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The Best Sugar Cookie Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 115 reviews

This is a classic and delicious sugar cookie recipe that yields soft, thick cookies perfect for decorating and enjoying with a rich buttercream frosting. Made with sweet cream salted butter, vanilla for moisture and flavor, and a tender crumb, these cookies bake to a perfect golden edge without becoming dry or crumbly. Ideal for festive occasions or everyday treats, the dough is easy to prepare and rolls out smoothly for cutting fun shapes.

Ingredients

Scale

Cookie Dough Ingredients

  • 2 cups (4 sticks) Sweet Cream Salted Butter, softened but still cold
  • 2 cups Granulated Sugar
  • 2 Large Eggs
  • 2 tablespoons Vanilla Extract
  • 4 teaspoons Baking Powder
  • 6 cups All-Purpose Flour

Instructions

  1. Prepare Butter and Sugar: Add softened but still cold butter and granulated sugar to your mixer. The butter should be softened to the point where it is cold to the touch but pressable with your fingers to avoid dryness in the dough.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugar: Mix on medium-high speed for about 3 minutes until thoroughly creamed.
  3. Add Flavor and Eggs: Incorporate vanilla extract and eggs into the creamed mixture, providing the dough with moisture and flavor.
  4. Mix Dough Until Fluffy: Continue mixing for around 3 more minutes until the dough becomes light and fluffy.
  5. Add Baking Powder: Stir in baking powder to help the cookies rise during baking.
  6. Incorporate Flour: Add the flour two cups at a time, mixing just until combined after each addition to avoid overworking the dough.
  7. Adjust Dough Consistency: Ensure the dough is firm but not crumbly. If too dry, add a teaspoon of vanilla or milk and mix again.
  8. Roll Out Dough: Roll a handful of dough on a prepared surface to about 3/8 inch thickness.
  9. Cut Shapes: Use cookie cutters to shape the dough as desired.
  10. Bake the Cookies: Place cut cookies in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 6-10 minutes depending on cookie size and thickness. Thicker cookies should bake 9-10 minutes; thinner or smaller cookies 6-7 minutes. Remove when cookies are set and slightly browning at edges but not fully browned.
  11. Cool and Frost: Allow cookies to cool completely before decorating with your favorite frosting, such as a buttercream frosting for best results.

Notes

  • Use Sweet Cream Salted Butter that is softened but still cool to prevent dry dough.
  • Do not over-mix flour into the dough to keep cookies tender.
  • If the dough feels too dry after adding flour, add a small amount of vanilla or milk to adjust moisture.
  • Do not over-bake; sugar cookies are best when just set and slightly browned on edges.
  • A thick roll-out of about 3/8 inch is suggested for holding frosting well.
  • Use a light hand when mixing in dry ingredients to avoid tough cookies.
  • Pair with a simple buttercream frosting for optimal taste and decoration.

Keywords: sugar cookies, classic sugar cookie recipe, soft sugar cookies, thick sugar cookies, cookie cutter cookies, buttercream frosting, holiday cookies

Find it online: https://ricoloranz.com/the-best-sugar-cookie-recipe/