The Best Sugar Cookie Recipe is a timeless classic that brings families together. This delightful treat is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday gathering, a children’s party, or simply a cozy afternoon at home. What makes this sugar cookie recipe so special is its simplicity and versatility, allowing you to customize them with frosting or sprinkles, making every batch a unique creation. From my kitchen to yours, I’m excited to share how you can create these delicious cookies that evoke warm memories and smiles.
Why Make This Recipe
You’ll love this sugar cookie recipe for its reliability and scrumptious taste. The combination of Sweet Cream Salted Butter and vanilla gives these cookies a melt-in-your-mouth texture that is simply irresistible. Not only are they perfect for baking during the holidays, but they are also great for everyday family fun. Decorating these sugar cookies can be a wonderful activity to do with your kids, making memories that last longer than the treats themselves.
"These cookies were a hit at my daughter’s birthday party! Everyone was asking for the recipe," says a happy home baker.
Making sugar cookies at home allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring a deliciously fresh treat while avoiding preservatives found in store-bought versions. With minimal prep time and simple steps, you’ll find this recipe a perfect baking choice for every member of the family.
How to Make The Best Sugar Cookie Recipe
This sugar cookie recipe comes together effortlessly, making it suitable even if you’re short on time. Start by creaming the softened butter and sugar to create a fluffy base. Next, you’ll add eggs and a generous splash of vanilla, bringing lovely moisture to the dough. Mix in your baking powder and gradually blend in the flour, ensuring you don’t over-mix to keep the cookies tender.
Once your dough is ready, roll it out and use cookie cutters to create fun shapes. After cutting, all that’s left is to bake them to perfection. The oven’s warmth will fill your kitchen with an inviting aroma, signaling that a sweet treat is on the way!
Ingredients
To whip up these delightful sugar cookies, you’ll need:
2 cups Sweet Cream Salted Butter (softened)
2 cups Granulated Sugar
2 Large Eggs
2 tablespoons Vanilla Extract
4 teaspoons Baking Powder
6 cups All-Purpose Flour
Should you need substitutions, feel free to use unsalted butter with added salt, or swap some of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat if you’d like a bit more nutrition.
Directions
Add the 4 sticks (2 cups) of butter and 2 cups of white sugar to your mixer. A word about the butter: I use Sweet Cream Salted Butter for these cookies, which gives them great flavor. So, soften it but keep it cold; a prime culprit for dry sugar cookie dough is butter that is too warm and soft. Let the butter sit out for just under an hour before mixing so it’s still cold but can be easily pressed into with your fingers.
Cream the butter and sugar together on medium-high speed for about 3 minutes until thoroughly mixed. Next, add 2 tablespoons of vanilla extract and the 2 large eggs. This might sound like a lot of vanilla, but it truly enhances the moisture and flavor of the cookies. Continue mixing until the dough becomes light and fluffy, which should take around 3 more minutes.
Now, add 4 teaspoons of baking powder to your mixture and combine. Gradually incorporate the 6 cups of flour into the dough, mixing in two-cup increments. Be careful not to over-mix! Once the dough holds together well and isn’t crumbly, but firm, you’re good to go. If you find the mixture looks dry, a tiny splash of vanilla or milk can help.
Roll out a handful of the dough on a prepared surface until it’s about 3/8 inches thick. Cut out your desired shapes with cookie cutters. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Bake the cookies for 6-10 minutes, depending on your cutter size. Keep an eye on them; you’re aiming for them to be set with just the hint of browning at the edges. Over-baking is the ultimate mistake leading to dry cookies.
Once baked, let the cookies cool, then frost them with my Best Buttercream Frosting for an unforgettable finish to your sugar cookies.
How to Serve The Best Sugar Cookie Recipe
These sugar cookies are perfect on their own, but there are plenty of ways to serve them. Whether you sprinkle some festive colored sugar on top before baking or dress them up with colorful frosting after, they’re sure to delight. Hosting a party or family gathering? Arrange the sugar cookies on a platter, and don’t forget to add some sprinkles for an extra cheerful presentation.
These cookies make fantastic additions to gift baskets, serving as a sweet surprise for friends and family, especially around the holidays! You can even package them in cute cellophane bags for party favors, adding a personal touch to any event.
How to Store
To keep your sugar cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container on the counter, where they’ll last for about a week. You can also freeze them! Just make sure they’re completely cooled before placing them in a freezer-safe container. They should last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply thaw them at room temperature.
If you’ve already frosted your cookies and want to keep them fresh, I recommend separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Tips to Make
Here are some practical tips to ensure your sugar cookies turn out perfectly every time. Always measure your flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off with a knife. Using room temperature ingredients, such as eggs, gives you the best mixing results.
For decorative fun, encourage your kids to help with frosting and sprinkles. Just remember to keep the frosting thick enough so it doesn’t run off the cookies. Lastly, if you ever find your dough too sticky, chilling it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes can make it much easier to handle.
Variations
Get creative with flavor and presentation by exploring these variations. Consider adding some lemon or almond extract to the dough for a unique twist. You can also mix in some colorful chocolate chips or nuts to the dough for added texture.
For seasonal flair, shape your cookies according to the holiday, such as hearts for Valentine’s Day or pumpkins for Halloween. Decorating with themed sprinkles or colored frosting makes every holiday special!
FAQs
What can I use if I’m out of vanilla extract?
You can use almond extract in a pinch, or leave it out altogether for a sugar cookie that’s still delicious.
Can I use gluten-free flour for this recipe?
Yes! Just substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour, and you’ll have tasty cookies free from gluten.
How long do these sugar cookies take to bake?
Bake at 350 degrees for about 6-10 minutes, keeping an eye on them to prevent overbaking.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can refrigerate the dough for up to three days or freeze it for up to three months.
For More Recipe Inspiration
Looking for more sweet ideas? Check out our protein-packed recipes like the Protein Muffins or take a peek at our adorable Bento Cake Recipe.
Baking is about creating warmth, connection, and delicious memories. I hope you enjoy making these sugar cookies as much as I do. For more delightful updates and inspirations, be sure to follow us on Pinterest:
https://www.pinterest.com/quickcakes/
Sugar Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- Add the 2 cups of butter and 2 cups of granulated sugar to your mixer.
- Cream the butter and sugar together on medium-high speed for about 3 minutes until thoroughly mixed.
- Add the 2 tablespoons of vanilla extract and the 2 large eggs. Mix until the dough becomes light and fluffy, around 3 minutes.
- Add the 4 teaspoons of baking powder and combine.
- Gradually incorporate the 6 cups of flour into the dough, mixing in two-cup increments. Be careful not to over-mix!
- Roll out a handful of the dough on a prepared surface until it's about 3/8 inches thick.
- Cut out your desired shapes with cookie cutters.
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Bake the cookies for 6-10 minutes, depending on the cutter size. Aim for the cookies to be set with just a hint of browning at the edges.
- Once baked, let the cookies cool.
- Frost them with optional frosting for an extra treat.