If you’re on a mission to whip up some delightful treats, the Basic Sugar Cookie Dough from Good Housekeeping is a fantastic starting point. The versatile dough is perfect for rolling, cutting, and decorating cookies that will make anyone smile.

When making the Basic Sugar Cookie Dough, it’s crucial to use real butter, as it provides the best flavor and texture. Margarine or spreads won’t cut it since they can make the dough too soft to manage. If allergies are a concern, ensure to check the flour for gluten and opt for a gluten-free blend if necessary. Quality ingredients lead to better cookies, so don’t skimp here.
Cookies
Basic Sugar Cookie Dough from Good Housekeeping Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- On a piece of waxed paper, combine 2 3/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
- In a large bowl, with a mixer on medium speed, beat 1 cup of softened butter and 3/4 cup of granulated sugar for about 1 minute, or until creamy. Be sure to scrape the bowl occasionally with a rubber spatula.
- Add 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the mixture; beat until well combined.
- Reduce the mixer speed to low and gradually beat in the flour mixture just until blended, again scraping the bowl from time to time.
- Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to make handling easier.
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees.
- Lightly flour your rolling surface and roll out one-third of the dough at a time, keeping the remaining dough in the refrigerator.
- Cut cookies into desired shapes and place them about an inch apart on ungreased cookie sheets.
- Bake for 5 to 9 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden brown, then remove the cookies immediately from the sheets and place them onto cooling racks.
Part of our Homemade Cookie Recipes collection — Part 1 of 7:
For another delightful treat, consider making the Bee Maid Honey Cookies. They offer a unique twist with a touch of sweetness from honey, making them a wonderful addition to any cookie platter.