How to make delicious sugar cookies at home
Let me introduce you to the epitome of perfection in dessert – the sugar cookies recipe! It can be tough to find a dessert that appeals to everyone, but sugar cookies hit that sweet spot. Whether it’s for a birthday party, holiday gathering, or simply a cozy night in, sugar cookies always come through as the crowd pleaser. They’re soft, chewy, and have just the right amount of sweetness.
The beauty of the sugar cookies recipe is that they are incredibly versatile. The classic version is delicious on its own or they can be decorated with royal icing using your favorite colors and designs. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can experiment with different flavors and variations such as adding chocolate chips, nuts, or even using brown sugar instead of granulated.
This sugar cookie recipe is perfect for those who love baking from scratch. It only takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 10-12 minutes to bake, so it’s great for those who are always on-the-go but still want to make something special. Plus, I’ve included some tips and tricks to ensure your cookies come out perfect every time.
So what are you waiting for? Grab your apron and let’s get started on making the best sugar cookies you’ve ever tasted!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Picture yourself taking a bite of a freshly baked sugar cookie that’s soft and chewy, with just the right amount of buttery sweetness. Sounds good, doesn’t it? Well, get ready to fall in love with this sugar cookies recipe because it’s going to take your cookie game to a whole new level!
First off, these cookies are incredibly easy to make, even for beginner bakers. With just a few simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry, you can whip up a batch of delicious cookies in no time. And the best part? You don’t even need a mixer!
But what really sets these sugar cookies apart is their soft and chewy texture that’s achieved by using both shortening and butter in the dough. The combination of these two fats creates a cookie that’s tender on the inside while still having a slightly crisp edge.
And let’s not forget about the taste – these cookies are simply heavenly with their delicate buttery flavor that’s perfectly balanced with the sweetness of the sugar. Plus, they’re infinitely customizable with different flavorings and decorations like frosting or sprinkles.
So whether you’re looking for an easy recipe to satisfy your sweet tooth or an impressive dessert for your next gathering, this sugar cookie recipe is sure to impress. So go ahead, get baking and prepare to fall in love with the best sugar cookies you’ve ever tasted!
Ingredient List
No tasty treats without floury, sugary goodness, and your favorite butter to churn them. Below is what you’ll need to create the best sugar cookies recipe around.
Ingredients 1:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Ingredients 2:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
Sift together dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl and set aside. Please note that using room temperature butter is imperative for a soft and chewy texture. So, if you’re like me and tend to forget to take it out of the fridge on time, simply zap it in the microwave for a few seconds until it loosens up.
Pro Tip: Softened butter is key for easy creaming with sugar.
Granulated sugar provides sweetness while retaining moisture, making your sugar cookies soft and fluffy every time! Additionally, vanilla extract serves as the star flavor agent, while the almond extract, although optional, provides an extra hint of magic that makes these cookies irresistible for you or Santa.
Fun Fact: Did you know that vanilla is one of the most popular flavors in the world?
The Recipe How-To
Now, it’s time to get down to business and start baking those delicious sugar cookies. Follow these simple steps for perfect results every time.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (226 grams) of unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups (300 grams) of granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon of pure almond extract (optional)
- 4 cups (500 grams) of all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons of baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (*180°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until it becomes light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla and almond extracts.
- Gradually stir in the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix well.
- Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Gently press down on each ball with the bottom of a glass dipped in sugar or use cookie cutters to make fun shapes.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly browned.
- Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
That’s it! These simple instructions will yield soft and chewy sugar cookies that are perfect for any occasion. Don’t forget to add your favorite frosting or decoration to make them even more special!
Substitutions and Variations
Are you looking to mix things up with your sugar cookies? Fear not, my friend. I have some exciting substitutions and variations that you can try out!
Firstly, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can swap out the vanilla extract for almond extract. This adds a subtle but delightful almond flavor to your cookies that will leave your taste buds singing.
If you want to get creative with your cookie shapes, grab some fun cookie cutters and get to work! From snowflakes for Christmas to bunnies for Easter, these cookies are the perfect canvas for any occasion.
