sugar cookie recipe
Sugar cookie recipe lovers, rejoice! This delightful treat is your ticket to a cozy kitchen filled with the sweet aroma of vanilla and butter. With a soft, chewy center and a perfectly crisp edge, these cookies are just begging to be decorated with colorful icing and sprinkles. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a fun baking day with the kids, this recipe uses simple ingredients like all-purpose flour, sugar, and a splash of almond extract for that extra touch of warmth. Get ready to spread joy, one cookie at a time!
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Sugar Cookie Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Large bowl For mixing ingredients.
- 1 Whisk For mixing dry ingredients.
- 1 Baking Sheets For baking cookies.
- 1 cookie scoop or spoon For shaping cookies.
- 1 wire racks For cooling cookies.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour Provides the structure for your cookies.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda Helps cookies rise.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder Gives the cookies a light and fluffy texture.
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter Adds richness and a tender crumb.
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar Sweetens the cookies and helps them spread.
- 1 large egg Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Infuses a warm, sweet flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract Adds a delightful nutty note (optional).
Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon salt Enhances sweetness and balances flavors.
Instructions
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
- Collect all ingredients listed above.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside.
Step 4: Cream the Butter and Sugar
- Beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 3-5 minutes).
Step 5: Add the Egg and Extracts
- Crack in the egg and add the vanilla and almond extracts. Mix until well combined.
Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
Step 7: Shape the Cookies
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto ungreased baking sheets, leaving space between each cookie.
Step 8: Bake the Cookies
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy!
- Let cookies cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks.
Why You’ll Love This Sugar Cookie Recipe
- Simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
- Perfectly soft and chewy texture that melts in your mouth.
- Customizable with your favorite add-ins like sprinkles or chocolate chips.
- Great for any occasion—birthdays, holidays, or just because!
- Fun to make with kids, creating sweet memories together.
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category: | Dessert |
| Cuisine: | American |
| Prep Time: | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time: | 10-12 minutes |
| Total Time: | 25-27 minutes |
| Dietary: | Vegetarian |
| Serves: | 24 cookies |
| Best Served: | With milk or coffee |
Ingredients for Sugar Cookie Recipe
- All-purpose flour – provides the structure for your cookies.
- Granulated sugar – sweetens the cookies and helps them spread.
- Baking powder – gives the cookies a light and fluffy texture.
- Salt – enhances the sweetness and balances flavors.
- Unsalted butter – adds richness and a tender crumb.
- Egg – binds the ingredients together and adds moisture.
- Vanilla extract – infuses a warm, sweet flavor.
- Almond extract – adds a delightful nutty note (optional).
How to Make the Sugar Cookie Recipe
Get ready to bake some delicious sugar cookies! Follow these simple steps for a sweet treat everyone will love.
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
Collect 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, 1 cup unsalted butter (softened), 1 1/2 cups white sugar, 1 egg, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1/2 teaspoon almond extract.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s nice and hot when your cookies are ready to bake.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Set this mixture aside for later.
Step 4: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until it’s light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
Step 5: Add the Egg and Extracts
Crack in the egg and add the vanilla and almond extracts. Mix until everything is well combined.
Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Don’t overmix; a little bit of flour showing is okay!
Step 7: Shape the Cookies
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto ungreased baking sheets, leaving space between each cookie.
Step 8: Bake the Cookies
Pop the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy!
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks. Enjoy your sweet creations!
Pro Tips for Making the Sugar Cookie Recipe
• Use room temperature butter for a creamier texture.
• Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes to prevent spreading.
• Experiment with different extracts like almond or vanilla for unique flavors.
• Roll the dough on parchment paper for easy transfer and less mess.
• Decorate with colorful sprinkles before baking for a festive touch.
How to Serve Sugar Cookie Recipe
- Enjoy warm with a glass of cold milk.
- Top with colorful sprinkles for a festive touch.
- Sandwich two cookies with your favorite frosting.
- Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert.
- Serve alongside a cup of hot cocoa for a cozy treat.
- Use cookie cutters to create fun shapes for parties.
- Drizzle with chocolate or caramel for an extra sweet twist.
- Pack in lunchboxes for a sweet surprise.
- Offer as a treat at bake sales or gatherings.
- Make mini versions for bite-sized enjoyment.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your sugar cookies fresh:
- Allow cookies to cool completely.
- Store in an airtight container.
- Layer cookies with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Keep at room temperature for up to one week.
Freezing
For long-term storage:
- Wrap cookies individually in plastic wrap.
- Place wrapped cookies in a freezer-safe bag.
- Label with the date for reference.
- Freeze for up to three months.
Reheating
To enjoy warm cookies again:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place cookies on a baking sheet.
- Heat for 5-7 minutes until warm.
- Enjoy with a glass of milk!
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FAQs
What can I substitute for eggs in this sugar cookie recipe?
If you’re looking for an egg substitute, you can use unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed meal mixture. For each egg, mix one tablespoon of flaxseed meal with three tablespoons of water and let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens. This will help bind your cookies just like eggs do!
How can I make my sugar cookies softer?
To achieve softer sugar cookies, be sure not to overbake them. Remove them from the oven when they are just set and lightly golden around the edges. Additionally, adding a bit more butter or using brown sugar instead of white sugar can also enhance the softness of your cookies.
Can I freeze sugar cookie dough?
Absolutely! Freezing sugar cookie dough is a great way to prepare ahead. Just wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container. When you’re ready to bake, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before rolling and cutting into shapes.
What is the best way to decorate sugar cookies?
Decorating sugar cookies can be a fun activity! You can use royal icing for a smooth finish or simple powdered sugar glaze for a quick option. Sprinkles, colored sugar, or edible glitter can add a festive touch. Let your creativity shine!