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Classic Sugar Cookies

Classic Sugar Cookies are easy-to-make, delightfully sweet, and perfect for any occasion, capturing the essence of childhood baking memories.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Servings: 24 cookies
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Baking
Calories: 120

Ingredients
  

Dry Ingredients
  • 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour The backbone of your cookie, creating a sturdy yet tender texture.
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder A little lift to keep your cookies light and fluffy.
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt Enhances the sweetness, making each bite a burst of flavor.
Wet Ingredients
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Adds richness and a melt-in-your-mouth quality.
  • 1 cup granulated sugar The hero of sweetness.
  • 1 large egg Binds the ingredients together, providing moisture.
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract Infuses a warm, inviting aroma and flavor.
  • 1 tablespoon milk Add if dough is too stiff to ensure the right consistency for rolling out.
Optional Ingredients
  • red and green sprinkles Festive touches for extra cheer!
  • royal icing or glaze For those who love to decorate, this adds a fun, artistic flair.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together 2 3/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt until well combined.
Mix Ingredients
  1. In a separate large bowl, beat 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar together until light and fluffy (about 3-5 minutes).
  2. Add 1 large egg and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, mixing until everything is combined.
  3. Gradually add your dry mixture to the wet mixture. Blend until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
  4. If the dough is too stiff, add 1 tablespoon of milk to achieve the desired consistency.
  5. Cover the dough and place it in the fridge for about 1 hour to chill.
Cookie Shaping
  1. Once chilled, roll out your dough on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 1/4 inch.
  2. Use cookie cutters to cut out festive shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
  3. Sprinkle red and green sprinkles on top if desired before baking.
Baking
  1. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
  2. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Decorating
  1. Decorate the cookies with royal icing or glaze, if desired. Get creative with designs!

Notes

For best results, chill the dough, use quality ingredients, and keep an eye on baking time. Experiment with flavors by adding almond extract or lemon zest.