Description
This recipe delivers irresistibly soft and chewy sugar cookies that are perfect for any occasion. With a simple mix of classic ingredients like butter, sugar, and vanilla, these cookies bake up tender and flavorful, boasting a slight golden edge while remaining soft in the center. Ideal for decorating or enjoying plain, they are a timeless treat everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (at room temperature)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg (at room temperature)
- 1.5 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 1.75 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a stand mixer, beat together the butter and sugar until creamy and well combined, about 45 seconds.
- Add Eggs and Extracts: Incorporate the egg, vanilla extract, and optional almond extract, mixing until smoothly blended, approximately 1 minute.
- Fold in Dry Ingredients: Scrape down the bowl with a rubber spatula and gently fold in the flour and salt until no streaks remain.
- Chill Dough: Turn dough onto a floured surface, shape into a 1-inch thick disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll Out Dough: On a floured surface, roll the chilled dough to about 1/4 inch thickness.
- Cut Shapes: Use cookie cutters to create shapes, transfer them to the prepared baking sheets, and optionally sprinkle with colored sugar.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 12 minutes until edges are light golden brown and centers remain chewy.
- Cool: Transfer baked cookies to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Notes
- Ensure butter and egg are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
- Chilling the dough is essential to prevent spreading during baking and to enhance flavor.
- The optional almond extract adds a subtle nutty flavor that complements the vanilla.
- Adjust baking time slightly depending on cookie size to maintain softness.
- Store cooled cookies in an airtight container to keep them soft for several days.
