A Classic Sugar Cookie Recipe for Decorative Baking

Welcome to the world of sugar cookies, perfect for decorating and sharing with family and friends. This classic sugar cookie recipe is both soft and delicious, holding its shape well during baking. Additionally, the dough is versatile for a range of decoration techniques, from intricate piping to delightful fondant designs. Here's everything you need to know and do to create these delightful treats.

Ingredients

2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1 cup unsalted butter, softened 1 1/2 cups white sugar 1 egg 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional) 3/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 cup granulated sugar for rolling

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1 1/2 cups of sugar until smooth and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.

Add Egg and Extracts

Beat in the egg, vanilla extract (and almond extract if using) until well combined.

Combine Mixtures

Gradually blend in the dry ingredients until the mixture is just combined. Avoid overmixing.

Chill the Dough

For easier handling, chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.

Shape the Cookies

Roll rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls and then roll them in the additional granulated sugar. Place them onto ungreased cookie sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Flatten the Cookies

Gently flatten each ball with the bottom of a glass or your hand.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers might look slightly underbaked, which is perfect for a soft cookie.

Cool

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

Decorating

Once the cookies are completely cooled, it’s time to decorate! Here’s a simple royal icing recipe to get you started:

Royal Icing Recipe

4 cups powdered sugar 3 tablespoons meringue powder 5-6 tablespoons warm water

Instructions for Royal Icing

In a mixing bowl, combine the powdered sugar and meringue powder. Gradually add warm water, mixing until the icing reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency. To pipe designs, make the icing thicker. For flooding, make it thinner. Color the icing with gel food coloring as desired. Use piping bags to decorate your cooled cookies.

Tips for Decorating

Use different colors: Divide your icing into small bowls and color each batch differently for a vibrant look. Piping tips: Use different sizes of piping tips for various effects and details. Let dry: Allow decorated cookies to dry completely before stacking or storing. This will prevent the icing from smudging or shifting.

Enjoy Your Baking and Decorating!

With these steps, you can easily create classic sugar cookies that are not only delightful to taste but also visually stunning. Experiment with different flavors, frostings, and decorations to make these treats uniquely your own. Happy baking and decorating!