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best sugar cookie recipe

This sugar cookie recipe yields soft, chewy cookies that are perfect for decorating or enjoying plain. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you'll have a delightful batch of cookies in no time.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 4 People
Calories 90 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 mixing bowl
  • 1 electric mixer or whisk
  • 1 measuring cups
  • 1 measuring spoons
  • 1 baking sheet
  • 1 parchment paper optional
  • 1 cooling rack

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (2 sticks)
  • 1.5 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
  • Granulated sugar for sprinkling (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease it lightly.
  • In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
  • Add the egg and both extracts (vanilla and almond) to the butter mixture. Mix well until fully incorporated.
  • In another bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix; the dough should be soft and slightly sticky.
  • Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie.
  • If desired, sprinkle a little granulated sugar on top of each cookie for added sweetness and texture.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look soft but will firm up as they cool.
  • Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Notes

For decorated cookies, allow the cookies to cool completely before icing or adding toppings.
These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
You can experiment with different flavors by adding citrus zest or spices like cinnamon to the dough.