Best Sugar Cookies Ever. The Jenny Cookies Recipe
The cookie that started it all.
Eleven years ago I rolled out my first batch of sugar cookie dough. My husband had gifted me a cookbook with a recipe that claimed to be the best sugar cookie ever. I gave it a try and turns out, it was not the best cookie, not even kind of. With every intention of making a great sugar cookie, I reached out to my in-laws who had always made delicious cookies during the holidays. They shared their list of ingredients and I attempted my second batch.
The process was a little rough around the edges. I didn’t have a set of directions or the tips or tools needed, just a list of ingredients with a baking temp. I found myself at a local craft store searching for any and every cookie tool. Icing tips, decorating bags, a rolling pin.. I didn’t even own a cookie cutter! I remember tossing an orange plastic pumpkin shaped cutter into my shopping cart thinking “pumpkins it is!”.
The second batch turned out a billion times better than the first attempt and I quickly became obsessed with perfecting a decorated sugar cookie with buttercream icing. I must have made sugar cookies every day for at least a month. I gave cookies to neighbors, family, friends, even the visitors at our church. I was addicted.
The cookie gains a name
Friends and family soon fell in love with my decorated buttercream cookies and began to refer to them as “Jenny Cookies”. The cookies were requested at every family gathering, social event or party. Friends of friends began asking for their own parties and soon I was baking for just about everyone I knew. People were enamored with the buttercream icing as opposed to royal icing which was ordinarily used on decorated shaped sugar cookies. Piping buttercream on cookies was not something commonly done, in fact, I had never seen it besides what my in-laws had done. As my skill level grew, I took on more difficult cookies shapes and projects, challenging myself to get better and learn more.
Celebrities love Jenny Cookies
Soon these delicately decorated cookies caught the attention of well-known celebrities. I spent much of 2010 and numerous trips since, traveling to LA to bake for celebrity parties and events. The more I baked, the more requests I received for cookies. It was a cookie phenomenon.
Jenny Cookies Classes
As the demand for Jenny Cookies increased, friends and acquaintances began asking for cookie lessons. Lunch dates with girlfriends turned into baking sessions in my kitchen. It was time to offer a cookie decorating class. I rented the kitchen at my children’s preschool and announced the class on my facebook page. The class sold out in less than 24 hours.
Eat More Dessert
After spending nearly 6 years polishing my signature sugar cookies, I had also expanded my baking and decorating skills to create what are now widely known as dessert tables. At the time, most people typically served a cake or cupcakes at parties whereas I was baking and creating a whole table full of treats centered around a party theme or concept. Dessert tables became a new “Jenny Keller” trademark and I was offered a cookbook deal to share my recipes and dessert styling tips with the world. In 2014, Eat More Dessert was published by Page Street Publishing.
Jenny Cookies Bake Shop
At the 10 year mark, I opened a bake shop in my hometown. It had been years since I had baked for an order though I was still receiving daily cookie and dessert requests. In December of 2016, Jenny Cookies Bake Shop opened in Lake Stevens, WA. Lines of customers wrapped around the building, waiting to try our famous treats. We regularly meet customers visiting from various US states as well as all over Washington state. The bake shop has become a destination bakery, with my buttercream sugar cookies as our top seller.
The Jenny Cookies Recipe
Over the years I have shared my recipes, tips and tricks on my website, cookbook, in magazines, workshops and social media. I’ve taught hundreds of aspiring bakers my secrets and skills so they too can feel proud of a dessert they’ve created. It’s incredible to see how many people have been inspired by my buttercream decorated sugar cookies. I told my husband in 2006, “I’m bringing buttercream back”. I think I’ve done just that.
Sugar Cookies (aka Jenny Cookies)
This recipe will always be dearest to me. Every time I tell students in my cookie workshops that these sugar cookies are fail-proof, they eye me suspiciously. But once they try it, they agree: Anyone can make them and everyone will love them.
makes about 24 cookies
3 CUPS ALL-PURPOSE FLOUR, PLUS MORE FOR ROLLING
2 TSP. ALUMINUM-FREE BAKING POWDER
1 CUP (2 STICKS) SALTED BUTTER, AT ROOM TEMPERATURE
1 CUP SUGAR
1 LARGE EGG
2 TSP. PURE VANILLA EXTRACT
DIRECTIONS:
1. Into a medium bowl, whisk together flour and baking powder. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment on medium speed, beat butter and sugar for about 1½ minutes, or until smooth. Beat in the egg and vanilla until well combined. Scrape the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula.
3. Turn the mixer speed to low and carefully add the flour mixture a little at a time, occasionally stopping to scrape the sides of the bowl. Once all the flour has been incorporated, the dough should form a ball around the mixing attachment and feel soft but not sticky.
4. Wrap the dough ball in a piece of plastic wrap and press down to form a 1-inch-thick disk. Refrigerate for at least 10 minutes before rolling or store for up to 7 days tightly wrapped.
5. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
6. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured flat work surface to about ¼-inch thickness, using additional flour as necessary to prevent sticking. Use cookie cutters to create desired shapes, and carefully transfer with a cookie spatula to a nonstick baking sheet, placing the cookies about ¾ inch apart.
7. Bake one sheet at a time in the middle of the oven until puffy, about 7-8 minutes. Allow the cookies to rest for 2 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Repeat with the gathered scraps and remaining disk until all the dough has been used.
Best Sugar Cookies Ever - Jenny Cookies Sugar Cookie Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 CUPS ALL-PURPOSE FLOUR PLUS MORE FOR ROLLING
- 2 TSP. ALUMINUM-FREE BAKING POWDER
- 1 CUP 2 STICKS SALTED BUTTER, AT ROOM TEMPERATURE
- 1 CUP SUGAR
- 1 LARGE EGG
- 2 TSP. PURE VANILLA EXTRACT
Instructions
- Into a medium bowl, whisk together flour and baking powder. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, using an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment on medium speed, beat butter and sugar for about 1½ minutes, or until smooth. Beat in the egg and vanilla until well combined. Scrape the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula.
- Turn the mixer speed to low and carefully add the flour mixture a little at a time, occasionally stopping to scrape the sides of the bowl. Once all the flour has been incorporated, the dough should form a ball around the mixing attachment and feel soft but not sticky.
- Wrap the dough ball in a piece of plastic wrap and press down to form a 1-inch-thick disk. Refrigerate for at least 10 minutes before rolling or store for up to 7 days tightly wrapped.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Roll out the dough on a lightly floured flat work surface to about ¼-inch thickness, using additional flour as necessary to prevent sticking. Use cookie cutters to create desired shapes, and carefully transfer with a cookie spatula to a nonstick baking sheet, placing the cookies about ¾ inch apart.
- Bake one sheet at a time in the middle of the oven until puffy, about 7-8 minutes. Allow the cookies to rest for 2 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Repeat with the gathered scraps and remaining disk until all the dough has been used.
Buttercream Frosting Recipe
This basic buttercream frosting works for a variety of purposes. Depending on which dessert you’re making, this buttercream recipe may be tweaked. Add cocoa powder for a chocolate frosting or drop in some peppermint or lemon extract to pump up the flavor. If you live in a warm climate, it’s a good idea to use half the milk added to the buttercream recipe so the icing is firmer. It’s very fluffy and melts easily in warm weather.
Makes about 6 cups
1 CUP (225 G) IMPERIAL MARGARINE OR BUTTER (2 STICKS)
1 CUP (225 G) CRISCO VEGETABLE SHORTENING
2 POUNDS (907 G) CONFECTIONERS’ SUGAR (ABOUT 71?2 CUPS)
2 TEASPOONS PURE VANILLA EXTRACT
3 TABLESPOONS (45 ML) WHOLE MILK
DIRECTIONS
1. Combine the margarine and Crisco in the bowl of an electric mixer; using a paddle attachment, beat on medium speed until smooth, about 2 minutes.
2. Add half of the confectioners’ sugar and continue beating on low speed for an additional 2 minutes, or until the mixture is creamy, scraping the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula as needed. Add the remaining confectioners’ sugar, vanilla and milk, and beat until the frosting is creamy and fluffy, about 2 minutes more. Add any food coloring at this time, if using, and beat on low speed until light and fluffy.
3. Use immediately or store in an airtight container refrigerated for up to 30 days.
I’d love to see your cookie creations! Tag me on social media @jennycookies or use the hashtag #jennycookies
Photography by Kelly Clare
Sugar Cookie and Buttercream Icing recipes copyright © 2014
These look so great! Can’t wait to make them during my once a year baking season….Christmas 🙂
They’re perfect for Christmas!!
We ordered a baby cake ( Cute little elephant on top!) and some sugar cookies for my daughter’s shower. The cookies melted in our mouths! We loved them and LOVE your story! I try to support local businesses and women in business – so many people have heard your story from me! Here’s to continued success!
Thank you Janice! That is so nice. We loved how that elephant cake turned out, it was one of our favorites!
So yummy and perfect looking! Definitely saving this recipe, I love sugar cookies!
Fun to see where you started and how it has evolved! Thanks for sharing!!
Thanks Andrea!
While I must admit your recipe produced the best sugar cookie that I have ever made… I still prefer the ones made by you! Thank you for sharing your story!
Ha ha! Things usually taste better when someone else does it!
Quick question, how thick do you roll out the dough before using the cookie cutters to make the shapes? I think I made mine a little thin. They were very tasty though ??Thank you!
Seriously the best sugar cookie and frosting, EVER! My husband always laughs when I come home with Jenny Cookies! He gave me your book as a Mother’s Day gift so I can try them at home myself. ??
What a guy!!
Jenny,
Long time fan, first time commenter.
