These soft sugar cookies are everything you want in a classic cut-out cookie—tender centers, lightly crisp edges, and the perfect base for decorating. Whether it’s for the holidays or a weekend baking session, this no-fail recipe is one you’ll come back to all year long. Just grab your favorite cookie cutters, whip up the frosting, and let the fun begin!
Prep Time50 minutesmins
Cook Time10 minutesmins
Cooling Time1 hourhr
Total Time1 hourhr50 minutesmins
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: best sugar cookie recipe, soft sugar cookie recipe, sugar cookie recipe, sugar cookies
1-2cupsconfectioners' sugarsifted (make it as sweet as you like)
2tablespoonsmilk
Instructions
Cookies
Preheat oven to 350 degree F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside
In a stand mixer (or with hand mixer) beat the softened butter, eggs, sugar, and almond extract. Beat until fluffy.
In another bowl sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Alternate adding flour and milk to combine with other wet ingredients. Add about one cup of the dry ingredients and a splash of milk at a time until well combined and unified cookie dough forms.
Chill sugar cookie dough for 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
Roll out dough onto a floured surface and cut into desired cut-out shapes. Place on cookie sheet about 1 inch apart and bake for 8-10 minutes until the edges are slightly golden. Let rest on cookie sheet for 5 minutes and put on a cookie cooling rack to cool completely before frosting.
Sugar Cookie Frosting
Cream room temperature butter with a hand mixer, the paddle attachment of a stand mixer, or a wooden spoon until smooth and fluffy. Gradually beat in confectioners' sugar until fully incorporated (start with 1 cup of sugar and add more until desired sweetness is acquired for your taste). Beat in almond extract. Pour in milk and beat for an additional 3 to 4 minutes.
Assembly: once cookies are cooled frost and decorate as desired!
Notes
You can bake the cookies and store in zip lock bags in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to use defrost at room temperature and enjoy plain or frost them and enjoy!