Ina Garten Sugar Cookie Recipe

This Ina Garten Sugar Cookie Recipe is buttery and soft with crisp edges, which includes simple pantry staples like flour, butter, and vanilla. It’s a classic, foolproof recipe, ready in about 20 minutes.

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Ina Garten Sugar Cookie Recipe Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon whole milk
• 1½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• Extra flour for rolling
• Sanding sugar or royal icing, for decorating (optional)

How To Make Ina Garten Sugar Cookies

1. Whisk dry ingredients: In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk to combine and set aside.
2. Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar with a mixer on medium speed for 2–3 minutes until light and fluffy.
3. Add egg, milk, and vanilla: Beat in the egg, milk, and vanilla extract until fully combined, scraping the bowl as needed.
4. Combine with dry ingredients: Gradually mix in the flour mixture just until a dough forms. Do not overmix.
5. Chill the dough: Divide dough into two discs, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 1 hour for best results.
6. Roll and cut: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out dough on a floured surface to ¼-inch thickness. Cut into shapes and transfer to parchment-lined baking sheets.
7. Bake until lightly golden: Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until edges are just golden. Cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
8. Decorate if desired: Once fully cooled, decorate with icing or sanding sugar. Let set completely before storing.

Recipe Tips

• Why chill the dough?
  Chilling helps prevent spreading and makes the dough easier to roll and cut.
• How to get soft sugar cookies:
  Don’t overbake—pull them when edges are just starting to turn golden.
• Can I freeze the dough?
  Yes! Wrap the discs tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
• Can I use salted butter?
  You can, but reduce added salt to ⅛ teaspoon.
• How to keep cookies fresh:
  Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

What To Serve With Sugar Cookies

These cookies are perfect for holiday trays, parties, or everyday treats alongside:

• A hot cup of coffee or tea
• Milk or hot cocoa
• Fruit platters or fresh berries
• Holiday eggnog
• Ice cream sandwiches

How To Store Sugar Cookies

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freeze Dough: Wrap and freeze dough discs for up to 2 months. Thaw in fridge before rolling.
Freeze Baked Cookies: Freeze undecorated cookies for up to 1 month.

Sugar Cookie Nutrition Facts (per cookie, est.)

• Calories: 160
• Fat: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Sugar: 10g
• Protein: 2g
• Sodium: 70mg

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on portion size and ingredients.

FAQs

Can I skip chilling the dough?
Chilling is highly recommended—it helps cookies hold their shape.

What’s the best flour for sugar cookies?
Use all-purpose flour for the best balance of texture and flavor.

Do I need to sift the flour?
It’s not required, but whisking it helps evenly distribute the baking powder and salt.

Can I double this recipe?
Yes, just divide the dough into more discs before chilling.

How long should I cool cookies before decorating?
Let them cool completely—about 30 minutes to 1 hour—for best results.

Try More Recipes:

• Ina Garten Chocolate Mousse Recipe
• Ina Garten Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
• Ina Garten Sweet Potato Pie Recipe