Classic Soft Sugar Cookie Recipe
This classic soft sugar cookie recipe yields tender, buttery cookies perfect for decorating. The dough chills quickly, making it ideal for holiday baking or a fun afternoon activity.
Equipment
- large bowl
- electric mixer
- medium bowl
- plastic wrap
- baking sheets
- parchment paper or silicone mats
- rolling pin
- cookie cutters
- wire rack
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks) softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large bowl, cream softened butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy (3-5 minutes).
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
- Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate medium bowl.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients on low speed; mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Divide the dough in half, flatten into disks, wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 2 days.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of chilled dough to ¼-inch thickness and cut shapes with cookie cutters.
- Transfer cut-out cookies to prepared baking sheets, leaving 1 inch between them, and re-roll any scraps.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are lightly golden and centers are set.
- Cool cookies on baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Decorate cookies once they are completely cool.
Notes
For best results, do not overmix the dough. Chilling the dough is crucial for easy handling and preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking. These cookies are perfect for various frostings and decorations, making them versatile for any occasion.