Description
These classic sugar cookies are soft, buttery, and perfectly sweet. A simple blend of basic ingredients comes together to create tender cookies that can be decorated or enjoyed plain. They’re easy to prepare and ideal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Mix Butter and Sugar: In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the butter and sugar and beat until just combined, about 45 seconds. This step ensures the butter and sugar are well incorporated for a smooth dough.
- Add Egg and Extracts: Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat well for about 1 minute until fully combined, enhancing flavor and texture.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Scrape down the sides of the bowl, then add the flour and salt. Mix on low speed until the dough is combined with no streaks of flour remaining. This forms the cookie dough’s base.
- Chill the Dough: Shape the dough into a flat, oval disk and wrap tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least one hour or overnight to firm up the dough, making it easier to roll out and cut.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
- Roll and Cut Dough: On a floured surface, roll out the chilled cookie dough to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes using cookie cutters. Carefully transfer the cut shapes to the prepared baking sheets. Optionally, sprinkle with colored sugar for decorative sparkle.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 12 minutes, adjusting time based on cookie size—8 minutes for mini cookies, 10 minutes for medium, and up to 12 minutes for larger cookies. Bake until edges are just golden brown.
- Cool Cookies: Remove from oven and allow cookies to cool completely on the baking sheets before transferring to a wire rack. Cooling fully prevents breakage and prepares them for frosting or serving plain.
Notes
- For best results, use room temperature butter and egg for smooth dough consistency.
- Chilling the dough is essential to prevent cookies from spreading too much during baking.
- Colored sugar can be added before baking for a festive touch.
- Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- These cookies can be decorated with icing or enjoyed plain.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: sugar cookies, classic sugar cookies, easy cookie recipe, butter cookies, vanilla almond cookies, holiday cookies
