Classic sugar cookies are a holiday favorite. Soft, buttery, and slightly sweet, they’re perfect for decorating with icing, sprinkles, or sanding sugar. Whether you’re making cutouts for a cookie exchange, gifting friends and family, or enjoying a cozy treat with hot cocoa, these cookies are simple to bake and always a crowd-pleaser. With easy ingredients and straightforward instructions, bakers of all skill levels can make beautiful, holiday-ready cookies that taste as good as they look.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 10–12 mins
Additional Time: 5 mins (cooling)
Total Time: 35–37 mins
Servings: 24 cookies
Tools/Equipment
- Mixing bowls (medium and large)
- Whisk
- Electric mixer (optional, for creaming butter and sugar)
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutters
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Wire cooling rack
- Plastic wrap
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) and mix until combined.
- Gradually stir in the dry ingredients until the dough forms, being careful not to overmix.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to make rolling easier.
- Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut with cookie cutters and place on the prepared baking sheets, leaving 1 inch between each.
- Bake 8–10 minutes, until edges are lightly golden. Let cookies cool on the sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes/Tips
- Texture: For softer cookies, underbake by 1 minute. For crispier cookies, bake an extra minute.
- Decorating: Once cooled, decorate with royal icing, sprinkles, or sanding sugar. Enjoy plain or gift to friends and family.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Freeze unbaked dough for up to 3 months.
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