Indulge in the classic sweetness of sugar cookies with this simple recipe that’s sure to become a favorite. Perfect for holidays, celebrations, or just because, these cookies are soft, buttery, and melt in your mouth. With minimal ingredients and straightforward instructions, you’ll have a batch ready in no time. Get ready to impress your family and friends with these delightful treats!
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
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup sugar for decoration
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe yields approximately 24 cookies. Preparation time is about 15 minutes, with an additional 10-12 minutes for baking.
Nutritional Value
Per serving (1 cookie), you get approximately:
– Calories: 150
– Total Fat: 7g
– Saturated Fat: 4g
– Cholesterol: 20mg
– Sodium: 100mg
– Total Carbohydrates: 20g
– Sugars: 8g
– Protein: 1g
This nutritional breakdown is for one cookie.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
- In a larger bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until smooth.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and blend well.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Roll the dough into balls about 1 inch in diameter.
- Place the dough balls on ungreased cookie sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass dipped in sugar.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Remove from oven and let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option. Additionally, replace butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free version. Using almond extract instead of vanilla can also add a unique flavor twist.
Serving and Pairings
These sugar cookies pair wonderfully with a glass of milk or a cup of tea. They can also be enjoyed alongside ice cream for a delightful dessert sandwich, or decorated with frosting for festive occasions.
Storage and Reheating
Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to keep them longer, they can be frozen for up to three months. Just ensure they are well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn.
Cooking Mistakes
- Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies.
- Not measuring flour correctly can affect texture; use the spoon-and-level method.
- Baking at too high a temperature can cause cookies to burn.
- Skipping the chilling step can lead to spreading.
- Not spacing cookies adequately on the baking sheet can cause them to merge.
- Using cold butter will not yield the same creamy texture.
Helpful Tips
- For a fun twist, add sprinkles to the dough before baking.
- Use a cookie scoop for uniform size.
- Let your cookies cool completely before decorating.
- Experiment with different extracts for varying flavors.
FAQs
How can I make my sugar cookies softer?
To achieve softer sugar cookies, ensure you do not overbake them. Remove them from the oven while they are still slightly underdone, as they will continue to cook on the baking sheet.
Can I freeze sugar cookie dough?
Yes, you can freeze sugar cookie dough. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to three months.
What can I use instead of eggs?
For an egg substitute, use 1/4 cup of applesauce or 1/4 cup of mashed banana per egg. You can also use flaxseed meal mixed with water as a vegan option.
Can I add chocolate chips to this recipe?
Absolutely! You can fold in chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits after mixing the dough for added flavor and texture.
How do I make my cookies more flavorful?
Enhance the flavor by adding a teaspoon of almond extract or citrus zest to your dough. You can also sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top before baking.
Conclusion
This sugar cookie recipe is a timeless classic that is easy to make and delightful to eat. With its soft texture and sweet flavor, it’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy baking, sharing, and savoring these sweet treats with friends and family!
Sugar Cookie Recipe
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
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup sugar for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
- In a larger bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until smooth.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and blend well.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Roll the dough into balls about 1 inch in diameter.
- Place the dough balls on ungreased cookie sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass dipped in sugar.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Remove from oven and let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
