Best Sugar Cookies
These sugar cookies are buttery, tender, and perfect for decorating with frosting or glaze, making them ideal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Make sure butter is softened for smooth creaming.
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract Optional for deeper flavor.
For Decoration
- Buttercream frosting or simple glaze Use for decorating the cookies.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy.
- Beat in egg and vanilla (and almond extract, if using). Mix until smooth.
- Gradually add the flour mixture, mixing until combined. Do this in stages to avoid overmixing.
- Chill the dough for at least 1 hour to make rolling easier.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface and cut into desired shapes.
Baking
- Place cookies on ungreased baking sheets and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.
- Let cookies cool before decorating.
Notes
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container. For longer storage, freeze the cookies and allow them to thaw at room temperature before serving.