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Classic Sugar Cookies

Soft-centered sugar cookies with lightly crisp edges and buttery vanilla flavor. This reliable dough chills before baking for easy handling and a tender bite.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Chill Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 150
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 312 g
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened (226 g)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar 200 g
  • 1 large egg room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon almond extract optional
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar for rolling optional

Method
 

  1. Whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
  2. Beat the softened butter and 1 cup sugar until creamy and lighter in color, about 2 to 3 minutes. Beat in the egg, vanilla, and almond extract, if using.
  3. Mix the dry ingredients into the butter mixture on low just until no dry streaks remain. Do not overmix. Cover and chill for 1 hour.
  4. Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment. Scoop the dough into 24 portions, about 1 1/2 tablespoons each. Roll in the optional sugar and place 2 inches apart.
  5. Bake one sheet at a time for 9 to 11 minutes, until the edges look set and the bottoms are pale golden; the centers should still look soft. Cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then move to a rack.