Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

The Best Sugar Cookie Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.4 from 7 reviews
  • Author: Lora
  • Prep Time: 8 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 18 minutes
  • Yield: 3 dozen cookies
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This classic sugar cookie recipe yields soft, thick, and fluffy cookies that are perfect for decorating with your favorite frosting. Made with sweet cream salted butter, a generous amount of vanilla, and a tender dough that balances moisture and structure, these cookies bake up soft yet firm enough to hold intricate designs. Whether for holidays, celebrations, or everyday treats, this recipe guarantees deliciously moist, flavorful cookies with just the right texture.

Ingredients

Wet Ingredients

  • 2 cups Sweet Cream Salted Butter (softened)
  • 2 cups Granulated Sugar
  • 2 Large Eggs
  • 2 tablespoons Vanilla Extract (plus extra for adjustments if needed)

Dry Ingredients

  • 4 teaspoons Baking Powder
  • 6 cups All-Purpose Flour

Instructions

  1. Prepare the butter and sugar: Add the softened and still slightly cold 2 cups of sweet cream salted butter and 2 cups of granulated sugar to your mixer. It’s important that the butter is softened enough to press with your fingers but not too warm, as overly soft butter can cause dry cookie dough. Let butter sit out about an hour before beginning.
  2. Cream butter and sugar: Mix the butter and sugar together on medium-high speed for about 3 minutes until fully combined and fluffy.
  3. Add vanilla and eggs: Pour in 2 tablespoons of vanilla extract along with 2 large eggs. This extra vanilla adds moisture and flavor that make the cookies taste great.
  4. Mix until fluffy: Continue mixing for another 3 minutes until the dough is light and fluffy.
  5. Add baking powder: Sprinkle in 4 teaspoons of baking powder and mix to incorporate evenly.
  6. Add flour gradually: Add the 6 cups of all-purpose flour in batches of 2 cups at a time, mixing just until the flour is incorporated after each addition to avoid over-mixing.
  7. Adjust dough consistency: The dough should be firm but not dry or crumbly. If too dry, add a teaspoon of vanilla or milk and mix again to bring moisture back.
  8. Roll out dough: On a prepared surface, roll out handfuls of dough to about 3/8 inch thickness to keep cookies thick and soft.
  9. Cut shapes: Use cookie cutters to cut the dough into your desired shapes.
  10. Bake the cookies: Place cookies on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 6 to 10 minutes depending on cookie size and thickness. Thicker cookies should bake 9–10 minutes until just set and starting to slightly brown at the edges. Avoid over-baking to prevent dryness.
  11. Cool and frost: Allow the cookies to cool completely before frosting. Best paired with a homemade buttercream frosting that is easy to color and complements the cookies’ flavor perfectly.

Notes

  • Use sweet cream salted butter softened to just below room temperature for best dough texture.
  • Do not over-mix flour to keep cookies tender and avoid toughness.
  • Baking time varies with cookie size and thickness; thicker cookies need longer, thinner ones less.
  • Over-baking is the main cause of dry sugar cookies, so watch carefully.
  • Add a teaspoon of vanilla or milk if dough feels crumbly or too dry after adding flour.
  • Cookies hold frosting best when baked thicker around 3/8 inch.
  • Cool cookies completely before frosting to prevent melting or sliding of frosting.

Find it online: https://meallora.com/the-best-sugar-cookie-recipe/