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5 from 1 vote

Classic Sugar Cookies

These buttery and soft classic sugar cookies are perfect for cutting into shapes and will quickly become a family favorite. Top them with buttercream frosting or royal icing for a holiday classic!
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Servings: 24 medium cookies

Ingredients

Classic Sugar Cookies

  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 cups (4 sticks) salted butter softened
  • 2 eggs large
  • 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1 zest of one large lemon or two small
  • 5 3/4 cups flour

Classic Buttercream Frosting

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
  • 3-4 cups confectioner's sugar
  • 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 2-4 tbsp heavy cream or milk

Instructions

Classic Sugar Cookies

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  • Using a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, cream together butter and sugar until just incorporated. 
  • Add eggs, vanilla, and lemon zest. Mix at low speed until fully blended.
  • Then add flour in thirds. Start on low speed and then increase if necessary. You'll know your dough has been mixed enough when it pulls away from the sides of your bowl and clumps around the mixing paddle.
  • Roll out to 1/4" thickness. Cut with your preferred cookie cutters. Place on a cookie sheet lined with slipat or parchment paper. 
  • Bake at 350 degrees for 10-15 minutes, until the edges of the cookies are golden brown. Allow to cool, then frost with your choice of frosting.

Classic Buttercream Frosting

  • With a stand or handheld mixer, whip butter for 1-2 minutes until fluffy. 
  • Add in 1/2 cup of powdered sugar, whip until incorporated. 
  • Add vanilla extract and 1 tbsp of milk or heavy cream.
  • Add an additional two cups of confectioner's sugar, whip until creamy and fully mixed. 
  • Assess consistency. You want a fluffy frosting for these cookies. If the mixture feels too thin, add in additional confectioner's sugar. If it is too stiff and unworkable, you can add more milk/cream. Repeat to balance if necessary.
  • Frost your cooled cookies. 

Notes

  • You don't need to chill this recipe.
  • It helps to bake similar sized cookies together.
  • If possible, do not use the convection setting on your oven.