Name: No Fail Sugar Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup sugar; 1 cup salted butter, softened to room temperature; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 2 1/2 tsp baking powder; 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 3 eggs, room temperature; 4 cups powdered sugar; 3 tbsp cream cheese, softened; 2 tbsp butter, softened; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 4 tbsp milk

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If you’re on the hunt for a timeless treat that always satisfies, look no further than this incredible No Fail Sugar Cookies Recipe. These sugar cookies boast a perfect balance of buttery richness and sweet softness, with just the right texture to hold up to your favorite frostings and decorations. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or a cozy afternoon at home, this recipe is guaranteed to deliver consistently delicious cookies that everyone will adore. Trust me, once you try this No Fail Sugar Cookies Recipe, you’ll have a new go-to for every cookie craving.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white plate holds five decorated cookies on a white marbled surface with a red and white striped cloth partially visible underneath. On the plate, there are two star-shaped cookies on top, both covered in smooth yellow icing. Below them, there is a snowflake-shaped cookie with white icing, overlapping a Christmas tree-shaped cookie with green icing. To the left of the tree cookie, a candy cane-shaped cookie with white icing has diagonal red stripes. The cookies have a soft texture and rounded edges. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is a familiar kitchen staple but plays a crucial role in creating that perfect sugar cookie—soft yet sturdy, sweet but not overpowering, and just begging to be frosted or enjoyed plain.

Sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the dough and helps create a delightful crunch on the edges.
Salted butter, softened (1 cup): Adds richness and moisture, making the cookies tender and flavorful.
Vanilla extract (2 tsp): Infuses a warm, aromatic flavor that complements the sweetness.
Baking powder (2 1/2 tsp): Gives the cookies just enough lift to keep them light and fluffy.
All-purpose flour (3 1/2 cups): The backbone of the dough, providing structure and the classic cookie texture.
Eggs (3, room temperature): Bind all the ingredients together and add tenderness.
Powdered sugar (4 cups) – Frosting: Creates a smooth, sweet topping that melts perfectly onto the cookies.
Cream cheese (3 tbsp, softened) – Frosting: Offers a tangy creaminess for a luscious frosting.
Butter (2 tbsp, softened) – Frosting: Adds richness and helps the frosting hold its shape.
Milk (4 tbsp) – Frosting: Adjusts the frosting’s consistency for easy spreading or piping.

How to Make No Fail Sugar Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar

Start by combining the softened butter and sugar in a stand mixer or with a hand mixer. Beat them together for about 2 minutes on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air, giving your cookies that wonderful tenderness and slight rise.

Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Next, add the eggs, one at a time, along with the vanilla extract. Mix until everything is nicely combined, creating a smooth and glossy batter that’s full of flavor and ready for the dry ingredients.

Step 3: Incorporate Flour and Baking Powder

It’s time to add your flour and baking powder to the mix. Beat them in gradually until you get a soft, pliable dough. Be careful not to overmix here; once the flour disappears into the batter, your dough is ready to be rolled out.

Step 4: Chill the Dough on a Baking Sheet

Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness, or thicker if you like a chunkier cookie. Use your favorite cookie cutters to shape the cookies, then place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Pop the whole tray into the freezer for 10 minutes—it helps the cookies hold their shape while baking.

Step 5: Bake Your Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake the cookies for 10 minutes, just until the edges start to turn a soft golden color. Let them cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely; this is the best time for frosting or decorating.

Step 6: Prepare the Frosting

To make the frosting, blend powdered sugar, softened cream cheese, butter, vanilla, and milk until smooth and creamy. Adjust the milk or powdered sugar to achieve your perfect frosting consistency, whether you want to spread it thick or pipe elegant designs.

How to Serve No Fail Sugar Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle your frosted cookies with colorful sprinkles, edible glitter, or sanding sugar to add a festive touch. For the winter holidays, crushed peppermint or finely chopped nuts can also make beautiful garnishes that add both texture and flavor.

Side Dishes

These sugar cookies pair wonderfully with a glass of cold milk, hot tea, or a rich cup of coffee. For a special treat, serve alongside fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Make your cookie platter pop by arranging cookies in thematic shapes or stacking them with parchment paper in between. Gift these cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with a ribbon, or place them in decorated tins—perfect for sharing your happiness with friends and family.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

No need to rush eating your batch. Store your frosted or unfrosted sugar cookies in an airtight container or Ziplock bag at room temperature, where they’ll stay fresh for 4-5 days, or keep them chilled in the fridge for up to 10 days.

Freezing

If you want to stash these sweet delights for longer, freezing is your friend. Freeze plain or iced cookies for up to 3 months; just make sure the icing is fully set before stacking and packaging. Flash freezing keeps the frosting secure and prevents damage during storage.

Reheating

To enjoy frozen cookies at their best, thaw them at room temperature or gently warm them in the fridge. Avoid microwaving to keep that perfect texture intact.

FAQs

Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted?

Absolutely! If you use unsalted butter, simply add 1/4 teaspoon of salt along with the flour and baking powder to keep the flavor balanced.

How thick should I roll the dough?

Rolling the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness is ideal for soft, tender cookies, but feel free to make them thicker if you want a chewier, more substantial bite.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can refrigerate the cookie dough for 1-2 days before rolling and baking. The dough also freezes well for 1-2 months, so you can bake fresh cookies anytime you like.

What can I use instead of cream cheese in the frosting?

If cream cheese isn’t available or preferred, try using buttercream frosting alone by increasing the butter and adjusting the powdered sugar for consistency.

Can these cookies be decorated with royal icing?

Definitely! This No Fail Sugar Cookies Recipe holds up beautifully to royal icing, making it perfect for detailed decorating and festive designs.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly heartwarming about a batch of perfectly baked sugar cookies, and this No Fail Sugar Cookies Recipe is your ticket to cookie bliss every single time. From the easy-to-follow steps to the adaptable frosting and storage options, you’ll love how effortlessly these cookies bring joy to your kitchen. So, grab your mixing bowl and get baking—you’re about to make some magic happen with this classic recipe!