Best Sugar Cookie Recipes

SUGAR COOKIE ICING

Steps:

• In a small bowl, stir together confectioners' sugar and milk until smooth. Beat in corn syrup and almond extract until icing is smooth and glossy. If icing is too thick, add more corn syrup.
• Divide into separate bowls, and add food colorings to each to desired intensity. Dip cookies, or paint them with a brush.

CLASSIC CHRISTMAS SUGAR COOKIE CUTOUTS

Steps:

• In large bowl, mix 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, the butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla, almond extract and egg until well blended. Stir in flour, baking soda and cream of tartar. Cover and refrigerate at least 3 hours.
• Heat oven to 375°F. Divide dough in half. On lightly floured surface, roll each half of dough 3/16 inch thick. Cut into assorted shapes with cookie cutters, or cut around patterns traced from storybook illustrations. If cookies are to be hung as decorations, make a hole in each 1/4 inch from top with end of plastic straw. Place on ungreased cookie sheet.
• Bake 7 to 8 minutes or until light brown. Remove from cookie sheet to cooling rack. Cool completely, about 30 minutes.
• In medium bowl, beat all frosting ingredients until smooth and spreadable. Tint with food color if desired. Frost and decorate cookies as desired with frosting and colored sugars.

SUGAR COOKIE GLAZE

Steps:

• Stir confectioners' sugar, corn syrup, and water together. Stir in food coloring if desired. This glaze must be stirred each time you use it. If it is not stirred before each use it will dry with a mottled look instead of a solid color.

LEMON-ROSEMARY OLIVE OIL CAKE WITH BLACKBERRY-RASPBERRY ICE CREAM AND A BLACK SEA SALT SUGAR COOKIE

Steps:

• For the blackberry-raspberry ice cream: Place the cream, milk, sugar and salt in a saucepan and bring to a low simmer.
• Whisk the eggs in a bowl. When cream mixture reaches 130 degrees F on a thermometer, quickly whisk in the eggs. Cook, stirring constantly, until the thermometer registers 170 degrees F. Remove from the heat and pour the custard through a fine-mesh sieve.
• Whisk the blackberry puree into the custard, then cool over an ice bath. Transfer to an ice cream maker and freeze according to manufacturer's instructions.
• Meanwhile, combine the raspberry puree and sugar in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil and cook until reduced by one-third. Let cool.
• When the ice cream is done churning, transfer it to a rectangular container. Drop spoonfuls of the raspberry mixture on top of the ice cream and swirl in with a butter knife. Freeze.
• For the lemon-rosemary olive oil cake: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 9-inch springform pan (or 8 individual springform pans) with vegetable spray.
• Combine the sugar and eggs in a stand mixer with the whisk attachment; mix just to combine. With the mixer on low speed, slowly drizzle in the olive oil, making sure the oil is well incorporated and emulsified.
• Meanwhile, whisk together the flour, salt, baking powder and baking soda in a bowl.
• In a second bowl or a measuring cup, combine the milk, lemon juice, lemon zest and rosemary.
• Add the flour to the stand mixer in three additions, alternating with the milk mixture (2 additions). Begin and end with the flour, and be sure to whisk well after each addition--the batter will be runny. Pour the batter in the prepared springform pan.
• Bake until the cake is a deep golden brown and bounces back when lightly pressed, 45 to 55 minutes (20 to 25 minutes for individual pans).
• Cool to room temperature on a rack, then remove the cake from the pan.
• For the lemon-rosemary glaze: In a bowl, whisk together the confectioners' sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest and rosemary until a glaze consistency similar to heavy cream is achieved. Adjust the consistency with more lemon juice or powdered sugar as needed.
• For the candied lemon peel: Combine the sugar and 1 cup water in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil, then turn off heat.
• Using a vegetable peeler, peel the zest from the lemons; slice thinly.
• Blanch the lemon zest twice in boiling water, changing the water in between. After the second blanching, strain and add the lemon zest to the simple syrup.
• Bring the simple syrup to a boil, then turn off the heat and let the lemon zest sit in the simple syrup until translucent and cooled.
• For the black salt sugar cookies: In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the butter and confectioners' sugar until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla and egg and mix until combined. Add the salt and flour and mix until a dough forms.
• Form the dough into a disk, wrap in plastic and refrigerate for 30 to 45 minutes.
• Roll out the dough to a 1/4-inch thickness, then cut out cookies using a raindrop-shaped cutter.
• Transfer the cookies to a parchment-lined baking sheet and sprinkle lightly with black sea salt and blue sanding sugar.
• Bake in a 350-degree oven until golden brown at the edges, 12 to 14 minutes.
• For the raspberry coulis: Combine the raspberry puree and sugar in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil and cook until reduced by one-quarter. Let cool.
• For the passion fruit coulis: Combine the passion fruit puree and sugar in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil; cook until reduced by one-quarter. Let cool.
• To finish: Glaze the cake with the lemon-rosemary glaze and top with the candied lemon peel.
• Serve with the two coulis and the ice cream and cookies on the side.

