Go Back

The Best Sugar Cookie Recipe

Soft and chewy sugar cookies perfect for decorating or enjoying plain, made with simple ingredients and easy steps.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 27 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 130

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract optional

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer or whisk
  • Baking sheets
  • Parchment paper
  • Rolling pin
  • Cookie cutters
  • Cooling rack

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a bowl, whisk together 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, beat 1 cup softened unsalted butter and 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
  4. Beat in 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1/2 teaspoon almond extract until combined.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
  6. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
  7. On a floured surface, roll the dough to 1/4-inch thickness and cut with cookie cutters.
  8. Place cookies on parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing them 1 inch apart.
  9. Bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
  10. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Notes

Chill the dough to prevent spreading; underbake slightly for extra softness.