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Sugar Cookies

Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 30 cookies

Ingredients
  

For the cookies:

  • 1 cup 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the easy royal icing:

  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 –3 tablespoons milk
  • 1 tablespoon light corn syrup
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla or almond extract
  • Food coloring sprinkles, edible glitter (optional but encouraged!)

Instructions
 

  • 1️⃣ In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
  • 2️⃣ Beat in egg and vanilla extract until smooth.
  • 3️⃣ In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to wet mixture, mixing on low until just combined.
  • 4️⃣ Divide dough into two disks, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 1 hour (or overnight).
  • 5️⃣ Preheat oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  • 6️⃣ Roll out chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into shapes and place on baking sheets.
  • 7️⃣ Bake for 8–10 minutes, until edges are just barely golden. Cool completely before icing.
  • 8️⃣ For the icing: whisk powdered sugar, milk, corn syrup, and extract until smooth. Adjust milk for desired consistency (thicker for outlining, thinner for flooding). Tint with food coloring and decorate!

Notes

  • Chill the dough to prevent spreading.
  • If icing is too thick, add milk a teaspoon at a time.
  • Cookies can be made ahead and frozen before decorating.