Classic Sugar Cookies with Smooth Vanilla Glaze

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Traditional sugar cookies that hold their shape well, topped with a glossy vanilla glaze for a festive holiday treat. This american-inspired christmas ready in about 27 minutes pairs (2 sticks), softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, large egg for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 160 calories and feeds 28, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.

★ 4.3 (11 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 12 min Serves 28 American cuisine 160 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper. In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup softened unsalted butter and 1 cup granulated sugar using a hand or stand mixer on medium speed until fluffy, about 3 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Beat in 1 large egg and 1 tsp vanilla extract until fully incorporated. In a separate bowl, sift together 3 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking powder, and 1/4 tsp salt.
  3. Step 3: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients on low speed until a smooth dough forms. Wrap dough in plastic wrap and chill for 30 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut into shapes with cookie cutters and place 1 inch apart on prepared baking sheets.
  5. Step 5: Bake cookies for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden and centers are set. Cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks.
  6. Step 6: For the glaze, whisk 2 cups powdered sugar with 2-3 tbsp milk and 1/2 tsp vanilla extract until smooth and glossy.
  7. Step 7: Once cookies are completely cooled, dip or spread the vanilla glaze over each cookie. Allow the glaze to set for 30 minutes before serving or storing.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Classic Sugar Cookies with Smooth Vanilla Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Classic Sugar Cookies with Smooth Vanilla Glaze?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep granulated sugar from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Classic Sugar Cookies with Smooth Vanilla Glaze?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Classic Sugar Cookies with Smooth Vanilla Glaze for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 28 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 28). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Classic Sugar Cookies with Smooth Vanilla Glaze?

American christmas like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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