S Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This sugar cookie recipe stands out for several reasons:
- Simple Ingredients: Utilizes common pantry staples, making it convenient to whip up a batch anytime.
- Perfect Texture: Achieves a balance between a slightly crisp edge and a tender, chewy center.
- Versatility: The dough holds its shape well, making it ideal for cut-out cookies and various decorations.
- Quick Preparation: With straightforward steps, you can have these cookies ready in no time.
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter or margarine, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking SheetsPreheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or lightly grease them to prevent sticking.
- Cream Butter and SugarIn a large bowl, use a mixer to cream together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add Egg and VanillaBeat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Combine Dry IngredientsIn a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder.
- Mix Dry Ingredients into WetGradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing to prevent tough cookies.
- Form CookiesFor classic round cookies, roll the dough into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter) and place them on the baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. For shaped cookies, roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness and use cookie cutters to create desired shapes.
- BakeBake the cookies for 6-8 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. For softer cookies, remove them from the oven as soon as the edges turn golden; for crispier cookies, bake for an extra minute or two.
- CoolAllow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Decorate (Optional)Once cooled, decorate the cookies as desired using icing, sprinkles, or colored sugar.
Servings and Timing
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Baking Time: 6-8 minutes per batch
- Total Time: Approximately 30 minutes
Variations
- Lemon Sugar Cookies: Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest and 1 teaspoon of lemon extract for a refreshing citrus flavor.
- Almond Sugar Cookies: Substitute vanilla extract with almond extract to impart a nutty aroma.
- Chocolate-Dipped Sugar Cookies: After baking, dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate and allow them to set for an indulgent touch.
- Holiday-Themed Cookies: Incorporate food coloring into the dough or add festive sprinkles to celebrate special occasions.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store cooled sugar cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Freezing: These cookies can be frozen in an airtight container for up to three months.
- Reheating: To enjoy warm cookies, microwave them for a few seconds; however, they are equally delightful at room temperature.
FAQs
How can I ensure my sugar cookies stay soft?
To keep sugar cookies soft, avoid overbaking them. Remove the cookies from the oven as soon as the edges start to turn golden, even if the centers appear slightly undercooked. They will firm up as they cool, resulting in a soft and tender texture.
Can I prepare the dough in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, let the dough sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly before rolling or shaping.
Is it necessary to chill the dough before baking?
Chilling the dough is optional. If your dough feels too soft or sticky, refrigerating it for 10-15 minutes can help the cookies hold their shape better during baking.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
If you only have salted butter, you can use it but consider reducing the added salt in the recipe by half to balance the flavors.
How can I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?
To prevent excessive spreading, ensure your butter is softened but not melted, and avoid overmixing the dough. If the dough is too warm, chilling it briefly before baking can also help maintain the cookies’ shape.
Can I freeze the dough for later use?
Yes, you can freeze the dough. Shape it into a disk, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator before rolling out and baking.
What types of decorations work best for these cookies?
These sugar cookies are perfect
Sugar cookies
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Description: This easy sugar cookie recipe delivers soft, buttery cookies with crisp edges—perfect for any occasion! They hold their shape well, making them ideal for cut-out cookies and decorating.
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter or margarine, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Egg & Vanilla: Beat in egg and vanilla extract.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and baking powder.
- Mix Dough: Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Shape Cookies: Roll into small balls (1-inch) or roll out and cut into shapes. Place on baking sheets.
- Bake: Bake for 6-8 minutes, until edges are lightly golden.
- Cool & Decorate: Let cookies cool on a wire rack. Decorate as desired.
Notes
- For softer cookies, remove them from the oven when the edges are just golden.
- Dough can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 24 hours.
- Freezes well for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 minutes per batch
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
