Description
Discover the perfect balance of soft and sweet with this classic Best Sugar Cookies Ever recipe. These cookies are tender, buttery, and enhanced with a hint of almond extract. Paired with a luscious cream cheese frosting, they make a delightful treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 3/4 cup Butter (softened)
- 3/4 cup Sugar
- 1 large Egg
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1/2 teaspoon Almond Extract
- 2 1/4 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1/2 teaspoon Baking Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 ounces Cream Cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup Butter (softened)
- 4 cups Powdered Sugar
- 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract
- Food Coloring (Optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy for about one minute. Add sugar and continue beating for about two minutes until well combined and fluffy. Incorporate the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract, beating until fully mixed.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the creamed butter and sugar mixture, beating until the dough forms a cohesive ball. Wrap and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least one hour or ideally overnight for best results.
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large cookie sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Roll and Cut Cookies: Roll the chilled dough out on a floured surface to your desired thickness, typically about 1/4 inch. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes and transfer them carefully to the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 11 minutes, depending on preference. For softer cookies, bake closer to eight minutes; for a firmer texture, bake up to eleven minutes. Remove from oven and let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
- Make the Cream Cheese Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until the frosting is creamy and smooth. Add food coloring if desired.
- Frost the Cookies: Once the cookies have cooled completely, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over each cookie. Allow the frosting to set slightly before serving or storing.
Notes
- Chilling the dough overnight enhances flavor and texture, making cookies easier to cut and less likely to spread in the oven.
- Use parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent cookies from sticking to the baking sheet.
- Adjust baking time according to your preferred cookie texture—shorter for softer, longer for crisper cookies.
- For festive variations, add food coloring to the frosting or decorate with sprinkles.
- Store frosted cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator due to the cream cheese frosting.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
