes. The cookies are delicious on their own, and the frosting is optional.
Why do I need to flatten the dough balls?
Flattening the dough helps the cookies spread and bake evenly.
Can I use salted butter?
Yes, but the flavor may be slightly saltier. If using salted butter, consider adjusting the added salt.
How do I keep the cookies from sticking together in storage?
Store them in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers, especially when the cookies are frosted.
Can I freeze these sugar cookies?
Yes. Freeze cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container or bag with parchment paper between layers, then thaw them at room temperature before serving.
Homemade Sugar Cookies
These sugar cookies are crisp on the edges and tender in the center, with a classic bakery-style finish that's perfect for decorating and celebrating special occasions.
Ingredients
Cookie Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Make sure it's softened for easy creaming.
- 1 1/2 cups white sugar
- 1 piece egg Large egg at room temperature.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract For a classic flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract Optional for a hint of nuttiness.
- 3/4 teaspoon salt Enhances overall flavor.
Frosting Ingredients (optional)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar For frosting.
- 1 tablespoon milk For frosting.
- food coloring Optional for decorating.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a small bowl, stir together flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
- In a larger bowl, cream together the softened butter and white sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until well combined.
- Gradually blend the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a cohesive cookie dough forms.
Baking
- Roll rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls and place onto ungreased cookie sheets.
- Flatten each ball with the bottom of a glass dipped in sugar.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven or until golden.
Frosting
- For frosting, mix powdered sugar, milk, and food coloring until smooth. Spread over cooled cookies.
Notes
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container. If frosted, place parchment paper between layers. Freeze for longer storage, or serve at room temperature.