If you’re in the mood to indulge a bit more, add some chocolate chips or M&Ms into your cookie batter for added texture and flavor. Trust me, it’s a game-changer.
For those with dietary restrictions, don’t fret! You can easily make this recipe gluten-free by swapping out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free alternative. And for my vegan friends, use vegan butter and an egg substitute like aquafaba or applesauce. Voila! A vegan sugar cookie recipe that still tastes delicious.
Lastly, let’s talk decorations! These cookies are incredibly versatile and can be decorated in a myriad of ways. Try frosting them with royal icing or adding some sprinkles on top – the possibilities are endless. Be bold and experiment with different decorating techniques to truly make your sugar cookies stand out.
Remember, baking is all about having fun and exploring different options that suit your taste preferences. So go grab those ingredients and let’s start baking!
Serving and Pairing
Ah, the final act—the moment we’ve all been waiting for! As much as I love eating cookies on their own, there are plenty of ways to elevate your sugar cookies to new heights that will make you scream “Yum!”.
One way to draw out the vanilla flavor in these classic cookies is by pairing them with a cup of cold milk. The creamy sweetness of the milk balances out the crumbly texture and sugary taste of the cookie, resulting in a mouthful of heaven. You could also munch on a couple with your favorite cup of coffee or hot chocolate—its richness and boldness go perfectly with the soft chewiness of the sugar cookie. It’s like having a mini-holiday party in your mouth!
If you’re feeling creative, you can decorate your sugar cookies in tune with the event you’re hosting or attending. Use frosted sprinkles, food coloring, or colored sugar to amplify the cookie’s flavor and give them that extra oomph. You can even use icing and turn them into Christmas tree-shaped cookies for holidays or make heart shapes and frosted with pink icing for Valentine’s day.
Another way to enjoy these sugary delights is as part of a dessert platter—you know, those big trays that showcase an array of sweets? Add some brownies or cupcakes to change things up and give it an extra dimension.
In conclusion, you can’t go wrong with a plate full of homemade sugar cookies paired with your favorite drink or decked out with colorful decorations. They’re perfect for any occasion—and we mean it!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
When it comes to Sugar Cookies, there’s nothing better than biting into one that’s freshly baked and still warm. But let’s face it, sometimes we want to plan ahead or simply make a big batch to enjoy for days to come. Fear not, my fellow cookie monsters, because I’ve got all the information you need to keep your Sugar Cookies fresh and delicious.
Make-Ahead
One of the beauties of Sugar Cookies is that you can make the dough ahead of time and freeze it until ready to bake. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and pop it in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to bake, simply thaw the dough in the fridge overnight, roll it out and cut your desired cookie shapes. This is especially convenient if you’re planning on decorating them with royal icing or any other fancy toppings.
Storing
If you’ve already baked your Sugar Cookies and need to store them, the key is to keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. This will prevent them from airing out and getting stale too quickly. Depending on the humidity level in your area, they can last anywhere from three days up to a week.
Reheating
Warm cookies are always a treat, but reheating Sugar Cookies depends on your personal preference. Some people prefer them straight out of the container at room temperature while others love them slightly warmed up in a microwave or low-temperature oven. If you do decide to reheat them, keep an eye on them so they don’t overcook and become too dry.
With these simple tips, you can enjoy your delicious Sugar Cookies at any time without sacrificing their chewy texture or buttery flavor. So go ahead and bake a big batch; share some with friends and family or save them all for yourself! No judgment here.
Tips for Perfect Results
You see, my friend, creating the perfect sugar cookie is not just about following the recipe. It’s about understanding why certain ingredients are added, and how they affect the final results. That being said, here are a few tips to ensure your sugar cookies come out perfectly every time.
First and foremost, make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature. Cold butter, for instance, makes it difficult to cream with your sugar, leading to an uneven mixture. When everything is at the same temperature, it creates a smoother consistency in your dough.
Another important tip is to mix in the dry ingredients- salt, baking powder and flour- together before adding them into the wet ingredients like vanilla extract, eggs, shortening or butter. This ensures that everything is well combined without leaving any clumps of dry ingredient in the dough.
