National Sugar Cookie Day Recipe

Celebrate National Sugar Cookie Day with these perfect, homemade sugar cookies.

National Sugar Cookie Day is celebrated on July 9th each year, giving cookie enthusiasts an excuse to bake up a batch of these simple yet sensational treats. The sugar cookie, a classic American delight, has been around since the 1700s, originating from the Nazareth Sugar Cookie created by German Protestant settlers in Pennsylvania. Over the years, this humble treat has found a special place in the baking hearts of people all over the country.

Soft, chewy, and deliciously sweet, sugar cookies are versatile and can be decorated to suit any occasion. The dough is easy to work with, which makes sugar cookie baking an enjoyable activity for families and friends. In this recipe, we’ll cover everything from the perfect dough consistency to the best techniques for baking and decorating, ensuring that your cookies will be a hit at any celebration.

Ingredients

• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups white sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 3 tablespoons sour cream

Nutrition

Calories: ~120 calories

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and white sugar until smooth and pale in color. This usually takes about 3 minutes using an electric mixer.
4. Add Egg and Flavorings: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract into the butter and sugar mixture until well combined.
5. Add in Sour Cream: Mix in the sour cream to the wet ingredients until evenly incorporated.
6. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually blend in the dry ingredients until the dough holds together and is soft yet slightly sticky.
7. Chill the Dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or until it is firm enough to roll out without sticking.
8. Roll and Cut the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thick. Use cookie cutters to cut dough into desired shapes and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
9. Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the cookies are just beginning to turn golden around the edges. Be careful not to over-bake them.
10. Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Prepare the Icing: While the cookies are cooling, prepare the icing. You will need 2 cups of powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of light corn syrup, 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract, and 1-2 tablespoons of milk. Mix all ingredients together until smooth.
12. Decorate the Cookies: Once the cookies are completely cool, use a piping bag or a small spoon to decorate them with the icing. Add sprinkles or colored sugar if desired.
13. Let Icing Set: Allow the icing to set completely before storing the cookies in an airtight container.

Enjoy your delicious homemade sugar cookies! These cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether it's a holiday, birthday, or just because. Feel free to get creative with your decorations and experiment with different shapes and colors. Additionally, you can freeze the cookie dough for up to three months, making it easy to bake fresh cookies any time you want.