Name: Best Sugar Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 cup unsalted butter (softened); 1 ½ cups granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional); 3 tablespoons milk; Extra granulated sugar for rolling

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If you’re after a cookie that strikes the perfect balance between soft, tender bite and rich, buttery flavor, look no further than these Best Sugar Cookies. This tried-and-true recipe yields cookies with crisp edges and a soft, melt-in-your-mouth center—a treat you can whip up for any occasion, or just because you’re craving something sweet and simple. Whether you love them plain or dressed up with colorful icing, these cookies are absolute classics and are guaranteed to become a staple in your baking repertoire.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

It’s amazing how just a handful of pantry staples can create something magical! Each ingredient brings its own special something to the table, ensuring the Best Sugar Cookies are as irresistible as their name promises.

All-purpose flour: The base that gives the cookies their soft yet sturdy structure—sift before measuring for the best texture.
Baking soda: Adds a gentle lift, so the cookies don’t end up dense or flat.
Baking powder: Works alongside baking soda for extra puff and perfect tenderness.
Salt: Just enough to balance all the sweetness and amplify flavors.
Unsalted butter (softened): The secret to rich, buttery flavor and that coveted soft bite in every cookie.
Granulated sugar: Not just for sweetness—the sugar makes the cookies tender and gives them that signature crackly surface.
Large egg: Binds everything together and adds a bit of richness.
Vanilla extract: Brings warm, classic aroma and a familiar sugar cookie flavor.
Almond extract (optional): For an extra layer of flavor that makes people say, “What’s your secret?”
Milk: Helps create a just-right, workable dough that bakes up soft.
Extra granulated sugar for rolling: Those sugary, sparkly exteriors are what make the Best Sugar Cookies so inviting!

How to Make Best Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pans

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cookie removal (and practically no cleanup). This ensures every cookie bakes evenly and comes out with perfectly golden bottoms.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Combining them first prevents surprise pockets of baking soda or salt in your finished cookies, helping the dough bake up light and even each time.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together for 2 to 3 minutes, until pale and fluffy. This step creates air pockets in the dough, leading to that soft, tender center that makes these the Best Sugar Cookies.

Step 4: Add Egg and Flavorings

Beat in the egg, then add the vanilla extract and almond extract (if you’re using it). The egg gives the dough body and holds everything together, while the extracts give that classic, comforting aroma and flavor with an optional twist.

Step 5: Pour in the Milk

Mix in the milk, which helps create a smooth, pliable dough that’s easy to roll and shape—and keeps your cookies moist without spreading too thin.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture, mixing on low just until everything is combined. Over-mixing can make cookies tough, so just a gentle hand here will keep your Best Sugar Cookies soft and delightful.

Step 7: Shape and Sugar-Coat

Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Then, roll each ball in a little extra granulated sugar—this gives every cookie a sparkling, crackled finish and adds a lovely sweet crunch on the outside.

Step 8: Flatten and Bake

Place the sugared dough balls onto your prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each one. Use the bottom of a glass to gently flatten them. Pop them in the oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, just until you spot a hint of golden brown at the edges.

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set up perfectly—firm enough to lift, but still soft in the center, just like truly the Best Sugar Cookies should be!

How to Serve Best Sugar Cookies

Garnishes

The simplest finish is a sprinkle of extra granulated sugar before baking, but you can also dress up the Best Sugar Cookies with colorful sanding sugar, royal icing, or a drizzle of melted chocolate. They’re beautiful on their own, but a little decoration makes them extra special for holidays or celebrations.

Side Dishes

Honestly, these cookies are perfect on their own, but for an extra treat, serve them with a cold glass of milk, some hot cocoa, or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Arranged on a platter with fresh fruit, they become a crowd-pleasing dessert spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Fill a jar with the Best Sugar Cookies and tie it with a ribbon for a charming homemade gift. For parties, stack them high on a tiered cake stand, or use cookie cutters to make them in fun shapes and decorate with royal icing for a festive touch!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Best Sugar Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 5 days without losing their softness or flavor, so you can enjoy them throughout the week—if they last that long!

Freezing

To freeze, place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers. They’ll keep fresh for up to 2 months. You can also freeze the unbaked dough balls (without the sugar coating), and bake straight from the freezer with just a minute or two added to the baking time.

Reheating

If you love a warm, just-baked cookie, pop one or two in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. They’ll taste soft and fresh, with just the right amount of gooeyness in the center!

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! The dough for Best Sugar Cookies can be made up to 48 hours ahead—just cover tightly and refrigerate. Chilled dough also gives you slightly puffier cookies with extra-soft centers.

What’s the secret to keeping sugar cookies soft?

The key is not to overbake them. Pull them from the oven when the edges are just turning golden, and let the residual heat finish baking as they cool on the sheet. Adding a splash of milk to the dough also helps!

Do I have to use almond extract?

No, the almond extract is totally optional. It gives the Best Sugar Cookies a hint of bakery-style flavor, but if you prefer a classic taste or have allergies, just leave it out—they’ll still be delicious.

Can I decorate these cookies for the holidays?

Definitely! Once baked and cooled, these cookies are perfect for decorating with icing, sprinkles, or even edible glitter. They hold up to all your creative touches but stay soft and flavorful underneath.

Why roll the dough in sugar before baking?

Rolling the dough balls in sugar gives the cookies their trademark sparkly look and a thin, sweet crunch on the outside. It’s a simple extra step that really sets the Best Sugar Cookies apart from the ordinary.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re sharing with friends, surprising your family, or just treating yourself, these Best Sugar Cookies never disappoint. Get ready to watch them disappear fast—and to find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again!

Best Sugar Cookies Recipe

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4.8 from 22 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 30 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Best Sugar Cookies are a classic treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With a soft, buttery texture and a hint of almond, these cookies are sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
3 tablespoons milk
Extra granulated sugar for rolling

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Prepare dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
Mix wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar. Add the egg, vanilla extract, almond extract, and milk. Mix well.
Combine wet and dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Shape and bake: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll into balls, coat with granulated sugar, and place on baking sheets. Flatten slightly and bake for 8–10 minutes.
Cool and enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.