How to Make Sugar Cookies

They'll come out buttery and delicious every time

step by step sugar cookie recipe
Elaine Lemm

So you've always wanted to learn how to make sugar cookies? Those buttery, delightful cookies that seem to melt in your mouth. Well, you're in luck! We have created a simple step-by-step process that illustrates how to do just this thing.

Start by choosing a recipe and making sure you have all of the ingredients. Here, we're using our delectable recipe for classic buttery sugar cookies.

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  • 01 of 07

    Gather the Ingredients

    step by step sugar cookie recipe - gather ingredients
    Elaine Lemm

    Once you have ingredients ready, allow them to come to room temperature. Meanwhile, pull out your stand mixer, measuring cups, mixing bowls, cookie sheet and preheat the oven to 375 F.

    What You'll Need:

    • 4 cups cake flour (sifted)
    • 1 teaspoon baking powder
    • 1/2 teaspoon salt
    • 8 ounces unsalted butter
    • 1 cup granulated sugar (plus more for sprinkling)
    • 1 large egg (beaten)
    • 1/4 cup milk (plus more for washing tops of cookies)
    • 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 02 of 07

    Cream the Butter and Sugar

    step by step sugar cookie recipe - cream butter and sugar
    Elaine Lemm

    Creaming the butter and sugar is the first step in the actual dough-combining process. While this recipe only requires butter and white granulated sugar, others may call for shortening or brown sugar as well. Next, add the egg, milk, and vanilla. Scrape down the bowl and paddle attachment with a rubber spatula to make sure everything has combined thoroughly.

  • 03 of 07

    Mix the Dry Ingredients

    step by step sugar cookie recipe - sift together dry ingredients
    Elaine Lemm

    In a separate bowl, sift together the flour and baking powder. Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet butter mixture with the mixer running on low (any faster and the flour will go everywhere!). Mix until just combined—you don't want to overwork the dough or the cookies will turn out tough.

  • 04 of 07

    Flatten the Dough

    step by step sugar cookie recipe - flatten dough
    Elaine Lemm

    Turn the mixture out onto a lightly-floured surface and, using the heel of your hand, flatten the dough into a thick round. Wrap in plastic and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes or overnight. 

    Continue to 5 of 7 below.
  • 05 of 07

    Roll Out the Dough

    step by step sugar cookies — roll out the dough
    Elaine Lemm

    Once the dough has chilled, remove it from the plastic wrap and drop it onto a lightly-floured work surface. Cover a rolling pin with flour so the dough won't stick and roll out it out to about one-eighth of an inch thick.

  • 06 of 07

    Cut Out the Cookies

    step by step sugar cookie — cut out cookies
    Elaine Lemm

    When you have the dough at the right thickness, use a cookie cutter to cut out different shapes and place them on an ungreased cookie sheet. Place them at least two inches apart to give them room to spread.

  • 07 of 07

    Glaze and Bake the Cookies

    step by step sugar cookie — glaze and bake
    Elaine Lemm

    If you're not icing the cookies, brush the tops with milk and sprinkle the top with sugar. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until golden.