The Ultimate Sugar Cookies Recipe – No Chill, No Spread, No Fail
If you’re looking for a foolproof sugar cookie recipe that delivers soft, perfectly shaped cookies every time, this is it! These cookies are a best-seller in my baking business for a reason: no chilling required, they hold their shape beautifully, and they freeze like a dream. Perfect for holiday baking, decorating, or simply enjoying as-is!
Ingredients for Sugar Cookies
- 1 lb butter (half salted, half unsalted)
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tsp almond extract
- 6 cups all-purpose flour
Instructions for the Perfect Sugar Cookies
1. Cream Butter and Sugar
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the butter and sugar.
- Cream together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
2. Add Eggs and Extracts
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated.
- Add the vanilla and almond extract, mixing for another 1-2 minutes until well combined.
3. Incorporate the Flour
- Gradually add the flour in 2-cup increments.
- Mix gently until the dough just comes together and pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
- Tip: Dough should not stick to your fingers when touched.
4. Roll Out the Dough
- Roll the dough between sheets of parchment or wax paper to avoid adding extra flour.
- This ensures you can re-roll scraps without compromising the dough.
- For even thickness, use a rolling pin with guides and roll the dough to ¼ inch thickness.
5. Cut and Bake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cut out desired shapes using cookie cutters and place them on an ungreased baking sheet.
- Bake for 11-13 minutes (depending on size), until the bottoms are just barely golden.
- Tip: Avoid over-baking for softer cookies.
6. Cool and Decorate
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
- Once completely cooled, decorate with your favorite icing or enjoy plain.
Royal Icing Recipe for Decorating
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs powdered sugar
- 3 heaping tbsp Wilton’s meringue powder
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 9+ tbsp water (adjust as needed for desired consistency)
Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the powdered sugar and meringue powder.
- Add the vanilla extract and 9 tablespoons of water.
- Mix on low speed until just combined and smooth. Do not over-mix.
- Adjust the water as needed to achieve the right consistency for flooding, outlining, or detail work.
- Optional: Replace 1 tablespoon of water with 1 tablespoon of almond extract for extra flavor.
Pro Tips for Success
- Freezing Dough or Cookies: Both the dough and baked cookies freeze exceptionally well. Wrap tightly and store for up to 3 months. Thaw before rolling or decorating.
- Uniform Thickness: A guided rolling pin like the Joseph Joseph rolling pin ensures evenly baked cookies.
- Batch Size: This recipe can easily be halved or doubled, yielding 3-6 dozen cookies depending on size.
- Icing Storage: Store unused icing in an airtight container. Cover the surface with plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out.
Why This Recipe Works
- No Chill: Saves time without sacrificing flavor or texture.
- No Spread: Cookies hold their shape perfectly, making them ideal for intricate designs.
- Soft and Flavorful: Balanced with butter, almond, and vanilla for a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Whether you’re baking for business, holiday parties, or family treats, these sugar cookies will be a hit. Easy to make, versatile, and delicious—don’t lose this recipe!
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