Homemade Sugar Cookies
Few things are as comforting as the aroma of warm, buttery sugar cookies straight from your oven. Perfect for holidays, special occasions, or everyday indulgence, these cookies are soft, chewy, or crisp—customizable to your taste—and endlessly delightful to decorate.
Ingredients
- Core Ingredients
- 2¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter room temperature
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp baking powder or baking soda
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp salt
- Optional Enhancements
- ½ tsp almond extract or other flavorings
- 1 tsp lemon or orange zest
- Sprinkles sanding sugar, or colored sugar for decoration
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough
- In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla (and optional extracts).
- Gradually mix in flour, baking powder, and salt until a smooth dough forms.
- Chill and Roll
- Refrigerate dough for 30–60 minutes to prevent spreading.
- Roll dough on a lightly floured surface to ¼ inch thick (or ⅛ inch for crispier cookies).
- Cut into shapes with cookie cutters or shape by hand.
- Bake
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place cookies on a parchment-lined or silicone baking sheet.
- Bake 8–12 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
- Cool on a wire rack before decorating.
- Decorate
- Use icing, glaze, chocolate drizzle, or sprinkles after cookies have fully cooled.
Notes
- Don’t overmix: Keeps cookies tender.
- Chill the dough: Prevents excessive spreading.
- Use parchment or silicone mats: Ensures even baking.
- Rotate baking sheets: Promotes uniform cooking.
- Experiment with thickness: Thicker = soft centers, thinner = crispier cookies.