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sugar cookies recipe

This sugar cookies recipe delivers perfectly soft, buttery cookies with crisp edges that hold their shape beautifully for decorating. It's a forgiving recipe that works well for baking with kids and allows for various flavor variations.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 145
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Method
 

  1. Cream the butter and sugar together in a large bowl using an electric mixer on medium speed for about 3-4 minutes until light and fluffy.
  2. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in the vanilla extract.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until combined.
  5. Divide the dough into two portions, shape each into a flat disk, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
  6. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  7. Roll out one disk of dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness and cut desired shapes with cookie cutters.
  8. Place cookies on prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart, and bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are barely golden.
  9. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before decorating.

Notes

Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for proper creaming. Chilling the dough is essential to prevent spreading. Store unfrosted cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.