This Sugar Cookie Recipe makes beautiful and simple cookies that bake up perfectly every time. If you’re craving a smooth and buttery classic cookie or want to use that adorable cookie cutter you picked up, this easy sugar cookie recipe is for you.
If the thought of rolling and cutting out cookies has ever intimidated you, this sugar cookie recipe is your ticket to success! This is the best sugar cookie recipe because the dough mixes together quickly with just 7 simple ingredients that are probably already in your pantry, and it’s just firm enough to make it really easy to cut out into fun shapes.
Serve these easy sugar cookies fresh out of the oven or frost, dip or drizzle in chocolate, or pipe icing on top to decorate them. This cut-out cookie recipe works well with cookie cutters of all shapes and sizes, and the cookies are smooth and hold their shape, making them ideal
What You Need to Make This Recipe
Butter – this recipe has the best results when it is made with softened unsalted butter. This will help the cookie dough blend smoothly, and the butter will firm slightly during refrigeration, making the dough easy to work with. Unsalted butter is always best for baking because it allows you to control the sodium by adding the desired amount of salt.
Sugar – I use white granulated sugar for this recipe for firmer sugar cookies, perfect for decorating. White sugar adds sweetness, blends smoothly with the butter, helps the sugar cookies turn lightly golden brown, and gives that classic sugar cookie look. If you want chewy sugar cookies, swap half of the granulated sugar for brown sugar.
Vanilla Extract – for that classic flavor, pure vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste adds a tiny bit of color and warm flavor to this recipe. You can also add flavorings to the dough, such as almond extract, citrus zest, or peppermint extract for a variation on the classic.
How to Make Sugar Cookies
1. In a medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder.
2. In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter and sugar together on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add the eggs, one at a time, while mixing. Scrape down the sides of the bowl. Beat in the vanilla.
3. With the mixer running, gradually add in the flour mixture with a measuring cup or large spoon and mix until everything is well incorporated.
4. Divide the dough in half, shape it into two disks, and tightly wrap it in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 2 hours or up to 2 days. If chilling longer than 2 hours, let the dough sit at room temperature for 15 to 30 minutes or until slightly softened before rolling out.
5. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Roll the dough on a lightly floured surface to ¼-inch-thickness.
6. Cut out shapes using 2½-inch cookie cutters. Re-roll as needed for more cookies. Place the cut-outs on a non-stick baking sheet or parchment paper or silicone mat lined cookie sheet 1 inch apart. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the bottom edges start to turn brown. Let cool for a few minutes on the pan then transfer to a wire rack and cool completely. Serve plain or decorate with royal icing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I store leftovers?
Leftover baked cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze baked, undecorated cookies in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Allow the frozen cookies to reach room temperature before decorating.
Can I freeze cookie dough?
Store sugar cookie dough tightly wrapped in plastic wrap in an airtight container or zip-top bag in the freezer for up to 3 months. Move the cookie dough to the refrigerator overnight or up to 2 days to thaw, then let the dough sit at room temperature for 15 to 30 minutes before rolling and cutting.
How do I make the cookies the same thickness?
For dough that is all the same thickness, hold the rolling pin by the handles and roll slowly from the center outward. Rotate the dough as needed and keep the rolling pin level, especially as you finish each motion. You can also purchase a package of rolling pin guides that stretch on your rolling pin like a rubber band and hold the rolling pin at the desired height.
