These sugar cookies are the ultimate classic—soft, buttery, and perfectly sweet. They’re easy to roll out, hold their shape during baking, and provide a smooth surface for all your Halloween decorations!
Yield:
About 24 cookies (depending on cutter size)
Ingredients:
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional, for extra flavor)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) until well combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until it’s easy to handle.
2. Chill the Dough:
Divide the dough into two discs and wrap each in plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or until firm enough to roll out.
Personal Tip: Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading during baking, ensuring that your cookies hold their shape.
3. Roll Out and Cut the Dough:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use Halloween-themed cookie cutters to cut out shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheets, about 1 inch apart.
4. Bake the Cookies:
Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Personal Tip:
For crisp edges and soft centers, bake the cookies until they are just set. Overbaking can make them too crispy, especially around the edges.
Royal Icing for Decorating:
Ingredients:
3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
2 large egg whites or 1/4 cup meringue powder + 1/4 cup water
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Gel food coloring (for different colors)
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, beat the egg whites (or meringue powder mixture) with the powdered sugar until smooth. Add the vanilla extract and mix until the icing is thick and glossy.
- For a thinner consistency for flooding (base coat), add water 1 teaspoon at a time until the icing flows smoothly but holds a slight peak when drizzled.
- Divide into bowls and add gel food coloring for desired colors. Use thicker icing for outlines and details and thinner icing for filling in the shapes.
A Little More Information About These Cookies:
These Classic Sugar Cookies are perfect for rolling out and cutting into festive Halloween shapes like pumpkins, ghosts, and bats. The dough is easy to handle, and the cookies bake up with clean, sharp edges that hold their shape. The royal icing allows for detailed designs and dries to a smooth, shiny finish, making your decorated cookies look professional and polished.
Nutritional Information (Per Cookie):
Calories: 120, Protein: 1g, Carbohydrates: 15g, Fiber: 0g, Net Carbohydrates: 15g, Fat: 6g, Saturated Fat: 4g, Cholesterol: 20mg, Sodium: 55mg, Sugars: 8g, Glycemic Index: Medium