Sugar Cookies
Highlighted under: Classic Bakery Favorites
Delightfully sweet and buttery, these sugar cookies are perfect for any occasion.
These sugar cookies have been a family favorite for generations. Their soft, chewy texture and sweet flavor make them perfect for any gathering or just a cozy night in.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Simple and quick to make, perfect for baking with kids
- Versatile base for decorating with icing or sprinkles
- Melts in your mouth with every bite
The Perfect Sugar Cookie
Sugar cookies are a timeless treat that never goes out of style. Their delightful sweetness and buttery flavor make them a favorite among all ages. Whether you're celebrating a birthday, holiday, or just want something sweet, these cookies are the perfect addition to any occasion. Their simplicity allows for creativity, making them a fantastic base for various decorations.
The beauty of sugar cookies lies in their versatility. You can enjoy them as is, or decorate them with icing, sprinkles, or edible glitter to match any theme or event. This adaptability makes them a staple in many homes, especially during festive seasons when cookie decorating becomes a family tradition.
Baking with Kids
Baking these sugar cookies is a wonderful activity to share with your children. The process is straightforward, allowing kids to participate every step of the way, from mixing ingredients to shaping the cookies. This not only teaches them essential cooking skills but also creates lasting memories in the kitchen.
Encouraging your children to get creative with cookie decorations can be a delightful experience. Set out various toppings such as colorful sprinkles, chocolate chips, or icing, and let their imaginations run wild. This not only makes the cookies unique but also adds an extra layer of fun to baking.
Storing and Serving
Once your sugar cookies are baked and cooled, storing them properly is key to maintaining their freshness. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature, and they'll stay soft and delicious for several days. For longer storage, consider freezing them. Just make sure to layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
These cookies are perfect for gifting as well. Pack them in a decorative tin or a festive box, and they make a delightful present for friends and family. Whether for a holiday gift, a thank-you gesture, or just because, homemade sugar cookies are sure to bring a smile to anyone's face.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients before you start:
Ingredients
- 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
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 3 tablespoons sugar for decoration
Once you have everything ready, you're set to start baking!
Instructions
Follow these instructions to bake the perfect sugar cookies:
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a small bowl, stir together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth.
Add Egg and Extracts
Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract.
Combine Mixtures
Gradually blend in the dry ingredients.
Shape Cookies
Roll rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls, and place onto ungreased cookie sheets. Flatten each ball slightly and sprinkle with sugar.
Bake
Bake 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until golden. Let cool on wire racks.
Your delicious sugar cookies are now ready to be enjoyed!
Tips for Perfect Cookies
To achieve the perfect sugar cookies, ensure that your butter is softened but not melted. This allows for better incorporation with the sugar, resulting in a light and fluffy texture. Also, be careful not to overmix the dough after adding the dry ingredients; mixing just until combined will help maintain a tender cookie.
Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes can also improve the texture of your cookies. This step helps to prevent spreading during baking, ensuring that your cookies retain their shape and have a lovely, chewy center. It’s a small step that can make a big difference!
Variations to Try
Feel free to experiment with different extracts to create unique flavors. For instance, substituting peppermint extract for the almond can create a festive twist, perfect for holiday cookie platters. Similarly, adding citrus zest, such as lemon or orange, can brighten the flavor profile of your sugar cookies.
You can also incorporate mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits to add texture and flavor to your cookies. These variations can make your sugar cookies stand out and cater to different tastes, ensuring there's something for everyone to enjoy.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I freeze sugar cookie dough?
Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the refrigerator before baking.
→ How do I store sugar cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
→ Can I use brown sugar instead of white sugar?
Yes, using brown sugar will give the cookies a chewier texture and a deeper flavor.
→ What can I add to sugar cookies for flavor?
You can add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits to customize your cookies!
Sugar Cookies
Delightfully sweet and buttery, these sugar cookies are perfect for any occasion.
Created by: Mario
Recipe Type: Classic Bakery Favorites
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: 24 cookies
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 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
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 3 tablespoons sugar for decoration
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a small bowl, stir together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth.
Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract.
Gradually blend in the dry ingredients.
Roll rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls, and place onto ungreased cookie sheets. Flatten each ball slightly and sprinkle with sugar.
Bake 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until golden. Let cool on wire racks.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 80 kcal
- Total Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 30mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 10g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 1g