Name: Classic Sugar Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2.75 cups All-purpose flour (Sifted before measuring for a lighter cookie); 1 teaspoon Baking powder (Leavening agent for fluffy texture); 0.5 teaspoon Baking soda (Works with baking powder for lift); 0.5 teaspoon Salt (Balances sweetness); 1 cup Unsalted butter (Softened at room temperature); 1.5 cups Granulated sugar (Adds sweetness and crisp edges); 1 large Egg (Binds ingredients together); 1 teaspoon Pure vanilla extract (Enhances flavor); 0.5 cup Powdered sugar (For dusting or decoration)

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Introduction

These classic sugar cookies are soft with slightly crispy edges, making them a timeless treat perfect for any occasion. Simple to make and delightful to eat, they bring a touch of sweetness to your day.

A black plate placed on a red cloth holds four rows of decorated Christmas cookies neatly arranged. The first row has gingerbread men cookies with smooth light brown icing and two small yellow candy buttons in the center. The second row features candy cane-shaped cookies decorated with shiny white icing and bold red stripes, sprinkled lightly with white sugar crystals. The third row shows Christmas tree cookies covered in bright green icing, adorned with tiny red, white, and green round sprinkles, and topped with small yellow star-shaped candies. The fourth row contains large snowflake cookies coated with white icing and decorated with delicate white sugar sprinkles outlining the shapes. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface, with a few extra cookies scattered around it in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2.75 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
1 teaspoon baking powder
0.5 teaspoon baking soda
0.5 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1.5 cups granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
0.5 cup powdered sugar (optional, for dusting or decoration)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the sifted flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Step 4: Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and beat until fully combined.
Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined to avoid overworking the dough.
Step 6: Use a cookie scoop to portion the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them evenly.
Step 7: Bake for 8-10 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden and the centers remain soft.
Step 8: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 9: Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar or decorate as desired.

Tips & Variations

For a firmer cookie with enhanced flavor, chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before baking.
Try adding a sprinkle of colored sugar or small sprinkles before baking for a festive touch.
Substitute half the granulated sugar with brown sugar for a richer flavor and chewier texture.

Storage

Store the sugar cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To keep them fresh longer, you can freeze baked cookies for up to three months. Reheat briefly in a low oven or microwave to restore softness.

How to Serve

The image shows a variety of decorated Christmas sugar cookies on two white plates and a black cooling rack placed on a white marbled surface. On the top left plate, there is a stocking-shaped cookie with a smooth red layer topped by a thick white icing cuff, and a golden star cookie with sparkly sugar crystals in the background. On the top right plate, three Christmas tree cookies are decorated with bright green icing, sprinkled with small white, red, and green sugar balls and red lines across the trees. On the black cooling rack below, a large snowflake-shaped cookie is covered in bright blue icing with silver round beads on each branch tip and smaller ones spread evenly. Next to it is a candy cane cookie striped with alternating thick red and white glossy icing. Small green holly leaves with red berry dots cookies are also on the rack, their icing smooth and shiny. The whole scene feels festive with a striped red and white cloth partially visible to the side, the icing textures mostly smooth and shiny. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

Yes, you can use salted butter, but reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to prevent the cookies from becoming too salty.

How do I prevent sugar cookies from spreading too much?

Chilling the dough before baking helps reduce spreading. Also, avoid over-mixing the dough and make sure your baking soda and powder are fresh for proper leavening.