Why You’ll Love Perfect Sugar Cookies Recipe
This sugar cookie recipe delivers reliable results every time. The dough comes together easily without chilling, it rolls out smoothly, and the cookies hold intricate shapes perfectly when cut. They’re soft with just the right texture and are great for holiday decorating, gifting, or everyday sweet moments.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 cup butter, softened
1 cup white granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 egg
3 cups all‑purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons baking powder
Directions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar with a mixer until smooth and well combined.
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Beat in the vanilla extract and egg until fully incorporated.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until the dough becomes crumbly.
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Wet your hands and knead the dough until it forms a consistent ball. Divide into 2–3 smaller balls and cover the unused dough with plastic wrap to prevent drying.
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On a floured surface, roll out each dough ball to about 1/4‑inch thickness. Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut shapes.
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Transfer cut cookies to a parchment‑lined baking sheet with a thin metal spatula.
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Bake at 350°F for 8–10 minutes, depending on how soft or golden you want your cookies.
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Let cookies cool briefly on the baking sheet, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Servings and timing
Servings: About 30–40 cookies
Prep time: ~30 minutes
Cook time: 8–10 minutes per batch
Total time: ~40 minutes
Variations
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Add almond extract (1/2–1 teaspoon) for a subtle nutty flavor.
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Mix in citrus zest (lemon or orange) for bright, fresh notes.
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Sprinkle with sugar before baking for extra sparkle and crunch.
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Frost and decorate with royal icing or simple sugar glaze after cookies cool.
Storage/Reheating
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Room temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
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Freezing: Once baked and cooled, freeze in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers for up to 2 months.
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Reheating: Warm cookies in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes to refresh texture.
FAQs
What makes these sugar cookies “perfect”?
The balance of ingredients and no‑chill dough helps these cookies hold their shape well with smooth edges and a soft, tender bite.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but reduce added salt slightly to avoid overly salty cookies.
Do I have to chill the dough?
No, this recipe is designed to be rolled and cut without chilling, saving time.
Why are my cookies spreading too much?
Butter that’s too warm or excess sugar can make cookies spread; chill the dough briefly or ensure ingredients are measured accurately.
Can I make these cookies gluten‑free?
Yes—use a 1:1 gluten‑free flour blend for a similar result.
How do I keep cookies soft?
Bake just until the edges set and aren’t deeply golden; removing them slightly underdone helps preserve softness.
Can I decorate these cookies with icing?
Absolutely—once fully cooled, decorate with royal icing or your favorite frosting.
How thick should I roll the dough?
About 1/4 inch thick for even baking and good structure.
Can I freeze the dough before baking?
Yes, freeze dough balls wrapped airtight; thaw before rolling and cutting.
What’s the best way to store leftover cookies?
Keep in an airtight container at room temperature with layers separated by parchment paper.
Conclusion
These Perfect Sugar Cookies offer a foolproof way to bake classic cut‑outs that come out beautifully every time. With a simple dough that doesn’t require chilling, easy ingredient list, and tender texture, they’re ideal for holidays, special occasions, or everyday treats. Enjoy them plain, decorated, or customized with your favorite flavors.
