Name: Perfect Sugar Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ¼ teaspoon salt; 1 ½ cups powdered sugar; 2 to 3 tablespoons milk; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract; sprinkles, optional

There’s something magical about a soft, buttery sugar cookie topped with colorful frosting and cheerful sprinkles. These Perfect Sugar Cookies are the kind you want to bake for every occasion — holidays, birthdays, or just a cozy afternoon in the kitchen. They hold their shape beautifully when baked, and the texture walks the perfect line between chewy and tender.

You can customize them with any color or theme you like. Heart shapes with pink and white frosting are perfect for Valentine’s Day, but this dough works with any cookie cutter all year long. The smooth vanilla icing sets into a glossy, irresistible finish, and every bite melts in your mouth. These are the sugar cookies that everyone remembers.

What Kind of Frosting Works Best for Sugar Cookies?

A simple glaze made with powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla is all you need to create that classic smooth finish. If you want something thicker and pipeable, royal icing is your go-to. But for these Perfect Sugar Cookies, we stick to a glossy vanilla glaze that dries soft enough to bite through yet firm enough to stack.

Ingredients for the Perfect Sugar Cookies

Unsalted Butter – Provides richness and structure. Make sure it’s softened so the dough comes together smoothly.

Granulated Sugar – Essential for sweetness and giving the cookie its iconic crisp edges.

Egg – Adds moisture and helps bind the dough.

Vanilla Extract – Gives the cookies their signature warm flavor.

All-Purpose Flour – The base of the dough that holds all the ingredients together.

Baking Powder – A gentle leavening agent that helps the cookies puff just slightly.

Salt – Balances the sweetness and deepens the flavor.

Powdered Sugar, Milk, Vanilla (for glaze) – This trio creates a smooth, spreadable icing that sets perfectly.

Sprinkles (optional) – Adds color and crunch, perfect for decorating.

How To Make the Perfect Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar

Start by creaming together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl. Beat until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This step builds the cookie’s soft texture.

Step 2: Add Egg and Vanilla

Crack in the egg and pour in the vanilla extract. Beat again until fully combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Divide the dough into two discs, wrap them in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling helps the cookies hold their shape while baking.

Step 5: Roll and Cut

On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to about ¼ inch thick. Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out shapes and transfer them to a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake cookies for 8–10 minutes or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. Let them cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.

Step 7: Make the Glaze

In a small bowl, mix powdered sugar with a splash of milk and a few drops of vanilla extract. Stir until smooth. Adjust consistency with more milk or sugar as needed.

Step 8: Decorate

Spread or pipe the glaze onto the cooled cookies. Add sprinkles immediately if using. Let the icing set for at least an hour before stacking or storing.

How to Serve and Store These Cookies

These cookies are a hit at parties, lunchboxes, bake sales, and cozy nights with a warm drink. Serve them on a festive platter or box them up for gifting.

To store, place the cookies in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers. They stay soft for up to 5 days at room temperature. For longer storage, freeze the undecorated cookies for up to 2 months. Frost after thawing for best texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze the dough?

Yes! After chilling, wrap the dough tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before rolling and baking.

Why did my cookies spread too much?

This usually happens when the dough isn’t chilled long enough. Make sure it’s cold before cutting and baking.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. This dough doubles well and is great for big batch baking during the holidays.

What kind of sprinkles work best?

Jimmies and sanding sugar hold up best in the oven. For decoration after baking, nonpareils and specialty sprinkles are fun and festive.

Can I use almond extract instead of vanilla?

Yes, almond extract adds a lovely twist! Try half vanilla and half almond for a balanced flavor.

How do I color the icing?

Use gel food coloring for vibrant results without thinning the glaze. A little goes a long way!

If you’re loving these Perfect Sugar Cookies, check out more creative cookie recipes from Life with Jam:

Condensed Milk Snow Cookies — dreamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture with a snowy finish.
Caramel Cheesecake Cookies for when you want cookie meets cheesecake.
Lemon Churro Cookies if you’re craving citrus with cinnamon sugar.
Chocolate Instant Pudding Cookies for rich chocolate decadence.
Zesty Lemon Oatmeal No-Bake Cookies for something quick and bright.

And for even more sweet inspiration, follow me on Pinterest where I share new cookie ideas daily: Life with Jam Pinterest Board.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use classic vanilla icing or try something bold like peppermint? Did you make hearts or stars?

I love seeing how others make these cookies their own. Ask away if you have questions—we’re baking together here!