SUGAR COOKIE ICING

Steps:

• Stir the powdered sugar and the milk until smooth.
• Beat in corn syrup and vanilla until icing is smooth and glossy.
• If it's too thick, add more corn syrup.
• Divide icing into separate bowls and stir in food coloring as desired.
• You can dip the cookies, paint them with a paint brush or spread them using a knife or the back of a spoon.

SUGAR COOKIE CUTOUTS

Steps:

• In a medium bowl, cream together the butter and sugar. Stir in the eggs and vanilla. Sift together the flour and baking powder, stir into the creamed mixture alternately with the heavy cream. Cover dough, and chill for 2 to 3 hours, until firm.
• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease cookie sheets.
• On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes with cookie cutters. Place cookies 1 inch apart on the prepared cookie sheets. Sprinkle with colored sugar if desired.
• Bake for 12 to 14 minutes in the preheated oven, until bottoms and edges of cookies are light brown. Remove from baking sheet and cool on wire racks. Store in an airtight container.

SUGAR COOKIE CUTOUTS

Steps:

• Sift flour, baking powder, and salt into a bowl.
• Put butter and sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Mix on medium speed until pale and fluffy. Mix in eggs and vanilla. Reduce speed to low. Gradually mix in flour mixture. Divide dough in half; flatten each half into a disk. Wrap each in plastic. Refrigerate until firm, at least 1 hour or overnight.
• Preheat oven to 325 degrees with racks in upper and lower thirds. Let one disk of dough stand at room temperature just until soft enough to roll, about 10 minutes. Roll out dough between two pieces of plastic wrap to 1/4 inch thick. Remove top layer of plastic wrap. Cut out cookies with a 4-inch one-piece-shaped cookie cutter. To make an ornament, cut out a hole from the center of the neck about 1/4-inch from the edge using a straw. Transfer cookie dough on plastic wrap to a baking sheet. Transfer baking sheet to freezer, freeze until very firm, about 15 minutes. Remove baking sheet from freezer and transfer shapes to baking sheets lined with nonstick baking mats. Roll out scraps, and repeat. Repeat with remaining disk of dough.
• Bake, switching positions of sheets and rotating halfway through, until edges turn golden, 15 to 18 minutes. Let cool on sheets on wire racks.

SUGAR COOKIE CRUST FRUIT PIZZA

Steps:

• For the crust: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 10- to 12-inch tart pan or pizza pan with nonstick cooking spray.
• In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugars until smooth using a handheld mixer. Add in the egg and vanilla and mix until incorporated. Slowly incorporate the flour mixture into the creamed butter, and mix until blended. Remove the dough from the bowl and press it into the prepared pan. (You may need to dust your hands with some flour to prevent the dough from sticking to them; it is a wet dough when it comes together.) Bake until the edges just start to brown, 10 to 12 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool.
• For the spread: In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, confectioners' sugar, vanilla, lemon zest and salt until smooth. Spread evenly on the cooled crust.
• For the glaze: Add the marmalade, 2 tablespoons water and the herbes de Provence to a small skillet and cook over medium heat until loosened and warm.
• To assemble: Arrange the fresh fruit in the desired pattern on top of the pizza. Brush the fruit with the glaze. Slice and serve.

