Master Sugar Cookie Recipe

Sugar cookies are suitable for any occasion. They can be plain and simple or decorative and fancy. They can be cut into virtually any size and shape imaginable. They may be decorated with icing, sprinkles, sugar, candies, glazes, or chocolate. They can be piled high with cream and fruit, or sandwiched together with a filling. They can also be jazzed up a little with the addition of spices, cocoa, or chocolate chips. Here is a basic recipe for simple sugar cookies. The recipe may easily be doubled or tripled.

Sugar Cookies
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated (white) sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons cream of tartar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt

In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla, mix well. Stir in the remaining ingredients until incorporated. Divide dough in half. Shape each half into a flattened disk and wrap well with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least one hour, or overnight. Remove from the fridge 15 minutes before rolling.

When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 325◦F. Grease or line baking sheets. Roll out the dough, one half at a time, into 1/4 inch thick rectangle. Cut out shapes with a cutter dipped lightly in all-purpose flour. Bake cookies 1-inch apart on baking sheets for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly browned, depending on size. 

Cool cookies completely before frosting and decorating. Sprinkles and sugar decorations may be placed on before baking. Cookies may also be rolled into 1-inch balls if you don't have time to refrigerate, roll, and cut.

Here are some sugar cookies that were decorated to look like atoms for a chemistry class. The ratios of protons, neutrons and electrons may not be totally realistic, but they look pretty cute.

DECORATING IDEAS: Frost cookies with icing, melted chocolate, or a corn syrup glaze. Leave as is, or add candies: sprinkles, jelly beans, candy-coated chocolates, chocolate chips, nuts, coconut, marshmallows, etc.  Sandwich cookies together with chocolate filling, peanut butter, jam, icing, cream cheese, etc.  Pipe a swirl of whipped cream on each cookie and top with a fresh strawberry or other fruit.