Food & Cooking Recipes Dessert & Treats Recipes Cookie Recipes Essential Recipe No. 2: Sugar Cookies 3.6 (69) 8 Reviews By Martha Stewart Test Kitchen Martha Stewart Test Kitchen The recipes developed by our test kitchen team have undergone a rigorous process of development and testing, ensuring that every element is optimal, from ingredient amounts to method and cooking time. This process includes triple-testing recipes to ensure they meet our high standards. The many stellar cooks and food editors who have been part of our team include Sarah Carey, Lucinda Scala Quinn, Jennifer Aaronson, Shira Bocar, Anna Kovel, Greg Lofts, Riley Wofford, Lauren Tyrell, and Lindsay Leopold. Editorial Guidelines Updated on May 21, 2020 Print Rate It Share Share Tweet Pin Email Photo: Kate Sears Yield: Makes 45 slice-and-bake cookies, 100 spritz cookies, or 30 cut-out cookies This delicious, easy-bake dough is just the beginning. With a few fresh decorating tricks, you can make treats to suit any occasion. Ingredients 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature 1 cup granulated sugar ½ teaspoon salt 1 large egg 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 3 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled, plus more for rolling and cutting Sanding sugar and other decorations (optional) Confectioners' Sugar Glaze Directions In a large bowl, with an electric mixer, cream butter with sugar and salt until light and fluffy. Add egg and beat well to combine. Mix in vanilla. With mixer on low speed, add flour and mix just until incorporated (do not overmix). Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Space cookies 2 inches apart on parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake until just barely golden around the edges, 7 to 12 minutes (depending on size of cookies). Cool completely on baking sheets. Decorate, if desired. Let dry at least 2 hours. Rate it Print