Indulge in the joy of baking with this easy sugar cookies recipe! Perfect for beginners and experienced bakers alike, these cookies are soft, buttery, and made with simple ingredients. You can customize them with your favorite toppings or enjoy them plain. Whether for a holiday gathering or a snack at home, these delightful cookies are sure to bring smiles to the table. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this easy-to-follow recipe!
Ingredients
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– ½ teaspoon salt
– Colored sprinkles (for topping)
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe makes approximately 24 cookies. Preparation time is about 15 minutes, and baking time is 10-12 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each cookie contains approximately:
– Calories: 120
– Total Fat: 6g
– Saturated Fat: 4g
– Carbohydrates: 15g
– Sugars: 6g
– Protein: 1g
This nutritional value is based on a serving size of one cookie.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
6. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls.
7. Place the dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
8. Gently flatten each dough ball with the bottom of a glass.
9. Sprinkle colored sprinkles on top of each cookie before baking.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
11. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute unsalted butter with coconut oil or margarine for a dairy-free option. Additionally, using almond extract instead of vanilla can add a unique flavor twist to the cookies.
Serving and Pairings
These sugar cookies are delightful on their own but can also be served with milk, coffee, or tea. For a festive touch, pair them with a scoop of ice cream or serve them alongside fresh fruit.
Storage and Reheating
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. They can also be frozen for up to three months. To enjoy them warm, simply reheat in the microwave for a few seconds.
Cooking Mistakes
– Don’t skip the creaming step; it helps create a light texture.
– Avoid overmixing the dough to keep cookies tender.
– Use a kitchen scale for accurate flour measurements.
– Make sure the butter is softened, not melted.
– Allow the cookies to cool before storing to prevent sogginess.
– Keep an eye on the baking time to avoid over-browning.
– Always preheat the oven for even baking.
Helpful Tips
– Chill the dough for 30 minutes for thicker cookies.
– Experiment with different sprinkles or toppings for variety.
– Use parchment paper for easy cleanup.
– For a more festive look, use cookie cutters to shape the dough.
FAQs
Can I use gluten-free flour for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute regular flour with a gluten-free blend. Just ensure it contains xanthan gum for proper texture.
How can I make these cookies softer?
For softer cookies, reduce the baking time slightly and add a tablespoon of milk to the dough.
Can I add chocolate chips?
Absolutely! You can mix in chocolate chips or chunks to the dough for a chocolatey twist.
How should I store leftover cookies?
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh.
What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
If the dough is too sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
Conclusion
This easy sugar cookies recipe is a delightful way to bring joy to any occasion. With simple ingredients and a straightforward process, you can create delicious cookies that everyone will love. Whether enjoyed plain or decorated, these cookies are perfect for sharing and celebrating life’s sweet moments.
Easy Sugar Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Colored sprinkles for topping
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls.
- Place the dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Gently flatten each dough ball with the bottom of a glass.
- Sprinkle colored sprinkles on top of each cookie before baking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
