Last updated on April 16th, 2025
These buttery, crisp-edged cookies are basically edible Christmas cards – perfect for expressing holiday creativity with royal icing, sprinkles, and endless decoration possibilities. Let’s make ’em, and spend a cozy afternoon decorating these wonderful classic treats!
The Perfect Sugar Cookie Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
For Decorating
- Royal icing
- Assorted sprinkles
- Food coloring
- Sanding sugar
How to Make
- Prepare the Dough
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl or stand mixer, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla and almond extract.
- Gradually mix in dry ingredients until just combined.
- Chill
- Divide dough into two portions and wrap each in plastic wrap.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Roll and Cut
- Working with one portion at a time (keeping the other chilled), place dough between two sheets of parchment paper.
- Roll to 1/4 inch thickness.
- Cut into desired shapes and transfer to parchment-lined baking sheets.
- Place sheets in refrigerator for 15 minutes before baking.
- Bake
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are just beginning to turn golden.
- Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks.
Tips for Recipe Success
Keep these in mind:
- Work with small portions of dough while keeping the rest chilled
- If the dough becomes too soft to handle, don’t hesitate to return it to the refrigerator
- Use the parchment paper rolling method instead of flouring your surface for more consistent results
- Allow cookies to cool completely before decorating
- Store decorated cookies in a single layer to preserve your artwork
How Long Do These Cookies Last?
Sugar cookie dough can be made ahead and frozen for up to 3 months.
Wrap well in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using.
Baked, undecorated cookies can be frozen for up to 1 month.
Decorating Ideas
Transform these simple cookies into works of art with:
- Classic royal icing designs
- Sprinkle patterns
- Metallic dragées
- Painted details using food coloring
- Stenciled patterns
- Marbled icing effects
- Super Value Pack: 3.5 Christmas Holiday Cookie Cutter Set includes 12 Cookie Cutters with a Silicone Comfort and a Rolling Pin for Making Cookies, Brownies, Biscuits, Dessert and More.
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Create Beautiful, Delicious Treats!
The great news? Sugar cookies aren’t just for Christmas – adjust your shapes and color schemes for any holiday or celebration throughout the year. Valentine hearts to Halloween pumpkins, these cookies are versatile and great for any occasion.
PrintClassic American Sugar Cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
For Decorating
- Royal icing
- Assorted sprinkles
- Food coloring
- Sanding sugar
Instructions
- Cream butter and sugar for 3-4 minutes to achieve a light and fluffy texture.
- Chill dough for at least 2 hours or overnight for easier handling.
- Roll dough between parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Keep unused dough chilled while working to maintain consistency.
- Chill cut cookies on baking sheets for 15 minutes before baking to hold their shape.
- Bake until edges are just golden for the perfect texture.
- Cool cookies on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks.
Notes
- Work with small portions of dough, keeping the rest chilled.
- Refrigerate dough if it becomes too soft to handle.
- Use parchment paper for rolling instead of flouring the surface for consistency.
- Allow cookies to cool completely before decorating.
- Store decorated cookies in a single layer to protect the design.
- Freeze sugar cookie dough for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
- Freeze baked, undecorated cookies for up to 1 month.
- Explore decorating techniques like royal icing, sprinkles, metallic dragées, painted details, stencils, and marbled effects.
