This sugar cookie dough recipe delivers soft, buttery, and perfectly spiced cookies ideal for holiday decorating. Made with simple ingredients and no chill time required, it’s a go-to for bakers of all levels.
There’s something magical about the smell of sugar cookies baking in the oven during the holidays. The warm, buttery aroma fills the kitchen, signaling that festive fun is just around the corner. Whether you’re decking the halls, hosting a cookie exchange, or simply enjoying a quiet afternoon with family, sugar cookies are a timeless treat that brings joy to every season. And at the heart of every great sugar cookie? The dough.
Finding the perfect sugar cookie dough recipe can feel like a quest—some are too crumbly, others spread too much, and many require hours of chilling. But what if you had a recipe that was easy, reliable, and ready to roll in minutes? That’s exactly what this sugar cookie dough delivers. With a balance of sweetness, tenderness, and structure, it’s the ideal base for everything from simple round cookies to intricate holiday shapes adorned with colorful icing and edible glitter.
This recipe has been tested and refined to give you consistent results every time. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying your hand at cut-out cookies for the first time, you’ll love how forgiving and versatile this dough is. Plus, it’s made with ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen—no fancy mix-ins or hard-to-find items required.
Key Takeaways
- Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples like flour, sugar, butter, eggs, and vanilla for a classic flavor.
- No Chill Time Needed: Unlike many cut-out cookie recipes, this dough can be rolled and baked immediately.
- Perfect Texture: Yields tender, slightly crisp edges with a soft center—ideal for stacking and decorating.
- Great for Decorating: Holds shape well when cut and baked, making it perfect for royal icing and sprinkles.
- Freezer-Friendly: Dough can be frozen for up to 3 months—ideal for holiday prep ahead.
- Customizable Flavor: Easily adapt with citrus zest, almond extract, or spices like cinnamon or nutmeg.
- Family-Friendly Fun: A joyful recipe to make with kids during holiday baking season.
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Why This Sugar Cookie Dough Stands Out
Not all sugar cookie doughs are created equal. Some recipes lean too sweet, while others lack the structure needed for detailed decorating. This recipe strikes the perfect balance. It’s sweet but not cloying, tender but not fragile, and holds its shape beautifully in the oven.
One of the biggest advantages? No chill time. Many traditional cut-out cookie recipes require the dough to rest in the fridge for at least an hour—sometimes overnight. While chilling can help reduce spreading, it also adds extra steps and waiting time. This dough is formulated to be rollable right after mixing, saving you precious time during busy holiday prep.
Another standout feature is its texture. These cookies bake up with a soft, slightly chewy center and delicate, golden edges. They’re sturdy enough to support layers of royal icing without breaking, yet tender enough to melt in your mouth. Whether you’re making snowmen, stars, or gingerbread people, this dough gives you professional-looking results at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this sugar cookie dough lies in its simplicity. You don’t need a long list of ingredients—just quality basics that come together to create something truly special.
Core Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure. Use unbleached for best results.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with crispness.
- Unsalted butter: Use room temperature butter for easy creaming. It adds richness and flavor.
- Egg: Binds the dough and adds moisture.
- Vanilla extract: Pure vanilla gives the best flavor—avoid imitation if possible.
- Baking powder: A small amount helps the cookies rise slightly for a tender texture.
- Salt: Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness.
Optional Add-Ins
Want to customize your cookies? Try these easy upgrades:
- Almond extract: Add ½ teaspoon for a subtle nutty flavor.
- Lemon or orange zest: Grate in the zest of one citrus fruit for a bright, fresh twist.
- Cinnamon or nutmeg: A pinch adds warmth—perfect for winter baking.
- Food coloring: Mix in a few drops of gel coloring for festive hued dough.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Ready to bake? Follow these simple steps for perfect sugar cookie dough every time.
1. Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat 1 cup (2 sticks) of room temperature unsalted butter with 1 cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy—about 2–3 minutes with an electric mixer. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing.
2. Add Egg and Vanilla
Beat in 1 large egg and 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract until fully combined. The mixture may look slightly curdled—that’s normal.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt.
4. Combine Wet and Dry
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing—this keeps the cookies tender.
