Description
Create the perfect holiday centerpiece with these classic sugar cookies. Designed specifically for professional-looking results, these cookies feature crisp, defined edges and a soft, buttery interior. This reliable recipe prevents spreading during baking, making them an ideal base for intricate royal icing designs or festive sanding sugar. By emphasizing the importance of cold dough, this method ensures your holiday cutouts maintain their beautiful shapes every time.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, slightly softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg, room temperature
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
1.5 teaspoons baking powder
0.5 teaspoon salt
Instructions
Cream the butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy.
Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing on medium speed until fully incorporated.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until the dough just comes together.
Divide the dough into two disks, wrap tightly in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness and cut into shapes.
Place cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Bake for 10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
Allow cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before decorating.
Notes
Chilling the dough is critical for sharp edges and preventing spread. Keep the dough cold while working with it. Store decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 10
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 165
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg