How To Make Sugar Cookies With Claire Saffitz | Dessert Person

How To Make Sugar Cookies With Claire Saffitz | Dessert Person
#ClaireSaffitz #SugarCookies #ChristmasCookies
Sugar Cookie Recipe
2 sticks unsalted butter
¾ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon kosher salt
⅜ teaspoon baking powder
Royal Icing Recipe
2 large egg whites
1 lb. box confectioners sugar
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, plus more as needed to thin
Pinch of salt
Video Breakdown:
0:00 Start
0:17 Sugar Cookie Recipe Intro
0:40 Dessert Person Jingle
1:01 Ingredients & Special Equipment
1:43 How To Make Sugar Cookies
5:06 Roll Out The Cookie Dough
7:15 Shape & Bake
8:32 How To Make Royal Icing
10:04 Tips For Decorating
19:26 Outro To Sugar Cookies
20:21 A Dog Wearing Santa's Hat.
Thanks for watching!
Dessert Person Online: www.dessertperson.com/
Claire on Instagram: csaffitz?h...
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Dessert Person Cookbook
Photographer: Alex Lau
Food Stylist: Sue Li
Prop Stylist: Astrid Chastka
Video Series:
Producer/Director: Vincent Cross
Camera Operator: Calvin Robertson
Sound Engineer/Music: Michael Guggino
Editor: Hal McFall
Animation Credits:
Character Designer/Animator: Jack Sherry
Character Rigger: Johara Dutton
Background/Prop Designer: M. Cody Wiley
Background Illustrator: Jagriti Khirwar

[@CSaffitz]

Happy Holidays & Happy 1st Birthday to our KZbin Channel, thank you subscribers for all of your enthusiasm and support & thank you to everyone who has watched a video!

[@amesydaisy]

We love you Claire!! ❤

[@laurenschenck5355]

HAPPY 1TH BIRTHDAY 🥳 KZbin channel

[@laurenschenck5355]

We love you 😽 so much Claire 🎂🌈✨♥️🎄💚

[@xyzpdq1122]

Deeeseeert Biiiirthdayyy

[@sebeckley]

Everyone else is rolling out the dough between two sheets of parchment paper without flour.

[@ElizabethGonzalez-tj8gl]

the way “perfect for holidays” leads into “i don’t like this one…i hate this…i don’t even like decorating cookies” 😆

[@LouieLouie505]

That is definitely her schtick-- she has a variant of this in nearly every video, no matter the setting or topic. People relate to it, and with holiday cut-out cookies, it seems especially apt.

[@adi28]

Had this sentiment last time I messed with royal icing. My niece requested flower cookies for her birthday. As I was cutting out the cookies I told myself "hey I should try that new cat shaped cookie cutter, it'll be fun to ice some cats too!" Halfway through the flowers I said fuck the cats, I don't even like icing cookies.

[@jase_allen]

@@LouieLouie505 I loved that. It gave me real "Gourmet Makes" vibes.

[@vigilantcosmicpenguin8721]

That's the holiday spirit.

[@honduranflame]

I swear this is why I love watching Claire. Her honesty is refreshingly brutal lol

[@jdcmr]

This is why I love watching Claire since the beginning: she doesn’t just show you how to make these delicious goodies, she also explains the what, why, and how of things. As someone who’s never baked a thing in her life, I actually learned a lot just from watching her that I managed to make her carrot cake as the first thing I ever baked in my life. It was so delicious even my uncle and cousin who are both chefs were impressed by how delicious it turned out. And I baked them using a toaster oven. It was hard, but so worth it.

[@nwokoloebere686]

Same reason why I love Claire

[@kildareire]

Well done you! 👏

[@EmilyBoBemily]

She very much reminds me of Alton Brown during the Good Eats days.

[@akingbee93]

Badger in the window!! 🤣 Love seeing the editor’s little additions

[@AlexandraAndStuff]

It kind of jump-scared me, haha

[@ericbrown1871]

Scared the crap out of me but you do you, editor.

[@arby1322]

I had to rewind to figure out what it was! I thought it was an ostrich at first. 😂🤣😂

[@1986nicolek]

I was like “what new animal has she gotten?” I thought it was a limu emu at first glance 😂

[@sketchy094]

Scared the shit out of me

[@SaraLim]

"I'm not a cookie decorator" and "Who's got time for this?" is the epitome of me during the holidays trying to bake festive cookies, as I watch a cookie decorating video by Claire because I love her

[@ethanbrenna9798]

I come from a very no-frills family, so I never bothered putting effort into decorating my baked goods, but my fiancée's family loves a good presentation, so I've recently been trying to learn. This video was great for teaching me some of the basic cookie decorating techniques - if you get the motivation to do a video on the more intermediate techniques you alluded to, like using a toothpick to make more intricate patterns and designs, I'd definitely watch it!

[@macaoron]

Cupcake Jemma also has great videos on easy cookie decorating and royal icing piping techniques!

[@cgirl111]

@@macaoron I second that. Jemma is the go to for decorating, best on YT.

[@belleviewbibliophile9835]

I bought this woman’s cookbook, she is nothing short of spectacular. I didn’t realize she was on KZbin till this moment.

[@llamalover02]

This is literally the most realistic holiday baking video I've ever seen. Claire, you're more of a true Saint than you'll ever realize.

[@nylorij-Lori]

I’ve done a lot of cookie-decorating with royal icing. A couple of things to note: You can use meringue powder in lieu of egg whites if you’re concerned with consuming raw egg whites, and you can thicken your royal icing just by beating the mixture longer (instead of adding more powdered sugar). 🎼 The more you know… 🎼

[@murrrriel]

Every holiday season, I invite my daughter's friends for cookie decorating sessions instead of playdates. It keeps them busy, they can take home cookies as holdiay present, we get cookies for us, their parents get a break, it's a win for everyone!

[@tati.l.]

Bought some cute, Christmas themed cookie cutters the other day - just in time for this video!

[@aleamezquita5149]

again, Dessert Person's starting to go into UNHhhh levels of wacky edition and i'm living for it. and also Claire, honey GIVE US THE MORE ELABORATE COOKIES!

[@lynnstlaurent6789]

Katya baking is giving me life! This is the KZbin crossover we deserve.

[@rachelgilbert3164]

Haha would either Katya or Trixie have enough patience for individual nonpareils on polka dots? I don’t think so, Mary!

[@eviebb]

@@rachelgilbert3164 lol based on the recent “i like to watch,” they’d flip the table because it doesn’t look up to par

[@the.muffin]

omg yessss

[@matterinthehatter]

I was JUST talking to my friend about needing a new sugar cookie baking session and here you are reading my mind. Truly love your love of dessert!!

[@alymyszewski8064]

Add some orange zest to the cookie dough! That’s how my grandma has been making her sugar cookies since the 50s and everyone asks for the recipe and loves the little bit of citrus flavor!

[@valerieberseth2547]

Fresh or dried? I'm guessing fresh. Sounds like a really nice addition

[@vigilantcosmicpenguin8721]

Zest is the best.

[@alymyszewski8064]

@@valerieberseth2547 fresh! i use any normal small grater and do about 1 orange's worth for a batch of this size but i like a lot of the orange flavor, 1-2 tsp's is good for a more subtle flavor

[@brittsvids]

My old family recipe uses lemon rind in our Christmas cutouts!! I didn't know anyone else did something similar!

[@krissy012p]

Would you add lemon to the icing too, or is that too much citrus?

[@andrealocks124]

Dessert person time! Love this show. Can’t wait to watch this, Claire!

[@mojinxx]

Sugar cookies any time of year are my fav, so getting to see the Claire method is a big bonus 🤍. Because you know it’s gonna be precise.

[@crystalrios3336]

Claire, I just want to say my boyfriend bought me Dessert Person and it’s been one of my favorite gifts ever. I am a home cottage baker and it’s really helped me gain confidence baking just like you said. Thank you so much. Thursday’s are the best 💗

[@kristinfrancis4339]

Finally! A great cookie recipe. I’ve always made my mom’s “butter cookie” recipe and yes, it’s different from the typical sugar cookie recipe. THIS is very similar and so so good with the icing. One of my favorites since childhood. And so easy to change cookie cutter to go with all holidays! Love seeing your decorating ideas.

[@meredithgrigg7784]

These cookies were amazing! My search for the best sugar cookie recipe has ended! They are perfect with the royal icing and delicious even on their own. Highly recommend!

[@MortonDana]

Just made these and they were exactly what I was wanting! Yummy buttery cookie that was perfect for decorating! And very forgiving!

[@girlenchanted]

Claire, you're just such a delight. Watching your videos brings me some kind of inner peace ❤️

[@amyoblitas6699]

Been super stressed with finals week. Listening and watching Claire bake while studying takes my stress and anxiety away

[@katiem7643]

I would definitely love to see a more elaborate cookie decorating video! Your show is truly amazing and I have loved every recipe I have tired from Dessert Person! Thank you also so much for all of your tips, they are always so helpful and clever! Looking forward to seeing your next video!

