The Best Sugar Cookie Recipe!
These sugar cookies are the perfect balance of crisp edges and soft, chewy centers, bringing joy with every bite. Made from scratch, these cookies are a classic indulgence that’s as easy to make as they are to enjoy.
Elevated with a hint of almond and a touch of cream cheese frosting, each cookie is a beautiful blank canvas—ready for vibrant sprinkles or food coloring to match any occasion. Whether it’s a cozy night in or a festive gathering, these cookies are crowd-pleasers.
Ready in no time, this recipe is designed for bakers of all levels. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you’ll have a batch of these unforgettable sugar cookies before you know it.
The Best Sugar Cookie Recipe: Ingredients
Butter: The foundation of a perfect sugar cookie, butter brings a rich flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture, creating a base that’s irresistibly soft with crisp, golden edges.
Sugar: Sweet and simple, sugar works its magic by caramelizing just enough in the oven to create a subtle crunch while balancing the flavors.
Vanilla & Almond Extract: A duo that brings depth and warmth. Vanilla enhances sweetness, while almond adds a delicate, nutty hint that elevates each bite to new heights.
All-Purpose Flour: Essential for structure, flour binds everything together, giving these cookies their classic chewy yet tender crumb.
Cream Cheese: The star of the frosting, cream cheese offers a creamy, tangy finish that perfectly complements the sweetness of the cookie base, making each bite unforgettable.
Recipe Tips
- Chilling the Dough for Perfect Texture
Chilling your sugar cookie dough is a crucial step that shouldn’t be skipped. When you let the dough rest in the fridge for at least an hour (or overnight), it allows the flavors to meld and gives the dough time to firm up. This step makes it easier to roll out and helps the cookies hold their shape while baking. Additionally, chilling prevents spreading, ensuring each cookie has that perfect soft center with a slightly crisp edge. If you’re short on time, consider dividing the dough into smaller portions to speed up the chilling process. - Achieving the Perfect Thickness
Rolling out the dough evenly is key to a uniform bake. Aim for about 1/4-inch thickness for cookies that are sturdy enough to handle yet soft when bitten into. Thinner cookies bake faster, becoming crispier, while thicker ones retain more softness. Use a rolling pin with thickness guides or try rolling out the dough between two sheets of parchment paper. This way, you can avoid adding extra flour, which can alter the cookies’ texture. - Frosting Tips for a Professional Finish
For the smoothest frosting, ensure both the cream cheese and butter are fully softened before beating. A quick tip for a cleaner, professional look: use a piping bag with a round or star tip to apply the frosting. Allow cookies to cool completely before frosting; otherwise, the frosting may melt. To add a pop of color, divide the frosting into separate bowls and mix in a few drops of food coloring for each, creating a colorful assortment perfect for any occasion.
What to Serve with Sugar Cookies
- Warm Hot Chocolate or Coffee
These sugar cookies pair beautifully with a cozy mug of hot chocolate or freshly brewed coffee. The cookies’ sweetness and creamy frosting complement the rich warmth of these drinks, making them a comforting choice, especially in colder months. - A Scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream
For a dessert twist, try serving sugar cookies with a small scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. The cool, creamy texture of the ice cream contrasts perfectly with the soft, frosted cookie, adding an extra layer of indulgence to this classic treat. - Fruit Compote or Fresh Berries
Fresh, tart berries or a light fruit compote bring a delightful balance to the sweetness of sugar cookies. The acidity of berries like raspberries or strawberries enhances the flavors of the almond and vanilla extracts in the cookies, creating a well-rounded dessert experience.
FAQ
- Can I make the dough in advance?
Yes, this dough can be made ahead of time. Store it tightly wrapped in the fridge for up to three days. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to soften slightly before rolling. - Can I freeze the baked cookies?
Absolutely! Freeze unfrosted cookies in an airtight container for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before frosting and serving. Frosted cookies can also be frozen, but note that the frosting might change texture. - How do I keep the cookies from spreading?
Chilling the dough is key to preventing spread. Additionally, avoid over-beating the butter and sugar, which can add excess air, leading to cookies that spread too much while baking. - Can I substitute almond extract?
If almond extract isn’t available or preferred, simply replace it with additional vanilla extract. The cookies will still have a lovely depth of flavor without the hint of almond.
The Best Sugar Cookie Recipe
Ingredients
- All-Purpose Flour – 2 1/4 cups
- Baking Powder – 1/2 teaspoon
- Salt – 1/2 teaspoon
- Butter softened – 3/4 cup
- Granulated Sugar – 3/4 cup
- Large Egg – 1
- Vanilla Extract – 1 teaspoon
- Almond Extract – 1/2 teaspoon
- Cream Cheese Frosting
- Cream Cheese softened – 8 ounces
- Butter softened – 1/2 cup
- Powdered Sugar – 4 cups
- Vanilla Extract – 2 teaspoons
- Food Coloring optional
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter until smooth and fluffy, approximately one minute. Gradually add the sugar, beating for an additional two minutes until the mixture is light and airy. Incorporate the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract, blending thoroughly.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the creamed butter mixture, blending on a low speed until the dough forms a cohesive ball. Wrap the dough and refrigerate for at least one hour or leave it chilled overnight for best results.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll the chilled dough to a thickness of approximately 1/4 inch and use cookie cutters to shape the dough as desired. Place the cutouts on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 8 to 11 minutes, or until the edges are just set. For softer cookies, opt for the lower baking time. Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before applying frosting.
- Cream Cheese Frosting Preparation
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and lump-free. Gradually add powdered sugar, followed by vanilla extract, continuing to beat until the frosting is silky and thick. Apply the frosting to the cooled cookies, adding food coloring to the frosting as desired for a vibrant touch.
