Sugar Cookies to Decorate
These classic, buttery sugar cookies hold their shape perfectly in the oven, making them the ideal canvas for your favorite royal icing or sprinkles.
Ingredients
- •2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (315g)
- •1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- •1/4 teaspoon salt
- •3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (170g)
- •3/4 cup granulated sugar (150g)
- •1 large egg
- •1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- 1
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside.
- 2
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- 3
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- 4
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms.
- 5
Divide the dough into two disks, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
- 6
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- 7
On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to 1/4-inch thickness and cut into desired shapes using cookie cutters.
- 8
Place cookies on the prepared sheets and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are just barely golden.
- 9
Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet before decorating with icing.
💡 Chef tips
- If the dough becomes too soft while rolling, pop it back in the fridge for 10 minutes to firm up.
- You can make the dough up to 3 days in advance and keep it tightly wrapped in the refrigerator.
- For crispier edges, ensure your butter is cool to the touch rather than melted when you begin creaming.
✅ How it should turn out
The finished cookies are pale, firm, and buttery with a delicate crispness that provides a perfectly flat, sweet surface for decorating.