Classic Sugar Cookies

Author Samantha Tilley
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Ingredients

Classic Sugar Cookies
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

Royal Icing for decorating:
  1. 4 cups (480g) confectioners’ sugar, sifted
  2. 3 Egg whites
  3. 1/2t Vanilla extract
  4. Gel food coloring
  5. Food coloring
  6. Sprinkles or other decor
  1. Preheat the Oven:
  2. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
  3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
  4. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This can be done using a hand mixer or a stand mixer with the paddle attachment.
  5. Add Egg and Vanilla:
  6. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to incorporate all ingredients evenly.
  7. Combine Dry Ingredients:
  8. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  9. Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet Mixture:
  10. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want a soft, pliable dough.
  11. Chill the Dough:
  12. Divide the dough into two equal portions, form each into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling the dough makes it easier to handle and helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking.
  13. Roll and Cut:
  14. Preheat the oven again to 350°F (175°C). On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to a thickness of about 1/4 inch. Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out shapes.
  15. Bake:
  16. Place the cutout cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving a little space between each. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Be cautious not to overbake, as sugar cookies are best when soft.
  17. Cool:
  18. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  19. Decorate:
  20. For the Royal Icing:
  21. In the bowl of a stand mixer or large mixing bowl, beat egg whites on medium-low speed until frothy, about 1 minute.
  22. With the mixer on low speed, slowly add in confectioners’ sugar and vanilla.
  23. Once fully incorporated, increase speed to medium-high and beat until stiff peaks shiny peaks form.
  24. Divide icing among small bowls, and dye with gel food coloring if desired. (Keep any icing that isn’t being immediately used covered with plastic wrap as it dries out very quickly.) Transfer to piping bags and decorate cookies.
  25. Once the cookies are completely cooled, have fun decorating with royal icing, food coloring, and sprinkles. Let your creativity shine as you add festive designs and colors to your classic sugar cookies.
  26. Enjoy:
  27. Once the icing has set, your classic sugar cookies are ready to be enjoyed! Serve them at holiday gatherings, share them with friends, or simply savor the sweetness of the season.