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These Classic Sugar Cookies are buttery and soft, with a light vanilla-almond flavor that’s perfect for holiday baking and decorating. The dough is easy to work with and holds its shape, making it ideal for using cookie cutters and creating festive designs. After baking, these cookies have a tender, delicate texture, and once cooled, they’re perfect for decorating with royal icing, buttercream, or a sprinkle of edible glitter to add a festive touch. This recipe is simple, fun, and delicious, making it great for family baking days, holiday gatherings, and edible gifts!
5 from 1 vote
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Course Bakery, Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 24
Calories 120 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ tsp almond extract optional, for extra flavor
  • ½ tsp baking powder
  • ¼ tsp salt

Optional for Decorating:

  • Royal icing or buttercream
  • Food coloring
  • Sprinkles or edible glitter

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) and mix until fully combined.
  • Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
  • Chill the Dough: Divide the dough into two equal portions, flatten each into a disk, and wrap in plastic wrap. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. Chilling is essential to help the cookies hold their shape while baking.
  • Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
  • Roll and Cut: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about ¼-inch thickness. Use your favorite holiday-themed cookie cutters to cut out shapes, and carefully place them on the prepared baking sheets, about 1 inch apart.
  • Bake: Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden. Be careful not to overbake; you want them to remain soft and tender. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • Decorate: Once cooled, decorate with royal icing, buttercream, sprinkles, or edible glitter as desired. Let the icing set before serving or storing.

Notes

Chilling Time: Chilling the dough is key to keeping the cookies from spreading and losing their shape.
Thickness Matters: For soft cookies, keep the dough about ¼-inch thick. If you prefer crispy edges, roll the dough a bit thinner.
Make Ahead: Dough can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 1 month.
Keyword butter cookies, Christmas Cookies, classic sugar cookies, decorated sugar cookies, holiday cookies, soft sugar cookies