Sugar Cookie Recipe

Time1h 10m

Serves24

Make Sugar Cookie Recipe in just 1h 10m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

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Ingredients

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1
Prepare and preheat
Remove butter from the refrigerator at least 30 minutes before starting so it reaches a softened but still slightly cool texture. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
2
Cream butter and sugar
In a large mixing bowl using a handheld mixer or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the softened butter and 1 cup granulated sugar together on medium speed for 2–3 minutes until light, pale, and fluffy. Scrape down the bowl once during mixing.
3
Add egg and vanilla
Add the egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugar. Beat on medium-low speed until fully incorporated, about 30–45 seconds. Scrape down the bowl.
4
Combine dry ingredients
In a separate medium bowl whisk together 2.5 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and 1 teaspoon salt until evenly combined.
5
Mix dry into wet
With the mixer on low speed, add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in two additions, mixing just until the dough comes together and no streaks of dry flour remain. Do not overmix; the dough should be soft and slightly tacky but workable.
6
Chill dough (optional but recommended)
For cleaner edges when cutting shapes or for easier rolling, flatten the dough into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for 30–60 minutes. If you prefer a quicker bake, you can proceed immediately, but chilled dough spreads less.

7
Shape cookies for drop or cut
For drop cookies: scoop dough into rounded tablespoon-sized portions (about 1 tbsp or 15–18 g each) and roll lightly into balls. For roll-and-cut cookies: on a lightly floured surface roll chilled dough to about 1/4 inch thickness and cut with desired cookie cutters.
8
Coat with sugar (optional)
If using, lightly roll each ball of dough in extra granulated sugar or sprinkle sanding sugar on rolled-and-cut dough before baking. This gives a sparkly finish and slight crunch.
9
Arrange on baking sheet
Place cookies on prepared baking sheets spaced about 2 inches apart to allow for slight spreading. For cut shapes, transfer cut dough to the baking sheet using a thin spatula.
10
Bake
Bake in the preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 9–12 minutes. Bake until edges are set and just beginning to turn a very light golden color; centers should remain pale for a tender, soft cookie.
11
Cool
Remove baking sheet from the oven and let cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes to set, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. If using icing or sprinkles, add them after cookies are completely cool.