Sugar Cookies

Smart Cookie Score ●●●●○

ⓘ feeds around 20 cookie lovers

Soft, sweet, and endlessly customizable — this sugar cookie is your blank canvas for holidays, parties, or everyday cravings.

Flavor Profile Sweet

Mild vanilla flavor with a rich, buttery base and a crisp outer edge.

Ingredients

• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp baking soda

• ½ tsp baking powder

• ¼ tsp salt

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar

• 1 large egg

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• ½ tsp almond extract (optional)

Optional:

• Sprinkles (for rolling or topping)

• Colored sugar (for festive flair)

• Royal icing or buttercream (for decorating)

Instructions

Prep the dough
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.

Cream the butter & sugar
In a large bowl, beat softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).

Add egg & extracts
Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until fully incorporated.

Combine wet & dry
Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix until a soft dough forms. Chill dough for 30 minutes if rolling out.

Shape the cookies
Scoop dough by tablespoons, roll into balls, and place on parchment-lined baking sheets. Press down slightly. Add sprinkles if using.

Bake
Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges just begin to turn golden. Let cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.