Introduction
Sugar cookies are a holiday classic loved by kids and adults alike. Soft, buttery, and lightly sweet, these cookies are perfect for decorating with colorful icing, sprinkles, and festive designs. Whether you’re baking for Christmas, birthdays, school parties, or cozy weekend fun, a batch of homemade sugar cookies always brings joy.
This recipe is designed to give you cookies that stay soft, hold their shape beautifully, and taste absolutely delicious. With simple ingredients and easy steps, even beginners can create bakery-quality sugar cookies at home. So gather your cookie cutters, put on some music, and enjoy a fun and relaxing baking experience.
History / Background
Sugar cookies first appeared in Europe hundreds of years ago, but the version we know today became popular in early American kitchens. German settlers in Pennsylvania made a simple cookie called “Nazareth Sugar Cookies,” which became known for their buttery flavor and easy-to-roll dough.
As cookie cutters became more common in the 19th and 20th centuries, sugar cookies turned into a favorite holiday tradition. Families cut dough into stars, trees, hearts, and other shapes, then decorated each cookie with icing and sprinkles. Today, sugar cookies remain one of the most beloved holiday bakes, enjoyed for both their taste and the creative decorating that comes with them.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Soft, buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture
• Dough that holds shape — no spreading while baking
• Easy to roll, cut, and decorate
• Perfect for Christmas, birthdays, and celebrations
• Simple ingredients and beginner-friendly steps
• Cookies stay soft for days
• Great for kids’ decorating parties
• Ideal for gifting or cookie boxes
Ingredient Notes
Butter
Use unsalted, softened butter for the best flavor and texture. Soft butter creams easily and helps the cookies stay tender.
Sugar
White granulated sugar gives sweetness and crisp edges without making the cookies overly sweet.
Eggs
Eggs bind the dough and help it stay soft.
Vanilla Extract
Adds warm, classic sugar cookie flavor. For extra richness, add almond extract too.
Flour
All-purpose flour provides structure. Measure correctly to avoid dry dough.
Baking Powder
Helps create a soft, slightly puffy cookie.
Salt
Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
Equipment Needed
• Mixing bowls
• Hand mixer or stand mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• Rolling pin
• Cookie cutters
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Cooling rack
• Small bowls for icing
Full Recipe Card
Ingredients
For the Sugar Cookies
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (or 1 teaspoon vanilla + ½ teaspoon almond extract)
• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Icing (Optional for Decorating)
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 2–3 tablespoons milk
• ½ teaspoon vanilla or almond extract
• Food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract and mix until fully combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Divide the dough into two portions. Flatten each into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 1 hour.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Lightly flour a work surface and roll the dough to about ¼ inch thickness.
- Cut out shapes using cookie cutters and place the cookies on the baking sheets.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes or until the edges are just barely golden. Do not overbake.
- Cool the cookies completely before decorating.
- For icing, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Add food coloring if desired.
- Decorate and allow icing to dry before storing.
Recipe Notes
• If the dough is sticky, chill it longer.
• If the dough cracks while rolling, let it warm slightly at room temperature.
• For thicker cookies, roll to ⅜ inch instead of ¼ inch.
Tips & Variations
• Add almond extract for bakery-style sugar cookies.
• Make citrus sugar cookies by adding lemon or orange zest.
• Add sprinkles directly to the dough for a funfetti version.
• Dip half the cookie in melted chocolate for a fancy touch.
• Make marble icing by swirling different colors together.
• Add cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm holiday twist.
Pro Chef Tips
• Chill the dough — it’s the key to cookies that hold their shape.
• Roll dough between two sheets of parchment for perfectly smooth cookies.
• Use powdered sugar instead of flour to dust the surface for rolling — it prevents dryness.
• Bake cookies on the middle rack for even heat.
• Remove cookies before they brown; they continue firming as they cool.
• Use gel food coloring for vibrant icing without thinning it out.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Using melted or too-soft butter — this makes cookies spread.
• Overmixing the dough — can make cookies tough.
• Adding too much flour — leads to dry, crumbly cookies.
• Skipping chilling time — shapes will lose definition.
• Overbaking — sugar cookies should remain pale, not brown.
• Using hot baking sheets — this causes spreading.
Storage & Meal Prep
• Store decorated or undecorated cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Separate layers with parchment paper to protect icing.
• Store icing in the fridge for 3 days and whisk before using.
• Cookies stay soft longer if stored with a piece of bread or marshmallow inside the container.
Make-Ahead & Freezer Notes
• The dough can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
• Freeze cookie dough discs for up to 2 months — thaw slightly before rolling.
• Baked cookies freeze well for up to 3 months.
• Freeze undecorated cookies for best results; decorate after thawing.
Serving Suggestions
• Decorate with icing and sprinkles for holiday or birthday themes.
• Pair with hot cocoa, coffee, or warm milk.
• Package in treat boxes for gifting.
• Use as part of a festive cookie platter.
• Serve with ice cream for a fun dessert twist.
FAQs
Why are my sugar cookies dry?
Too much flour or overbaking can cause dryness.
Can I bake the cookies without chilling the dough?
Chilling is necessary to help the cookies keep their shape.
Can I use salted butter?
Yes, but reduce added salt to a pinch.
Why did my cookies spread?
The dough may have been too warm or butter too soft.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Use a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour for best results.
Conclusion
These buttery soft sugar cookies are everything a holiday cookie should be — tender, sweet, easy to decorate, and perfect for sharing with family and friends. With simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions, you can bake cookies that look beautiful and taste even better. Whether you’re decorating with kids, preparing gifts, or creating a festive dessert table, this recipe will quickly become your go-to.
