How to Make the Best Soft Sugar Cookies

Sugar cookies are a staple of holiday treats.

Sugar cookies are one of the classic mainstay desserts, especially for the holidays. They are versatile and can be cut out into a variety of shapes, appropriate for any celebration. While some cookies have a straightforward sugar-vanilla flavor, these contain a hint of nutmeg and cinnamon, providing an unexpected twist to the typical cookie. Since these stay soft and fresh when kept in an airtight container, they can be made a day or two in advance and served at your next holiday gathering.

Things You'll Need

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
• a few dashes of cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon cream of tarter
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups white sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 sour cream
• Butter cream frosting
• Sprinkles or decorations (optional)

Instructions

1. Sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, nutmeg, cinnamon and cream of tarter in a bowl. Set aside.

2. In another large bowl, cream butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in the egg, vanilla, and sour cream until well blended. Stir in the sifted ingredients from step one. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill overnight, or for four hours.

3. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. On a lightly floured surface, roll to 1/4" thick. Cut into shapes with cookie cutters. Place 1.5" apart on an ungreased cookie sheet.

4. Bake 8-10 minutes, or until bottoms of cookies just begin to brown. Do not overbake, or cookies will be dry and crumbly. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.

5. Ice with a butter cream frosting of your choice. You can tint the frosting to a color appropriate to the cookie shapes, or add sprinkles and other decorations, if desired.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure the cookies are completely cooled before icing.

• Be sure the cookies are completely cooled before icing.