Description
Buttery, tender sugar cookies with a hint of vanilla and almond, rolled and cut into shapes, then baked until just set. They hold their shape beautifully and are perfect for decorating with royal icing or a simple dusting of colored sugar. The dough is forgiving and easy to work with, making them a favorite for holidays and bake sales.
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- Royal icing or colored sanding sugar, for decorating (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F / 177°C. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined. Set aside.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the softened butter and sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in the vanilla and almond extracts until fully incorporated.
- With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the dry ingredients and mix just until the dough comes together. Do not overmix, or the cookies will be tough.
- Divide the dough in half, shape each half into a flat disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 24 hours. Chilling firms the butter and prevents spreading.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll one disk of dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes and transfer them to the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Re-roll scraps once; discard any remaining scraps.
- Bake one sheet at a time in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, until the edges are just barely golden. The centers should look set but slightly soft. Rotate the sheet halfway through baking for even browning.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before decorating.
- If decorating, spread or pipe royal icing onto cooled cookies and let set for at least 1 hour before stacking. Alternatively, sprinkle with colored sanding sugar before baking for a simple finish.
- Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or freeze undecorated cookies for up to 3 months.
Notes
Storage: Keep baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Freeze undecorated cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months; thaw at room temperature. Reheating not recommended. For best flavor, bring to room temperature before serving.
Nutrition
- Calories: 1260
- Sugar: 102g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Unsaturated Fat: 29g
- Carbohydrates: 190g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 218mg
Keywords: Pioneer Woman sugar cookies, sugar cookie recipe, cut-out cookies, rolled sugar cookies, easy sugar cookies, holiday cookies, Christmas cookies, butter cookies, vanilla almond cookies, baking, dessert, homemade cookies