5. Roll and Cut
Lightly flour your work surface and rolling pin. Roll the dough to about ¼-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to create your favorite shapes. Transfer cutouts to a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
6. Bake to Perfection
Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are just barely golden. The centers should still look soft. Overbaking leads to dry cookies, so keep a close eye.
7. Cool and Decorate
Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Once completely cool, decorate with royal icing, sprinkles, or melted chocolate.
Tips for Success
Even the best recipe can benefit from a few pro tips. Here’s how to ensure your sugar cookies turn out flawless every time.
Use Room Temperature Ingredients
Cold butter won’t cream properly, and cold eggs can cause the dough to seize. Let your butter and egg sit out for 30–60 minutes before baking.
Don’t Overmix
Once you add the flour, mix just until combined. Overmixing develops gluten, which can make cookies tough.
Roll Dough Between Parchment
To prevent sticking and make transferring easier, roll your dough between two sheets of parchment paper. You can even cut shapes right on the paper and lift them onto the baking sheet.
Chill Cut-Outs if Needed
If your kitchen is warm or the dough feels soft, pop the cut-out cookies on the baking sheet into the fridge for 10–15 minutes before baking. This helps them hold their shape.
Rotate the Pan
For even baking, rotate the baking sheet halfway through the cooking time—especially if your oven has hot spots.
Decorating Ideas for the Holidays
Sugar cookies are a blank canvas for creativity. Here are some fun ways to decorate your holiday batch.
Royal Icing Basics
Royal icing is the gold standard for sugar cookie decorating. Made from powdered sugar, meringue powder, and water, it dries hard and smooth. Use a piping bag with a small tip to outline and flood your cookies. Let the base layer dry before adding details.
Colorful Sprinkles and Nonpareils
Add sprinkles before baking for a fun, colorful crunch. Nonpareils, sanding sugar, or edible glitter also add sparkle.
Hand-Painted Details
Use food coloring diluted with a bit of vodka or lemon juice to paint delicate designs—like snowflakes, holly, or snowmen—after the icing has set.
Themed Shapes
Go beyond stars and trees. Try making reindeer, candy canes, snowflakes, or even personalized name cookies for gifts.
Storing and Freezing
One of the best things about this sugar cookie dough? It stores beautifully.
Refrigerator Storage
Wrap unused dough tightly in plastic wrap and store in the fridge for up to 5 days. Let it come to room temperature before rolling.
Freezer Storage
For longer storage, wrap dough in plastic and place in a freezer-safe bag. It keeps for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before using.
Baked Cookie Storage
Store cooled, undecorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Decorated cookies with royal icing can be stored for up to 5 days—just avoid humidity to prevent softening.
Why This Recipe Is Perfect for Holiday Baking
The holidays are busy—between shopping, decorating, and gatherings, the last thing you need is a complicated baking project. This sugar cookie dough recipe is designed with real life in mind. It’s quick, reliable, and delivers consistent results, even under pressure.
It’s also a wonderful way to involve the whole family. Kids love cutting out shapes and adding sprinkles, while adults can focus on the finer details of icing. Baking together creates memories that last long after the cookies are gone.
Plus, these cookies make thoughtful homemade gifts. Package them in festive tins or cellophane bags tied with ribbon, and you’ve got a heartfelt present that’s sure to delight.
Whether you’re hosting a cookie swap, filling a holiday platter, or just treating yourself, this sugar cookie dough is your new holiday essential. Simple, delicious, and full of festive spirit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze sugar cookie dough before baking?
Yes! Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before rolling and baking.
Why did my cookies spread in the oven?
This can happen if the butter was too warm or the dough wasn’t rolled thick enough. Chill cut-out cookies for 10–15 minutes before baking to help them hold their shape.
Can I use this dough for gingerbread cookies?
Not ideal—gingerbread requires molasses and spices for its signature flavor and texture. This recipe is best for classic sugar cookies.
Do I need to chill the dough before rolling?
No, this recipe is designed to be rollable right after mixing. However, if your kitchen is warm, a 10-minute chill can help.
What’s the best way to store decorated cookies?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Avoid humid environments, as royal icing can soften.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a quality 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Note that texture may vary slightly.