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A delicious homemade Sugar Cookie is displayed as the featured image for a baking article.

Best Sugar Cookie Recipe Ever

This sugar cookie recipe delivers perfectly crisp edges and a soft, chewy center with a burst of vanilla flavor. It's the go-to recipe for consistently perfect results and guaranteed smiles. Chilling the dough is key for ideal texture and preventing excessive spreading during baking.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 150
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • Frosting, for decorating optional
  • Sprinkles, for decorating optional

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Stand mixer or hand mixer
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Plastic wrap
  • Rolling Pin
  • Cookie cutters
  • Baking sheets
  • Parchment paper
  • Wire rack

Method
 

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  2. In a large bowl (or the bowl of your stand mixer), cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
  3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
  5. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or preferably 2-3 hours (or even overnight).
  6. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  7. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/4-inch thickness.
  8. Use cookie cutters to cut out your desired shapes.
  9. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch of space between them.
  10. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
  11. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  12. Once cooled, decorate with your favorite frosting and sprinkles.

Notes

For best results, use room temperature butter and real vanilla extract. Chilling the dough is crucial for preventing spreading. Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2-3 months. Variations include adding lemon zest, almond extract, or cocoa powder to the dough.