[@StacyODell]

OMG the subtle edit at 18:23 is perfection. "Tired of this... getting dark..."

[@deanna3223]

Watching this later tonight, but seeing this post made me all warm and fuzzy inside. Your uploads have brought a great deal of calmness to my life despite all the blunders throughout your videos - one of the most endearing qualities about you!! You're as real as they come!! Wish I had you for an aunt uugh!!

[@desisyes3861]

These came out great! Really tasty with or without decoration, and exactly like a cross between sugar cookie and shortbread, as stated in the video. Great recipe and one of the easiest I've ever come across. Thank you, Claire!!

[@lechatbotte.]

Sugar cookies a definite holiday staple!! With Claire’s special spin on them make them beyond average. Merry Christmas.

[@LaurenAnne6]

I had SO much fun making these with my much, much younger brother-in-law. I also loved how the sweetness of the icing complements the shortbread-like taste of the cookies.

[@karenpauli4508]

Perfect timing for this! Next weekend I’m having my 4 nieces and nephews and my cousins son to my house to bake cookies! I might not want to spend my time this season of craziness baking elaborate cookies but I definitely want to spend it with them ❤️

[@karenb8200]

This video comes at such a great time for me! I'm going to attempt to make my own decorated holiday cookies for the first time this year. As the supposed baking expert in my family, I really needed this tutorial to save my rep!

[@m4tth3w967]

Lmao omg the badger at 11:50 legitimately sent a chill down my spine, it scared the hell outta me!! I was like "AH! A PEEPING TOM LOOK OUT!"

[@artisele]

anyone else see the badger??? love this video so much, all these tips and tricks no one ever shows! thank you so much Claire + team!

[@deweydjb]

I just took the cookies out of the oven and the recipe is perfect, no spread, the right color, perfectly shaped. The video helps me see each stage and keeps me on track! Now on to icing!!!

[@kendalljames1693]

I made these for my family and they were such a hit! I also made your pumpkin pie and now the only recipes any of us want to use are Claire Saffitz recipes! Thanks Claire

[@MC-nq8dg]

Great video as always! This is a phenomenal activity to do on Christmas Eve. I’ve done this in the past and it is a LOT of prep work, but seeing how much fun everyone has with it is beyond worth it.

[@Jeffffrey0902]

I love the dog cam outro. That face when his Santa's hat falls is just precious.

[@vigilantcosmicpenguin8721]

It was a pleasant surprise to see some new pets on the usual cat cam. Those are literally the best dogs I have ever seen.

[@roxannecline7536]

made these today and the recipe is perfect. I love that it doesn't make so many cookies that I want to quit before they're all cut out and decorated. I've always had a hate/hate relationship with royal icing - this recipe was a cinch. It never occurred to me to thin the icing and dip the cookies rather than piping and flooding. The cookies turned out great. I'm a new fan!

[@IGNZ4]

This season I am grateful for Claire!! You are the best!! By far my daughter’s favorite baking recipe. She had such a wonderful time making them. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us.

[@tati.l.]

11:51 - at the window 😂😂😂

[@iplaywithfoodttmohammed99]

I roll out the just made room temp dough to desired thickness then chill the sheets. so so much more easier than dealing with thicker brick hard dough cold from the fridge. then it's just pull a sheet from the fridge or freezer and punch out shapes. easy-peasy.

[@hesperheart6622]

This was really nice to come home to after a day at work. Thank you Claire and team!

[@jR0b3rt0]

these are great! I made mine with a little bit of cardamom per your suggestion, and I love the slight floral note it adds. Such a good cookie and so easy to make.

[@KingJamesBibleSword]

Yes! Hubby and I would totally appreciate some more elaborate cookie decorations. Thank you!!

[@ambercloud2776]

Been searching sugar cookie icing recipes for a month. Finally you popped up, and I like your voice, your mellow demeanor, and all these lil nuggets of happiness like the magic show, and the badger.. lol your shelves packed with supplies and ingredients... even Cal. Lol awesome! I am a new subscriber. Looking forward to your content.

[@rubydiane5109]

11:55 !! I loved this video. Total comfort person right here

[@thelightson]

This show’s opening is the only one I never skip because the song and animations are absolutely delightful.

[@ezinnematilda4187]

This recipe was incredible!!! Never been successful at making icing before and they taste SO good!!!

[@khet2018]

Back to the chaos, I love it. I look forward to your videos every week Claire, can't wait for Thursdays!

[@sarahradell1091]

I'm so glad I found this video. My boyfriend has been asking to make sugar cookies this holiday season. I asked what kind and after describing several different sugar cookies. This is what he picked. I'm keeping it very simple with red and green sanding sugar.

[@liviadrusilla7828]

Patriarchy and internalized misogyny are such a bizarre thing, here we have a woman making cookies and you also as a woman have to not only bring up your abuser (aka boyfriend, there’s no difference) * and brag about how he has enslaved you into being his mother and personal chef. *It would be different if you brought up your abuser to say that you’ve self liberated by leaving him and heterosexuality behind, but you didn’t do that.

[@nicoledrouillard2631]

I want every recipe you will show! Thank you for all the inspiration both baking and life ❤️

[@oldmansam95]

i’m gonna try to make “beautiful” sugar cookies this year. i was inspired by the cookie making challenge on the Food Network. this video really helped me understand the types of icing and how to make and use them. thank you claire!

[@katinanawrocki4676]

I’m making these right now! I added orange extract and zest. They smell amazing and I can’t wait to bake them.

[@Nerdfighter416]

I made sugar cookies for my brothers rehearsal dinner and I added lemon zest and homemade lavender extract, they were a huge hit! Citrusy and a hint of floral... yummmm

[@roomiller]

So I made these cookies with icing this weekend and they turned out fabulously. I did sub 1/2 tsp of the vanilla for almond extract because I like a bit of almond in my sugar cookies. I also made the icing quite lemony because I like it that way. But absolutely spot-on recipe. Cookies keep their shape perfectly and the icing was wonderful. These are definitely not the soft, chewy kind of sugar cookie. More of a dense, biscuit texture, but you need that to keep the shape. This is now my go-to holiday cookie recipe.

[@robind.5370]

Thank you for the detail and for clearly explaining to beginners how to do this. Seasoned professionals often have trouble remembering what it was like the first time you attempt something so the level of detail was great. Especially on the piping. And of course would love to see a video with two or more colors of icing.

[@maec148]

What fantastic timing. I was looking for a solid sugar cookie recipe for Christmas as I'm planning on doing cookie decorating with the family 💙

[@iwillsoarwithyou]

11:52 brought a smile to my face😅

[@catreadsabunch]

I just bought Dessert Person & plan on making these cooking this weekend with my mom as a little holiday treat! Love your channel so much!

[@emilyz3576]

The mention of decorated sugar cookies reminds me of the amazing tie-dye cookies that Rick made for Bon Appetit a few years ago for the holidays. Would love to see him decorate cookies using your cookie recipe!

[@vivadevega]

I did your pumpkin pie for turkey day. And now you've sold me on this cookie recipe! I've always wanted to do royal icing but never tried it. I'm so excited to try this with my kiddos!

[@Rudy-oh9wc]

Great video! My sister makes cookies with her kids for the all the holidays, it does take time but she says "it contains the mess to only one room at least for a little while."

[@feleciacolbert5284]

Love the big turkey that walked outside your kitchen window. Funny. And I will try your recipe. Looks simple and good. I’ve never had anyone explain Royal Icing so simply. Thanks!

[@Ako200320052010]

11:54 love that b&w animal! I am in love with your book, Dessert Person😃

[@karena5546]

Thanks for this recipe Claire! I tried it out during Christmas & New Year’s Eve & they were amazing! I had tried another KZbinr’s recipe & they just didn’t taste home made. These exceeded my expectations & I even decorated them with royal icing! Will be my go to recipe from now on.

[@terriblack1562]

These look delish! And so pretty too. Thanks for all the wonderful tips- For some reason making sugar cookies can be intimidating but you make it look easy! I’ll give these a try 😉😋

[@melonFTW1]

Gourmet Makes vibes and It fills me with sooo much happiness

[@AussieAngeS]

LOL at 11:53 😂😂 that was funny! I love this cookie recipe and the icing is easy to make also. Thank you as always Claire, I’m making these for sure ❤️

[@sammybutts]

Omg last night I was watching this when I was high, and that confused me so much LOL

[@ivelisser.c.6672]

That scared me! 😂😂

[@CheriEoreum]

Best sugar cookies I've had yet! Thank you for the recipe, and I can't wait to give these out as presents this year!!

