Best Sugar Cookie Recipe
User Reviews
4.9
Best Sugar Cookie Recipe
Description
The Best Sugar Cookie Recipe uses a well-creamed mixture of softened butter and granulated sugar beaten until light and fluffy, then incorporates eggs and vanilla extract for moisture and flavor. Flour, baking powder, and salt are sifted and added carefully to maintain the soft consistency. The dough is rolled into sugar-coated balls and pressed flat before baking at 375°F to achieve cookies with slightly crisp edges and tender interiors.
The optional bourbon glaze combines heavy cream, vanilla, bourbon, and powdered sugar to create a smooth, glossy topping that complements the buttery cookies without overpowering their mild sweetness. Cookies bake to a pale golden color and remain soft, making them suitable for holiday gatherings or everyday snacking.
For best results, don't over-handle the dough to keep it tender. Rolling in extra sugar before baking gives a subtle crunch. Allow the glaze to fully set on cooled cookies for proper texture and flavor balance. This basic sugar cookie can be customized with different extracts or toppings but shines in its classic simplicity.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour measured then sifted
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt fine sea salt
- 3 ticks unsalted butter softened (1 1/2 cups
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar + extra for rolling
- 2 egg large
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract pure
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Line several baking sheets with parchment paper. Mix the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
- Place the softened butter and sugar in the bowl of your electric mixer. Cream the butter and sugar together on high until light and fluffy, 3-5 minutes. (Don't skimp on the time here.) Then turn the mixer on low and add the eggs and vanilla extract. Scrape the bowl.
- With the mixer running on low, slowly add the flour mixture. Scrape the bowl and beat again for 30 seconds.
- Pour some extra sugar into a bowl to coat the cookies. Scoop the dough out and roll into 1-inch balls. The dough should be soft and delicate - don't over-handle. Shake each ball in the sugar bowl to coat, then place on the cookie sheets 2 inches apart. Use the bottom of a drinking glass to press down on each ball, until it's 1/3- to 1/2-inch thick.
- Bake each sheet of sugar cookies for 9-11 minutes, until the edges are slightly golden and the centers are just barely set. Cool completely on the cookie sheets.
Notes
- For less sweet cookies that hold shape well, use ½ cup powdered sugar; 1 cup makes them sweeter and a bit more tender.
- Whisk the bourbon glaze ingredients thoroughly and dip cookies only after they cool completely to prevent melting.
- Use high-quality vanilla extract for best flavor; optional bourbon adds richness but can be omitted.
- Press cookies down gently with a glass to ensure even thickness for consistent baking.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 45cookies
Amount Per Serving
Calories 113 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1cookie | |
| Calories | 113kcal | 6% |
| Carbohydrates | 13g | 4% |
| Protein | 1g | 2% |
| Fat | 6g | 9% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Cholesterol | 23mg | 8% |
| Sodium | 55mg | 2% |
| Potassium | 26mg | 1% |
| Fiber | 0g | 0% |
| Sugar | 6g | 12% |
| Vitamin A | 200IU | 4% |
| Calcium | 10mg | 1% |
| Iron | 0.4mg | 2% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
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