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Foolproof Sugar Cookie Recipe

Valentine cookie cutter sugar cookie recipe.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Course: Dessert
Method Notes

Method
 

  1. 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened1 cup granulated sugar1 large egg2 teaspoons vanilla extract½ teaspoon almond extract (optional but delicious)3 cups all-purpose flour1 teaspoon baking powder½ teaspoon salt
  2. Make the Dough
  3. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
  4. Beat in the egg, vanilla, and almond extract until smooth.
  5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing just until combined.
  7. Chill
  8. Divide the dough into two discs.
  9. Wrap each in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
  10. Roll & Cut
  11. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  12. Roll the chilled dough to about ¼-inch thick on a lightly floured surface.
  13. Cut into shapes using your favorite cookie cutters.
  14. Bake
  15. Place cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet about 1 inch apart.
  16. Bake for 8–10 minutes, until the edges are just beginning to turn a light golden color.
  17. Let cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Notes

Easy Vanilla Glaze

Ingredients

  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 2–3 tablespoons milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Mix until smooth. Add food coloring if desired and drizzle or spread over cooled cookies.

Foolproof Tips

✔ Chill the dough before rolling—it prevents sticking and helps the cookies keep their shape.
✔ Roll the dough to an even thickness so all the cookies bake evenly.
✔ Don't overbake. The cookies should still look pale in the center when you remove them from the oven.
✔ Bake one tray at a time for the most even results.
✔ Let cookies cool completely before decorating.

Fun Variations

🎄 Add holiday sprinkles before baking.
🍋 Stir in 1 teaspoon lemon zest for a bright citrus flavor.
🎂 Replace the almond extract with extra vanilla for a classic bakery-style cookie.
🎉 Mix colorful sprinkles into the dough for festive funfetti cookies.

Storage

  • Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
  • Freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months.
  • Cookie dough can also be frozen for up to 3 months—just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before rolling.
Gal Pal Tip: For picture-perfect cookies, chill the cut-out shapes on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before baking. This extra step helps them keep crisp edges and gives you bakery-quality results every time! 🍪