[@b.lachele]

Second year back creating these cookies for xmas! My family called me asking if we could make these sugar cookies again - they were a hit last year! I added additional lemon juice to offer flavor to the icing beyond just being sweet. Tasted like the "lemon-ups" girl scout cookies! The best! Thanks Claire!

[@emilyibarra4654]

It’s so calming and enjoyable to watch your videos. I haven’t tried a recipe yet, sorry. But hopefully during the holidays I’ll have some time.

[@haydenbeatty633]

watched this video and was immediately inspired to spontaneously make these cookies. they were delicious and very pretty, 10/10

[@merylliacarranza6839]

Made these last year, SO GOOD! back again for a refresher course lol. excited to make these again

[@latinastina]

I made this recipe over the weekend with a little added lemon zest in the cookie dough. They are delicious! My family said they’re the best Christmas sugar cookies they’ve ever had and demanded I keep the recipe for the future!

[@buriichibakaimouto]

Recently bought several copper cookie cutters so I'll give this and the lemon cookie recipe they came with a shot this season.

[@nataliecruz1280]

Thank you for all the tips! I’m feeling better prepared now to do my cookie decorating (for the first time ever - gulp). ☺️

[@material___]

The mood shifts during the process of making this is so relatable.

[@OMGIGILY]

I just be tthose taste SO good and not plain, claire does everything GOOD. will make :-) am excited! ty claire

[@dylanhamilton7190]

Love the equal parts enthusiasm and annoyance!

[@lophrorajina77]

Yes I would want to see more of cookie decorating videos from you💛

[@ggultraps]

Holy crap claire, best sugar cookies I've ever made. Thank you!!!!!

[@erinclarocca]

Your instructions & tips are the best! I learned so much! Thank you!

[@kimw.7366]

Thank you Claire for this recipe. A gorgeous dough to work with. Shapes held like a dream...and the taste, well...is gold! Happy Holidays everyone!

[@y0utuberculosis]

I made sugar cookie houses a couple times, it works really well and it's so much tastier than gingerbread.

[@palomaeli5091]

I definitely want to see Claire's tutorial for multi colored frosting techniques 🙋🏻‍♀️

[@charissascrazy242]

Thank THE GODS I watched this before I made sugar cookies. I thought I’d have to use the flooding technique for every single cookie, but all I wanted was round cookies with icing and sprinkles, nothing fancy. The idea of just dipping the cookies never crossed my mind, thank you so much for making my life easier 😅

[@chantallennox1201]

Yes please. Would love to see your more complex cookie decoration method

[@sallytan2167]

Would love to see more cookie decorating! ❤️

[@layneetakigawa2972]

Yes to the elaborate cookie decorating video!!

[@mandyleslie7807]

omg Claire is back in my life this is amazing I wish I would have found this channel sooner

[@Deppie_____]

Christmas cookies are always so nice

[@HowToCuisine]

These cookies look so perfect! Almost to beautiful to eat! 😱😍

[@reigoestoo]

I am so excited for sugar cookies! I already know I'm skipping the icing though. I want to see if I can make them like the cookies my grandma used to make!

[@MooMooChann]

I've been watching forever and this is the first recipe I made along with the video! My cookies turned out perfect. I didn't have lemon juice for the icing and so I used Capri Sun lololol it kinda worked.

[@blaaahlouiseee]

Just used this recipe for Christmas cookies and it's the best one i've ever used! The cookies held their original shape with zero spreading and tasted amazing on their own without any icing!! Couldn't recommend enough, thank you Claire!

[@thewadsquad]

THE BADGER!!! It had me questioning if it was real. no joke. that was hilarious.

[@RichardCampbell_DotNetRocks]

The badger knows.

[@dropperknot]

It was obviously ''sett up'' to surprise.

[@mickeyminniewoo]

Just what I needed and had hoped you'd do soon! I love it! thank you

[@Wildflower1013]

I want to see claire show us how to make common components of Great British Bake Off challenges! The buttercream episode showing how to make swiss, italian, and french styles were great, so maybe episodes on basic shortbread, baravois, dacquoise, curd, praline, choux and such!

[@lynnstlaurent6789]

Or a Bakewell tart !

[@timeunbound4513]

These are wonderful 🎉🎉🎉 I baked off 7 cookies and then made 3 more batches to freeze for the future!

[@merylliacarranza6839]

my cookies came out sooo good!! thanks Claire!!

[@hannahponce618]

always excited every thursday!!! 🥰