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Ingredients
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Sugar Cookie Dough
Optional Finishes
Method
Sugar Cookie Dough
- 1
Prep
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- 2
Combine dry ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined. Set aside.
- 3
Cream butter and sugar
In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the room-temperature unsalted butter and granulated sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. Scrape down the bowl as needed.
- 4
- 5
Combine wet and dry
With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the dry flour mixture to the butter mixture and mix until just combined. Do not overmix. The dough should be soft but hold together; if too sticky, chill 10–15 minutes.
- 6
Portion dough
Scoop the dough into 12 equal portions (about 1.25 tablespoons each) to yield 12 cookies; for this recipe's label '1 each' assume a single cookie — if you want exactly 1 cookie scale the portion accordingly. For making standard cookies, roll each portion into a 1-inch ball between your palms.
- 7
Coat (optional)
If desired, roll each dough ball lightly in the extra granulated sugar to create a sparkly exterior.
- 8
Flatten
Place dough balls on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Gently press each ball with the bottom of a glass or your palm to flatten to about 1/4–1/2 inch thickness for an even bake.
- 9
Bake
Bake in the preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 9–12 minutes, or until the edges are set and just beginning to turn golden while centers remain pale. Rotate the sheet halfway through for even browning.
- 10
Cool
Remove from oven and let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 2–3 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Optional Finishes
- 11
For a simple finish, dust cooled cookies with powdered sugar. For decorated cookies, allow cookies to cool completely then pipe royal icing or use store-bought icing as desired. Let icing set 30–60 minutes before stacking or serving.