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Mary's Classic Sugar Cookies

Remember those days when baking was more than just a recipe? It was about warmth, love, and the smell of something delicious filling your home. Today, we're diving into a recipe that brings back all those cozy memories: Mary's Classic Sugar Cookies! These aren't just any sugar cookies; they're the kind that melt in your mouth, are perfect for decorating, and are guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering. Plus, they're surprisingly simple to whip up, making them a fantastic option even on a busy weeknight.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Course: Cookies, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Sugar Cookies
  • 1 cup butter, softened Make sure your butter is at room temperature so it creams beautifully with the sugar.
  • 1.5 cups sifted confectioners' sugar Sifting makes sure you don't get any lumps, leading to a smoother cookie.
  • 1 large egg This helps bind everything together.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract The classic, comforting flavor we all love.
  • 0.5 teaspoon almond extract This adds a subtle, sophisticated hint of flavor that really makes these cookies special.
  • 2.5 cups all-purpose flour The backbone of our cookie dough!
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda Our little leavening friend for a bit of lift.
  • 1 teaspoon cream of tartar This helps activate the baking soda and also gives the cookies a lovely texture.
For Decoration
  • 0.25 cup granulated sugar for decoration. For that perfect little sparkle and crunch on top!

Equipment

  • Large bowl
  • Separate Bowl
  • Whisk
  • Mixer (Stand or Hand)
  • Rolling Pin
  • Cookie cutters
  • Greased Cookie Sheets
  • Wire rack

Method
 

  1. Step 1: Cream the softened butter and sifted confectioners' sugar in a large bowl until wonderfully smooth and fluffy.
  2. Step 2: Beat in the large egg, then stir in the vanilla extract and almond extract.
  3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and cream of tartar. Gradually blend this dry mixture into the creamed ingredients until a soft dough forms. Do not overmix.
  4. Step 4: Cover the dough tightly and refrigerate for at least two hours.
  5. Step 5: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
  6. Step 6: On a lightly floured surface, roll out each portion of chilled dough to about 3/16 inch thick. Cut out shapes using cookie cutters.
  7. Step 7: Carefully place the cut-out cookies about 1 1/2 inches apart onto greased cookie sheets.
  8. Step 8: Sprinkle the tops of the cookies with granulated sugar.
  9. Step 9: Bake for about 8 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly browned. They should be tender, not crisp.
  10. Step 10: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

While Mary's original recipe is perfection, we love a little creativity in the kitchen! Here are a few ideas:
  • Extracts: Don't have almond extract? A touch more vanilla or even a bit of lemon extract can work beautifully.
  • Decorations: Beyond granulated sugar, feel free to use sprinkles, sanding sugar, or even a simple glaze once cooled. For more decorating ideas, check out our strawberry cream cheese frosting recipe – imagine that on these cookies!
  • Flavor Boost: A little bit of lemon zest in the dough can add a wonderful brightness.
We all have those baking moments where things don't go quite as planned. Here are a few tips to ensure your Mary's Sugar Cookies are always a triumph:
  • Room Temperature Ingredients: This is key for creaming the butter and sugar properly. Cold butter won't cream well, and a melted egg can make the dough too sticky.
  • Don't Overmix: Once you add the dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
  • Chilling is Crucial: Resist the urge to skip the chilling time! It really makes a difference in how the cookies hold their shape.
  • Uniform Thickness: Try to roll out your dough evenly so your cookies bake at the same rate.
  • Prep Ahead: You can make the dough a day in advance and chill it. You can also cut out the cookies and freeze them on a baking sheet before baking (add a minute or two to the baking time if baking from frozen). This is especially helpful if you're getting a head start on holiday baking! If you're looking for other make-ahead treats, our no-bake marshmallow slice is a lifesaver!