Sugar Cookies Recipe
Sugar cookies are a quintessential treat, celebrated for their simplicity and delightful taste. These cookies are a staple in many households, loved for their soft, chewy texture and buttery flavor. They can be enjoyed plain or decorated, making them perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients and Equipment
To create these delicious sugar cookies, gather the following ingredients: 1 ½ cups of white sugar, 1 cup of softened butter, 1 egg, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 2 ¾ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of baking powder.
For preparation and baking, ensure you have these essential kitchen tools: an electric mixer, mixing bowls, measuring cups and spoons, baking sheets, wire racks, and a spatula.
Step-by-Step Instructions
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is crucial to ensure your cookies bake evenly, achieving the perfect combination of a soft center and slightly crispy edges.
In a small bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Stir these dry ingredients until they are well mixed. This helps distribute the leavening agents evenly, which is essential for the cookies to rise and have a fluffy texture.
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter and white sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy. The butter should be at room temperature to blend seamlessly with the sugar, creating a light and airy mixture. Add in the egg and vanilla extract, and beat until well incorporated. The egg adds richness and structure, while the vanilla infuses a warm, aromatic flavor.
Gradually incorporate the flour mixture into the butter mixture, blending thoroughly until a dough forms. Take your time with this step to ensure all the ingredients are well integrated, resulting in a uniform dough.
Shape the dough into walnut-sized balls, and place them on ungreased baking sheets. Space them 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading as they bake. This step helps the cookies maintain their shape and prevents them from merging into each other.
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges turn a golden brown. Keep a close eye on them, as over-baking can lead to a dry, crumbly texture. The cookies should be set but still soft in the center. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling period helps them firm up and develop their final texture.
Recipe Tips & Frequently Asked Questions
- Tips for ensuring even baking and preventing over-browning:
- Rotate your baking sheets halfway through the baking time for uniform heat distribution.
- Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate temperature.
- Advice on achieving the perfect dough consistency:
- If the dough is too sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before shaping.
- Avoid over-mixing the dough, as it can result in tough cookies.
- Suggestions for variations, such as adding sprinkles or frosting:
- Roll the dough balls in colored sugar before baking for a festive touch.
- Frost the cooled cookies with royal icing and decorate with sprinkles.
- Common troubleshooting issues and solutions:
- If cookies spread too much, ensure your butter is not too soft.
- For dry cookies, check your flour measurement; too much flour can cause dryness.
- Storage and shelf-life of sugar cookies:
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Freeze baked cookies for up to three months; thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Substitutions for dietary restrictions or ingredient availability:
- Substitute butter with margarine or a vegan butter alternative for dairy-free cookies.
- Use gluten-free flour blends if you have gluten sensitivities.
What to Serve with This Recipe
Sugar cookies pair beautifully with a variety of beverages. Enjoy them with a glass of cold milk, a warm cup of coffee, or a soothing herbal tea. For a more indulgent treat, serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. These cookies also make a delightful addition to holiday dessert platters or as a sweet snack during festive gatherings.
Customizing Your Sugar Cookies
Elevate your sugar cookies by adding a burst of flavor with lemon zest or almond extract. For a colorful presentation, decorate the cookies with icing, sprinkles, or edible glitter. You can also experiment with different shapes using cookie cutters, making them perfect for themed parties and celebrations.
This sugar cookie recipe is a testament to the beauty of simplicity. With its easy preparation and delicious results, it’s sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Enjoy the process of making these cookies and share them with loved ones, creating sweet memories with every bite.
Ingredients
1 ½ cups white sugar
1 cup butter, softened
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon baking powder
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a small bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and baking powder, stirring until well mixed.
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter and white sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Add in the egg and vanilla extract, and beat until well incorporated. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, blending thoroughly until a dough forms.
Shape the dough into walnut-sized balls, and place them on ungreased baking sheets, ensuring they are spaced 2 inches apart.
Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies turn golden brown. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Sugar Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups white sugar
- 1 cup butter softened
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a small bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and baking powder, stirring until well mixed.
- In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter and white sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Add in the egg and vanilla extract, and beat until well incorporated. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, blending thoroughly until a dough forms.
- Shape the dough into walnut-sized balls, and place them on ungreased baking sheets, ensuring they are spaced 2 inches apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies turn golden brown. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.