5 Tricks to Baking Perfect Sugar Cookies

1. Measure Carefully
Any sugar cookie recipe is a delicate proportional balance of fat, sugar and flour, so be sure to measure your ingredients carefully in order to get the desired finished texture (crisp, chewy, delicate, melting, etc).
2. Mind Your Butter!
A key step in making sugar cookies is the creaming of butter and sugar. If the butter is too soft, your cookies will be greasy, and if it is too cold, they'll seem like lead weights. It is important to start with evenly softened butter, and the only way to do this properly is to take it out of the refrigerator and, uh, wait. Always soften butter in a temperate environment until it yields gently to pressure; if you want to hasten the process a bit, cut the butter into even sized pieces and spread them out. This is not the time to attempt any wacky moves in the microwave or on the stovetop. If your recipe requires shortening, make sure it is ultra-fresh and stored in a cool, dry place to maintain the proper consistency.
3. Keep Flavorings Simple and of the Highest Quality
Sugar cookies are, by nature, an example of sublime simplicity. Vanilla is classic, and some freshly grated lemon or orange zest provides a nice contrast. Anything beyond that, and it becomes a different cookie.
4. Roll and Cut in a Dough-Friendly Environment

5. Move Your Baking Sheets
Rotate your baking sheets 180 degrees, halfway through the baking time. Baking on the center rack is best, but if you are using multiple oven racks, switch the position of the sheets, moving top to bottom, bottom to top. Both steps will help the cookies brown evenly and help to prevent over-browned edges.
Here's the recipe to my own sugar cookies »
Previously
Serious Cookies: Cocoa Snowflakes
All products linked here have been independently selected by our editors. We may earn a commission on purchases, as described in our affiliate policy.
Comments
Hello Eater!
Want to comment? Sign In or Register
ADD A COMMENT
PREVIEW YOUR COMMENT