Hello everyone! These sugar cookies are soft, hold their shape perfectly, and are great for decorating. Simple ingredients, easy steps, delicious results.
What You’ll Need
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup salted butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 cups flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- Optional: ¼ tsp almond extract
For the Icing:
Easy Steps
Make the Dough:
- Mix flour and baking powder in a bowl. Set aside.
- Beat butter and sugar until fluffy (2-3 minutes).
- Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla. Mix well.
- Slowly add flour mixture. Mix just until combined.
- Wrap dough in plastic wrap. Refrigerate 1 hour minimum.
Bake the Cookies: 6. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line baking sheet with parchment paper. 7. Roll chilled dough on floured surface to ¼ inch thick. 8. Cut shapes with cookie cutters. Place on baking sheet. 9. Bake 8-10 minutes until edges are barely golden. 10. Cool on sheet 5 minutes, then move to cooling rack.
Make the Icing: 11. Mix powdered sugar, 3 tbsp milk, and vanilla. Add more milk if needed for spreading consistency. 12. Divide into bowls and add food coloring if desired.
Decorate: 13. Spread or pipe icing on completely cooled cookies. 14. Add sprinkles while icing is wet. 15. Let dry overnight before stacking.
Tips for Success
- Butter must be soft before mixing
- Don’t skip chilling – it helps cookies keep their shape
- Don’t overbake – remove when edges just start to turn golden
- Make sure cookies are completely cool before adding icing
Time: 2+ hours (includes chilling) | Makes: 24-36 cookies
Enjoy your perfect sugar cookies!
