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This Is the Only Sugar Cookie Recipe You’ll Ever Need

Former Top Chef contestant Travis Masar of Denver’s Pig and Tiger shares his childhood favorite. 
Written By: author avatar Linnea Covington
author avatar Linnea Covington
Linnea Covington is the managing editor of DiningOut. She comes to us with a long background in food, restaurant and drinks journalism. Over the last two decades she's written for tons of publications including Denver Post, Washington Post, Forbes Travel Guide, 5280 Magazine, New York Magazine, New York Times, Time Out New York and more.
Make sugar cookies and then decorate the heck out them. | Photo by Linnea Covington
Make sugar cookies and then decorate the heck out them. | Photo by Linnea Covington

In our house cookie baking time is now, and we have tried out chef Travis Masar’s recipe twice. Yes, it’s that good and so simple. 

We’re not surprised given the Pig and Tiger co-owner and chef has been making this since he was a child. The original sugar cookie recipe comes from his Grandma Masar and proves easy, delicious, and perfect for decorating. Fun fact, the chef’s mom and brother still use the same cookie cutters they had growing up. 

Grandma’s Never-Fail Sugar Cookies

Makes around 15 to 20 cookies, depending on size of cookie cutters

Travis Masar making these sugar cookies with his family when he was a kid. | Photo courtesy of Travis Masar
Travis Masars mom and grandma making these sugar cookies | Photo courtesy of Travis Masar

Ingredients:

2 Large eggs

2 Sticks butter (1 cup), room temperature

1 cup Sugar

2 tsp Vanilla extract

3 cups A.P. flour

1/2 tsp Salt

1/2 tsp Baking powder

Use any cookie cutters to shape your sugar cookies. | Photo by Linnea Covington
Use any cookie cutters to shape your sugar cookies | Photo by Linnea Covington

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

2. Cream together eggs, sugar, and butter until the sugar is dissolved. You can use a stand mixer or do it the old fashioned way with a bowl and spoon.

3. Add vanilla and mix again until incorporated.

4. Add flour, salt, and baking powder, then mix well.

5. Refrigerate the dough until firm.

6. Roll out the dough, cut into desired shapes, and place on an ungreased cookie tray. Use parchment paper for easy clean up.

7. Bake for 5-10 minutes. The longer you bake, the crispier the cookie will be. “We prefer to bake them lightly so they remain soft and can last up to a week,” said the chef. 

8. Let cool on a roasting rack. Once cool, decorate to your heart’s desire.

author avatar
Linnea Covington Managing Editor Denver
Linnea Covington is the managing editor of DiningOut. She comes to us with a long background in food, restaurant and drinks journalism. Over the last two decades she's written for tons of publications including Denver Post, Washington Post, Forbes Travel Guide, 5280 Magazine, New York Magazine, New York Times, Time Out New York and more.

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