Description
This Best Sugar Cookie Recipe yields soft, delicate cookies with a tender crumb and just the right sweetness, perfect for any occasion. The dough is simple to prepare with classic ingredients and baked to golden perfection, making it ideal for holiday baking or everyday treats.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, measured then sifted
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
Wet Ingredients
- 3 sticks unsalted butter, softened (1 1/2 cups)
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar + extra for rolling
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Line several baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and aid easy cleanup.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the sifted flour, baking powder, and fine sea salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Place the softened butter and granulated sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer. Beat on high speed for 3-5 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy, making sure not to skimp on this important step.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: With the mixer on low speed, add the eggs and vanilla extract. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to incorporate all ingredients evenly.
- Incorporate Dry Mixture: While mixer runs on low, slowly add the dry flour mixture. Scrape the bowl again and beat for an additional 30 seconds until well combined.
- Shape Dough Balls: Pour extra granulated sugar into a bowl for rolling. Scoop the dough into 1-inch balls, handling gently as the dough is soft and delicate. Roll each ball in the sugar to coat evenly.
- Arrange and Flatten Cookies: Place the coated dough balls 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Use the bottom of a drinking glass to press each ball down until they are approximately 1/3 to 1/2 inch thick.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake each sheet for 11 minutes or until the edges are slightly golden and the centers are just set but not browned.
- Cool Completely: Allow the cookies to cool entirely on the baking sheets before removing to avoid breaking.
Notes
- For an extra special touch, try the bourbon glaze: whisk together 1 tablespoon heavy cream, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon bourbon, then mix in 1 cup powdered sugar until smooth. Dip cooled cookies face down into the glaze, let excess drip off, then dry on parchment paper.
- Ensure the butter is fully softened at room temperature to achieve the perfect creamy texture when creamed with sugar.
- Do not over-handle the dough to keep the cookies tender and soft.
- If you prefer crisper edges, bake for the full 11 minutes; for softer cookies, err on the lesser side but watch closely.
- Rolling the dough balls in sugar before pressing adds a subtle crunch and sweet coating on the surface.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 1.5 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
