Sugar Cookies Recipe: Perfect for Holiday Decorating
Nothing says the holidays like trays of beautifully decorated sugar cookies! This sugar cookies recipe produces buttery, soft cookies with just the right balance of sweetness—perfect for cutting into fun shapes and decorating with icing and sprinkles.
Whether you’re baking for Christmas, birthdays, or just a fun weekend project, these cookies hold their shape wonderfully and are incredibly easy to work with. In the photos, we decorated Christmas trees, snowmen, stars, gingerbread men, and stockings, each with colorful icing and festive sprinkles.
Get creative with this versatile dough and turn your cookies into edible works of art!
Ingredients for Sugar Cookies Recipe
- 1 ½ cups butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 ½ cups brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cream the Butter and Sugars:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
2. Add the Extracts:
- Stir in the vanilla and almond extracts, mixing until evenly incorporated.
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
4. Roll Out and Cut the Cookies:
- Lightly flour your work surface and roll the dough to about ¼-inch thickness.
- Use cookie cutters to cut out your desired shapes.
- Transfer the cookies to a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving a little space between each.
5. Bake the Cookies:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the cookies for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly golden. Avoid overbaking to keep them soft.
- Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool completely before decorating.
6. Decorate the Cookies:
- Use royal icing for intricate details or buttercream frosting for a creamy finish.
- Decorate with sprinkles, edible glitter, or any festive toppings you like.
Tips for the Perfect Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Chill the Dough (Optional): For sharper edges, chill the rolled dough for 15 minutes before cutting out shapes.
- Even Rolling: Use rolling pin guides or thickness bands to roll the dough evenly, ensuring consistent baking.
- Custom Flavors: Swap almond extract for lemon or peppermint extract to match your occasion.
- Decorating: Use royal icing for detailed designs or buttercream for a softer, creamier texture.
Why You’ll Love This Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Holds Shape: The dough holds its shape beautifully when baked, making it ideal for intricate cookie cutters.
- Customizable: Easily adjust flavors, shapes, and decorations to suit any holiday or event.
- Fun to Decorate: Perfect for family baking days or parties where everyone can get creative.
Conclusion: A Festive Classic
This sugar cookies recipe is a must-have for your baking collection. From the buttery, soft texture to the endless decorating possibilities, these cookies bring joy to any celebration. Whether you’re making them for a holiday party or as a thoughtful gift, these cookies are guaranteed to impress.
So, grab your favorite cookie cutters, whip up a batch of this easy dough, and start creating memories one cookie at a time!
