Classic Sugar Cookies
This classic sugar cookie recipe is easy to make and perfect for decorating.
Ingredients
- 1 c. butter softened
- 1 c. sugar
- 1 tsp. vanilla
- 2 large eggs
- 2-1/2 c. flour
Instructions
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Cream the butter in the bowl of an electric mixer; add the sugar, and mix until well incorporated and fluffy. Add the vanilla and eggs; mix well. Add the flour, and again, mix until well combined.
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Chill the dough for at least 1-4 hours (or overnight) before rolling.
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Roll out on a floured surface and cut out shapes with a lightly floured cookie cutter, in the shape(s) of your choice.
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Bake at 350 degrees F for 8-10 minutes, or until just golden around the base of the cookies. Cool on wire racks.
Recipe Notes
You can freeze this cookie dough ahead of time, thawing it just before you want to use it. Or, to be even more prepared, go ahead and pre-roll and cut out your shapes, then layer the unbaked cookies between sheets of wax or parchment paper, and freeze them in a sealed container until ready to bake. I do this all the time when I make large quantities for something, and I want them all to be fresh (without the frustration of last-minute prep work). I can make hundreds of cookies in advance this way (great for weddings!) and bake them all fresh the morning of the event with little hassle. Also, frozen cookies retain their shape better when baked - Which is great for making perfectly decorated cookies!