BASIC SUGAR-COOKIE DOUGH

Steps:

• In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream butter and sugar on high speed until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Add eggs, vanilla, and salt; mix on medium speed until combined. With mixer on low speed, add flour in 2 batches, mixing just until incorporated.
• Divide dough into 4 equal portions. Place each on a piece of plastic wrap; flatten into disks. Wrap in plastic wrap; refrigerate until firm, at least 2 hours or up to 1 week.

PERFECT SUGAR COOKIE GLAZE

Steps:

• Stir sugar, corn syrup, vanilla and the milk together.
• Stir in food coloring a few drops at a time until you reach the color desired.
• This glaze must be stirred each time you use it or dries with a mottled look.
• Yield: 1/2 c glaze.

EVERYTHING SUGAR COOKIE (DOUGH!)

Steps:

• In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the sugar and butter on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, 3 to 5 minutes. Add the vanilla and eggs and beat on medium speed until just combined. Add the flour, baking soda and salt. Mix everything on low speed until just combined. Stir in the pretzels. toffee bits and potato chips until you have an even mix.
• Using waxed paper, roll the dough into 3 logs (each about 12 inches long). If you want to enjoy these later, wrap the waxed paper logs in plastic wrap and pop in the freezer
• When ready to bake from fresh or frozen, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment.
• Slice the dough into 3/4-inch-thick slices with a sharp knife (no need to thaw), place on the prepared baking sheet and bake until the edges are light brown and the middle has set, about 15 minutes. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

CHOCOLATE SNAPS SUGAR COOKIE

Steps:

• Sift together the flour, baking soda and salt; set aside. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt margarine. Stir in cocoa, remove from heat and set aside to cool. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, 1 cup white sugar and brown sugar until fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the cocoa mixture and the vanilla. Blend in the sifted ingredients to form a soft dough. Cover dough and refrigerate for at least an hour or two.
• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Roll chilled dough into 1 inch balls, roll them in the remaining sugar and place them 2 to 3 inches apart onto ungreased cookie sheets.
• Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.

COOKIE MOLD SUGAR COOKIES

Steps:

• Beat the butter for 1 minute add the sugar and beat for another 3 minutes. Beat in the vanilla and eggs and mix for 1 minute. Add the flour and salt an beat for 1 minute, scraping the sides of the bowl. Refrigerate dough for 1 to 2 hours.
• Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
• Oil mold with vegetable oil or spray. Dust mold with flour, then tap mold on side to remove any excess flour. Press dough into mold, scraping excess off with a knife so that dough is flush with the edge of the mold. Loosen edges and let dough fall onto an ungreased cookie sheet.
• Bake at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) for 12 to 15 minutes or until lightly browned. Let cool for a few minutes before removing from sheet.

SUGAR COOKIE BARS MADE EASY

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease a 13x18-inch baking sheet.
• Beat white sugar and 1 cup butter together in a bowl until fluffy. Add eggs 1 at a time, mixing after each addition. Add 2 teaspoons almond extract and vanilla extract; mix well.
• Whisk flour, 3/4 teaspoon salt, and baking soda together in a bowl. Add to egg mixture and stir until just combined. Spread onto the prepared baking sheet.
• Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the cookie comes out clean, 10 to 15 minutes; they won't look done. Cool completely, about 30 minutes.
• Beat 1/2 cup butter in a bowl using an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Add 1 teaspoon almond extract and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Add confectioners' sugar, 1 cup at a time, mixing until combined. Add heavy cream, 1 tablespoon at a time, until frosting reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency. Spread frosting over cooled cookie bars.

SHORTBREAD SUGAR COOKIE BARS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
• Mix flour, butter, confectioners' sugar, salt, and baking powder together in a bowl using an electric mixer on medium speed until well blended. Pat dough into a 9-inch square baking pan. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.
• Bake in the preheated oven until edges are golden, 30 to 35 minutes. Cut into bars while still warm.