Does the buttercream stiffen/crust to where the cookies can be stacked?
Thanks!
Love this! Thanks for sharing!!
You’re welcome!
Your story is motivating me to try your recipe with my 2-year-old this weekend. He loves to bake and he loves your cookies (as my whole family does). My goal is to throw him a birthday party (when he’s older) inspired by your “Eat More Dessert” book that my SIL bought me for Christmas. When you are ready to branch out of state, Colorado is ready and waiting for you!
Oooh, I’ve heard Colorado is beautiful! Send me pics of your dessert table!
Can’t WAIT to try this recipe!
Yay!
Can’t wait to try this recipe!
Let us know what you think!
BEST cookies ever!! Thanks for sharing the recipe, I’ll never make them as good as you though!
Thanks Shayna!
We had a great time at your cookie class at the preschool. I enjoy making cookies too, but it is so nice to get to enjoy yours whenever we want at your bake shop!
Aw, thanks Becky!
These are the best sugar cookies ever. And the freeze well. My husband wants to know when you will start shipping?
That’s a pretty common question! It’s on my to do list!
Can’t wait to try this! Loved the cookies you did for my baby shower!
Yay! Thanks Ally!
Best recipe ever!!! So so delicious. My new favorite as I’m not a fan of royal icing as it gets hard. One question once we make these cookies and ice them how long can they last in boxes? Do we have to refrigerate? Thank you for sharing .
I remember meeting you when you came to an estate sale my friend and I were having near U Village in Seattle. You bought a cart, blackboard and all my milk glass! It’s been so exciting to watch your journey and success. And a bonus to see the treasures you got from our lives at our sale on your Dessert Tables!! Congratulations and Much more Success!! Rachel
That chalkboard has made it’s appearance several times over the years. I just used it for a back to school party last week!
Thank you for sharing your recipe! I’ve been hoping there will be some classes or workshops in LS. So glad your bakery is apart of the community, it was really needed. My kids love hitting the library and walking over to get tasty treats. As a small business owner, we try to really only support small local businesses.
Thanks Laura! We’ve had a cookie or cake class almost once a month since February. We’ll have some fun fall classes soon 🙂
Love your cookies and that your shop is walking distance from my house! I’m going to try to make some this week or cheat and take a walk down?
If you walk, it cancels out any desserts you eat! 😉
This is the ONLY sugar cookie recipe I have used for probably 2 years now. It’s my favorite, it’s easy, and it’s YUM-O!!! Jenny, you are my spirit animal and have been such an inspiration to me and my baking. Thank you!!! Can’t wait to see what happens in the Baery and the Keller Farm part deux! 🙂
Thank you Megan!!
Can’t wait to try the recipe.
Let us know how it turns out!
Love your story.i love bsking, every Christmas I would help my mom bake tons of different kinds of cookies to give to friends and family and my kids have been baking with me since they were little. We love trying new recipes and we will definitely be trying this one. oh and my parents live in Lake Stevens now.
You’ll have to stop in the next time you visit your parents!
We will soon! We only live 30 min south so any time once my parents are back from another vacation.
so inspiring for me as I think about trying to sell my paper crafts more. Thank you! And the desserts…melt in your mouth ah-maze-ing!
Keep at it!!
Your story is a great one! Such inspiration, your hustle and drive is remarkable and I feel honored to call you a friend. Best Sugar Cookies Ever!!! Now open a shop in Gig Harbor!!! 😉
Thank you Toni!
I bought your Tropical Max Cake for a birthday party last weekend and it was so AWESOME! No one had ever seen a cake like it and besides the fact that it looked incredible, it tasted even better! I drove from Seattle up to your Lake Stevens shop and I’d do it again in a heartbeat!
Thank you Julie! It never gets old hearing that!
I can’t wait to stop in during Aquafest for a cookie… or 12(!!) 😀
I love your pie cookies. They are such a delight!!!
We’ll be there! We’re serving strawberry shortcake too.. you’re going to want one!
The best sugar cookies I’ve ever had!
Thanks Tessa!
Not impressed
Haha
Love them!!
Let’s do cake pops next! ?
Thank you!
Beautiful cookies. Have heard good things about them.
Thanks Mary!
Great story and this recipe sounds delicious! I will for sure will try next time I am baking cookies!!
We just moved back to Seattle area a few months a go and visiting your shop is high on my bucket list for this summer! ?
Yes!! Come in and visit us.
The kids and I love Jenny Cookies Bake Shop! My favorite are the cookies and the kids love the cake pops and rice crispy pops.
Yay! Those are definitely top sellers with the kids. Either cake pops or our cookie dough cupcakes!
We Love your cookies and desserts!!
Thanks Gina!
So inspired by you! And your baking always looks DEVINE!!
Thank you Sheyenne!
My daughter and I made these using your recipe and they turned out delicious… but the decorating was WAY off from the beautiful creations you make! Love these!