Homemade Sugar Cookies
About This Recipe
These classic sugar cookies are perfect for any occasion. With their soft centers and slightly crisp edges, they're a timeless treat that everyone loves. Whether you're decorating them for holidays or enjoying them plain, these cookies are sure to delight!
This recipe creates cookies with the perfect texture - not too soft and not too crisp. The dough is easy to work with and holds its shape well during baking, making it ideal for cut-out cookies.
Ingredients
- All-Purpose Flour – measured and then sifted into a bowl
- Baking Powder – the main raising ingredient
- Fine Sea Salt – or table salt
- Granulated Sugar – for both the cookie dough and extra for rolling the dough balls in
- Large Eggs
- Pure Vanilla Extract – for depth of flavor
- Unsalted Butter – softened to room temperature
Instructions
Step 1
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Line several baking sheets with parchment paper (or a silicone mat). Mix the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
Step 2
Place the softened butter and sugar in the large bowl of your electric mixer (stand mixer). Cream the butter and sugar together on high until light and fluffy, 3-5 minutes. (Don't skimp on the time here.) Then turn the mixer on low and add the eggs and vanilla extract. Scrape the bowl. With the mixer running on low, slowly add the flour mixture. Scrape the bowl and beat again for 30 seconds.
Step 3
Pour some extra sugar into a bowl to coat the cookies. Scoop the sugar cookie dough out with a cookie scoop and roll into 1-inch balls. The dough should be soft and delicate – don't over-handle. Shake each ball in the sugar bowl to coat, then place them on the cookie sheets 2 inches apart. Use the bottom of a drinking glass to press down on each ball, until it's 1/3- to 1/2-inch thick.
Step 4
Bake each sheet of sugar cookies for 9-11 minutes, until the edges are slightly golden and the centers are just barely set. Cool completely on the cookie sheets before decorating with the glaze.
Decorating Ideas
These sugar cookies are delicious plain, but they also make a perfect canvas for decorating:
- Simple glaze made with powdered sugar and milk
- Royal icing for detailed decorations
- Colored sugar or sprinkles before baking
- Sandwich two cookies with jam or frosting in between
- Dip half the cookie in melted chocolate
Storage Tips
To keep your sugar cookies fresh and delicious:
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week
- Freeze undecorated cookies for up to 3 months
- Freeze cookie dough balls for up to 3 months - bake directly from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time