SUGAR COOKIE "PIZZA" RECIPE BY TASTY

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350˚F (180˚C). Line a 10-inch (25-cm) cast iron pan with parchment paper.
• In a large bowl, mix the butter with 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until light and fluffy.
• Add the granulated sugar, then the brown sugar, and mix until well incorporated.
• Add the egg and stir until thoroughly incorporated.
• Using a fine mesh sieve, sift the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt into the dough. Combine with a spatula until evenly mixed.
• Spread the cookie dough in an even layer in the prepared pan. Chill in the fridge for 30 minutes, then bake for 15-18 minutes until lightly golden. Let cool.
• In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and remaining ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract until well incorporated.
• Spread half of the frosting onto a quarter of the cooled cookie and the other half on the diagonally opposite corner.
• Frost the other quarters with the chocolate hazelnut spread.
• Decorate with your favorite toppings.
• Enjoy!

SUGAR COOKIES FOR CERAMIC COOKIE MOLDS

Steps:

• With an electric mixer, cream the butter and sugar together until they are fluffy. Beat in the egg and the milk/cream.
• Add vanilla. Add in the flour and salt at this point. Remove dough from the bowl onto a lightly floured surface.
• Knead dough briefly (not too long or it will be a tough cookie) and form into a ball. Wrap with plastic and chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes (or you can quick chill in the freezer for about 10).
• While dough is chilling, preheat the oven for 350°F Take your mold and lightly brush oil on the baking surface of the cookie molds. Flour the mold(s) and tap out excess flour.
• Take a piece of dough and starting at one side, press it firmly into the mold, adding more dough as needed. Be sure to level the back of the cookie.
• Now, turn your mold over and strike it a couple of times to release the cookie. The cookie should come right out. Repeat the flour dusting of the mold before molding another cookie. (do not use oil again).
• Place the formed cookie on a baking sheet with detail side up and bake in the top 3rd of your oven. This helps highlight the nice detail of the cookie. Bake for about 10 to 12 minutes.
• HELPFUL HINTS.
• Don't be timid about striking the mold on a cutting board; it will not break if you hold it upright while striking it on its edge.
• If the cookie does not release, you have used too much oil. Clean the mold with a stiff dry brush, re-flour, but don't re-oil, and try again.
• If your cookies are puffing up and losing detail, use a smaller egg. If they are spreading out and losing detail, use less sugar.
• Chill the cookie mold as well to ease in the release of the cookie.
• If you are using a mold with multiple sections like the one in the photo, do one cookie section at at time - not the whole mold.

GRANDMA AMICO'S BUTTERMILK SUGAR COOKIE CUTOUTS

Steps:

• Mix sugar, shortening, buttermilk, and egg together in the bowl of an electric stand mixer (such as KitchenAid®) until creamy.
• Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, vanilla extract, and salt in a bowl. Beat into sugar mixture, 1/2 cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. Leave dough to set in a refrigerator for at least 2 hours to overnight.
• Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
• Roll dough out on a lightly floured work surface using a lightly floured rolling pin to desired thickness. Cut into shapes using cookie cutters and place onto ungreased cookie sheets.
• Bake in the preheated oven until bottoms begin to lightly brown, 8 to 12 minutes. Let cookies cool completely on wax paper or a wire rack, 15 to 30 minutes.
• Combine confectioners' sugar and milk in a bowl. Mix into a paste, adding more sugar or milk as needed. Spread frosting thinly onto cooled cookies and cover with sprinkles.

SUGAR COOKIE FRUIT PIZZAS

Steps:

• For glaze, in a small saucepan, combine the sugar, cornstarch, pineapple juice, water and lemon juice until smooth. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Transfer to a small bowl; refrigerate until cooled but not set., In a small bowl, beat cream cheese and confectioners' sugar until smooth; fold in whipped topping. Spread over tops of cookies. Arrange fruit on top; drizzle with glaze. Refrigerate for 1 hour or until chilled.

BASIC SUGAR COOKIE DOUGH

Steps:

• Cream butter and sugar with an electric mixer until pale and fluffy (1 to 2 minutes). Add egg and vanilla and continue beating until mixture looks smooth (2 minutes). Incorporate flour and salt into butter mixture in low speed. Scrape down sides if bowl. Shape into 2 disks. Wrap disks in plastic wrap and refrigerate until firm, 45 to 60 minutes.
• Roll out, cut into desired shapes and bake in a preheated 350-degree oven on lightly greased cookie sheets for 8 to 10 minutes.