Classic Sugar Cookies with Smooth Vanilla Glaze

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-04-26 · Updated 2026-04-26

How this recipe was made — this recipe was drafted by AislePrompt's AI-assisted pipeline from technique templates and USDA-sourced nutrition data, and published by AislePrompt Editorial — see how AislePrompt recipes are developed and reviewed.

Traditional sugar cookies that hold their shape well, topped with a glossy vanilla glaze for a festive holiday treat. This American-inspired Christmas recipe, ready in about 27 minutes, layers unsalted butter, granulated sugar, large egg into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 160 calories and feeds 28, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 12 min Serves 28 American cuisine 160 cal/serving

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Ingredients

1 cup (2 sticks), softened unsalted butter
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp baking powder
3 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp salt
2 cups (for glaze) powdered sugar
2-3 tbsp (for glaze) milk
1/2 tsp vanilla extract (for glaze)

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Instructions

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.