When you start mixing your ingredients together don’t overdo it. Over-mixing means developing too much gluten which can lead to tough cookies instead of soft chewy ones.
If you want that classic sugar cookie flavor but find them lacking some depth add almond extract in addition to vanilla extract. The combination adds a richer flavor to your cookies.
And speaking of flavors, one of my most favorite and fun ways to add variety to my sugar cookie recipe is by adding food coloring. It makes them incredibly festive and perfect for different occasions.
Finally, make sure you follow the recommended baking time and temperature closely – even a difference of a few degrees can have big effect on texture and taste. And as tempting as it may be to take them out early think twice – undercooked cookies will turn out delicate or won’t hold shape when cut whilst overcooked cookies can end up hard making them more likely ot go stale quicker than usual.
FAQ
Now, let’s move on to item (9) of our recipe article, the Frequently Asked Questions or FAQ. This section will cover common queries and concerns that you may have while making sugar cookies. So, buckle up and let’s dive into some expert answers!
Are sugar cookies better with butter or shortening?
When it comes to baking cookies that are both crisp and rich in flavor, one ingredient that can make all the difference is butter. Unlike shortening, which lacks flavor, butter is bursting with natural goodness that is essential for creating delicious treats like sugar cookies and shortbread. Its ability to lend a “melt-in-your-mouth” texture is just one more reason why bakers love using butter in their recipes. So, if you want to elevate your cookies to the next level, consider adding some butter to your batter!
Should sugar cookies be soft or crispy?
If you want to achieve soft and tender sugar cookies, I have a handy tip to share. It’s important to mix the dry ingredients only until they are just incorporated, rather than over-mixing them. The less you mix the dough, the more tender your cookies will be. Remember, less is more when it comes to mixing the dry ingredients!
What is the difference between butter cookies and sugar cookies?
As previously mentioned in our butter cookie guide, the key component to their rich texture is the high amount of butter compared to the sugar and flour. However, when it comes to sugar cookies, a higher proportion of flour to butter is used. This yields a dough that is ideal for shaping and cutting out into various shapes due to its durability.
Why do you put cream of tartar in sugar cookies?
Cream of tartar is not just a common kitchen ingredient; it also plays a vital role in baking. It helps prevent sugar from sticking together and turning into crystals, resulting in a more delicate, chewy texture. Classic treats such as snickerdoodles and sugar cookies owe their unique texture and flavor to this magical ingredient. So, make sure to add it to your cake or cookie batters for the perfect texture every time.
Bottom Line
Well, my friends, now you have everything you need to make the best sugar cookies in town. This recipe is an all-time classic that has been passed down for generations, and today I’m thrilled to share it with you.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker, these sugar cookies are easy to make and guaranteed to impress. You can adjust the recipe according to your preferences, try different substitutions and variations, and decorate them in any way you like.
But above all, remember why we love making sugar cookies: because of the sweet memories they bring back, the joy they spread in our homes, and the love they represent. So take your time, enjoy the process, and share the love with everyone around you.
Thank you for following this recipe article step by step. I hope you learned something new today and feel confident to start baking as soon as possible. If you have any questions or feedback, please let me know in the comment section below or through our website. And don’t forget to share your creations with us on social media using the hashtag #bestsugarcookiesever.
Happy baking!
Sugar Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
Wet ingredients
- 3/4 cup shortening or 3/4 cup butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
Dry ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Mix 1st four ingredients till blended.
- Mix dry ingredients in separate bowl then add to the wet ingredients until well blended.
- Cut into half and wrap both pieces (like bread loaves) in plastic wrap.
- Chill 1 hour.
- Using one piece at a time, roll on floured surface, if to sticky keep adding flour till you have a manageable dough like consistency.
- Cut out shapes.
- Cook 400 degrees ungreased 6-8 minutes till lightly golden.
- Cool on wire rack.
- Keep all unused portions cold for easier handling.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Steven is a chef by heritage, so it’s no wonder why baking is such a big part of who he is. To share his passion for all things sweet, he created cookiesncrepes.com. It’s the perfect platform to indulge in delicious treats, all with a sprinkle of his signature flare.