Every home baker needs a go-to sugar cookie dough recipe, and this one is buttery, soft, and holds its shape beautifully when baked! Whether you’re making holiday cookies, birthday treats, or just a fun baking project with the kids, this dough is easy to work with and doesn’t spread in the oven.

You can roll it out for cut-out cookies, scoop it for soft round cookies, or even use it for cookie bars. Plus, it freezes well, so you can always have cookie dough ready to bake!

Let’s get started!

🛒 What You’ll Need

For the Sugar Cookie Dough:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp almond extract (optional, but adds amazing flavor)
• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt

👩‍🍳 Pro Tips for Perfect Sugar Cookie Dough

1. Use room temperature butter – This ensures the dough mixes smoothly without lumps.
2. Don’t overmix – Once the flour is added, mix just until combined to keep cookies tender.
3. Chill the dough – Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to help cookies keep their shape.
4. Roll evenly – Use rolling pin rings or guide sticks to keep the dough ¼-inch thick.
5. Don’t overbake – Bake just until the edges are light golden to keep cookies soft.

🔄 Substitutions & Variations

• No Almond Extract? – Swap for extra vanilla extract or lemon zest.
• Gluten-Free? – Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
• Brown Sugar Twist – Swap ½ cup white sugar for brown sugar for a deeper flavor.
• Spiced Version – Add ½ tsp cinnamon & ¼ tsp nutmeg for warm, cozy cookies.

⏳ Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

• Make Ahead: Dough can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days before baking.
• Freeze Dough: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before rolling out.
• Freeze Baked Cookies: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 months.

🔥 How to Make Sugar Cookie Dough

1️⃣ Cream the Butter & Sugar

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar together on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
2. Add egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Mix until fully combined.

2️⃣ Mix the Dry Ingredients

1. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined.

3️⃣ Chill the Dough

1. Shape the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.

4️⃣ Roll & Cut the Cookies

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Roll out dough on a floured surface to ¼-inch thickness.
3. Use cookie cutters to cut shapes, then transfer to baking sheets.

5️⃣ Bake & Cool

1. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are light golden brown.
2. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

🥡 Leftovers & Storage Tips

• Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
• Freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months.
• For decorated cookies, store in a single layer to prevent smudging.

🎉 Time to Bake!

This sugar cookie dough is perfect for any occasion—whether you’re baking for a party, holiday, or just a fun afternoon treat. The dough is easy to make, rolls out beautifully, and holds its shape, making it ideal for cut-outs and decorating.

Tried this recipe? Let me know in the comments how it turned out! 🍪✨