Perfect Sugar Cookies
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon good quality salt
- 1 cup Challenge unsalted butter
2 sticks, room temperature
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon good quality vanilla extract
see flavor options in notes
Directions
- 1
In a medium bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder and salt, and set aside.
- 2
In the bowl of an electric mixer, using the paddle attachment, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This should take 2-3 minutes.
- 3
Add the egg and vanilla and beat another minute or so.
- 4
Add the flour mixture slowly. (Be careful not to add too much at a time or you will have a snowstorm of flour.)
- 5
Blend until all of the flour is incorporated. The mixture will look crumbly at first but just keep blending until the dough begins to pull away from the sides of the bowl.
- 6
Remove about half of the dough from the bowl and knead by hand just a bit to form a smooth ball. Roll out dough onto a lightly floured work surface, or onto a piece of plastic wrap (as described in detail in the blog post above).
- 7
Cut out cookies into desired shapes and place entire baking sheet of unbaked cookies into the freezer for 5 minutes.
- 8
Preheat oven to 350°F and bake cookies in preheated oven for 9-11 minutes, depending on the size and thickness of your cookies.
- 9
The cookies are baked when then are no longer shinny on top, but they will not show much of any change in color.
- 10
Cool on baking sheet just a minute or so, then carefully move to a wire cooling rack and allow to cool fully before decorating.
Perfect Sugar Cookies
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About this Recipe
Dreaming of beautiful, soft sugar cookies that hold their shape perfectly for decorating? This recipe for Perfect Sugar Cookies is exactly what you need to create those bakery-worthy treats at home. Say goodbye to cookies that spread and lose their charm!
Unlike many recipes that yield cookies that become too crisp or lose their definition, this particular combination of ingredients is designed for a dough that's easy to work with and bakes up wonderfully soft while maintaining its beautiful shape. It truly is the only sugar cookie recipe you'll ever need for consistent, delightful results that are both tender and flavorful.
Prepare for a truly classic sugar cookie experience. Each bite offers a wonderfully soft, tender crumb with a delicate sweetness, complemented by the rich notes of good quality vanilla extract. These cookies provide a satisfying chew and a delightful, melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes them irresistible.
You'll love how these cookies are designed to be a joy to bake and even more enjoyable to eat, perfect for any occasion. The dough is exceptionally cooperative, ensuring your cut-out shapes stay defined, making them ideal for elaborate decorating or simply enjoying plain.
While the good quality vanilla extract shines here, feel free to experiment with other extracts like almond or lemon for a different flavor profile. For a subtle warmth, a pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg can be incorporated into the flour mixture before mixing.
These Perfect Sugar Cookies are ideal for holiday gatherings, school events, or simply a comforting treat with a cup of tea or coffee. They're also a fantastic canvas for your favorite royal icing or simple glaze, making them endlessly versatile for any celebration.