White Sugar Cookies

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves: 24 Cuisine: American

These classic sugar cookies are sweet, buttery, and delicately crisp around the edges. Perfect for decorating or enjoying plain, they suit all occasions from holidays to everyday treats. Their simple ingredients and easy steps make them ideal for bakers of all skill levels seeking a delightful, melt-in-your-mouth cookie.

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter
  • 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
  • 2 1/2 cups sifted flour
  • 1 tablespoon milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla

Instructions

  1. Beat softened butter until creamy.
  2. Add sifted powdered sugar and continue beating until light and fluffy.
  3. Beat in vanilla.
  4. Stir in sifted flour until almost incorporated, then sprinkle milk over dough and finish mixing.
  5. Remove dough from bowl and gather into a ball. Knead briefly.
  6. Roll half the dough to 1/8-inch thickness and cut into shapes.
  7. Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 10 minutes.
  8. Edges will be lightly browned.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider substituting half of the butter with cream cheese. If you prefer a lighter texture, you can use half all-purpose flour and half cake flour. Make sure to sift the flour well to avoid lumps. Experiment with adding citrus zest or almond extract for a twist on the classic flavor.

Serving Suggestions

These sugar cookies are perfect for decorating with royal icing or sprinkles, making them great for holidays or special occasions. Serve them alongside a glass of milk or hot cocoa for a delightful treat. They pair beautifully with 'Never Failing' Fudge for a sweet platter.

Storage & Reheating

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies between layers of parchment paper in a sealed container for up to three months. To enjoy them warm, reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of White Sugar Cookies contains roughly 163 calories, with 3g protein, 31g carbohydrates, and 1g fat.

163 kcal 8% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 2.6g 5% DV
Total Fat 0.5g 1% DV
Carbs 30.8g 11% DV
Fiber 0.7g 2% DV
Sugar 11.4g 23% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 3.6mg
Potassium 43.3mg 1% DV
Cholesterol 0.7mg

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 1.2mcg
Vitamin C 0.1mg
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 7.5mg 1% DV
Iron 1.2mg 7% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Milk Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use brown sugar instead of powdered sugar?

While you can substitute brown sugar for powdered sugar, it will change the texture and sweetness of the cookies. Powdered sugar helps achieve a lighter and fluffier cookie, while brown sugar adds moisture and a slight chewiness.

How can I make the cookies more flavorful?

To enhance the flavor, try adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the flour mixture. You can also incorporate extracts such as almond or lemon for a unique taste. Feel free to add chocolate chips or nuts for extra texture.

What should I do if my dough is too sticky?

If your dough feels sticky, try chilling it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before rolling it out. You can also add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is achieved. Just be careful not to overwork the dough.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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