Classic Sugar Cookies – Soft & Buttery Holiday Recipe

These Classic Sugar Cookies bring timeless holiday tradition to your table with a healthier twist. Soft, buttery, and lightly sweet, they’re perfect for decorating with family or enjoying plain with your favorite hot beverage. Made with simple, wholesome ingredients and no artificial additives, these cookies deliver pure comfort in every bite.

Perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or everyday treats, they strike the ideal balance between classic flavor and mindful baking.

Summary

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes (plus 30 minutes chilling)
Servings: 24 cookies
Difficulty: Easy

Recipe Summary: Soft, buttery classic sugar cookies made with simple ingredients. Perfect for decorating or enjoying plain — a timeless holiday favorite with a healthier approach.

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
  
• Electric mixer or whisk
  
• Rolling pin
  
• Cookie cutters
  
• Baking sheets
  
• Parchment paper
  
• Cooling rack
  

Ingredients for Classic Sugar Cookies

For the Cookies

• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  
• 1 tsp baking powder
  
• 1/2 tsp salt
  
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  
• 3/4 cup coconut sugar or cane sugar
  
• 1 large egg
  
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
  
• 1 tsp almond extract (optional)
  

For Simple Icing (Optional)

• 1 cup powdered sugar
  
• 2 tbsp milk or almond milk
  
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  
• Natural food coloring (optional)
  

Directions

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
   
2. Cream Butter & Sugar: Beat softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
   
3. Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in egg, vanilla, and almond extract until well combined.
   
4. Combine: Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
   
5. Chill Dough: Divide dough in half, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate 30 minutes.
   
6. Preheat Oven: Set to 350 degrees F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
   
7. Roll & Cut: Roll dough to 1/4-inch thickness on floured surface. Cut shapes with cookie cutters.
   
8. Bake: Place cookies 2 inches apart on prepared sheets. Bake 8-10 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
   
9. Cool & Decorate: Let cool on sheets 5 minutes, then transfer to cooling rack. Decorate with icing once completely cool.
   

• Substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat pastry flour for added nutrition.
  
• Use coconut sugar for a lower glycemic option.
  
• Add lemon zest for a citrus twist.
  
• Freeze unbaked cut cookies for up to 3 months.
  
• Skip icing and dust with powdered sugar for a simpler finish.
  

Nutrition Facts (Per Cookie)

Nutritional Highlights

• Made with real butter for natural fats
  
• Lower sugar option available with coconut sugar
  
• No artificial preservatives or additives
  
• Source of B vitamins from whole ingredients
  

Dietitian Tips

• Use coconut sugar to reduce blood sugar spikes.
  
• Pair with protein-rich milk for balanced snacking.
  
• Portion control: one to two cookies is a satisfying serving.
  
• Store in airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent staleness.
  

Conclusion

These Classic Sugar Cookies prove that traditional holiday baking can be both delicious and mindful. Soft, sweet, and endlessly customizable, they’re a canvas for creativity and a comfort food that brings joy to every occasion. Whether decorated elaborately or enjoyed plain, they’re sure to become a cherished part of your holiday traditions.

More recipes in nutrientsrecipes.com

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