Are you ready to indulge in a delightful treat that melts in your mouth? This sugar cookie recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday gathering, a birthday party, or just a sweet snack at home. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, you’ll be able to whip up a batch in no time. These cookies are soft, chewy, and topped with a sprinkle of sugar for that perfect finish. Let’s get started!
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 about 24 cookies. Preparation time is approximately 15 minutes, with a cooking time of 10-12 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each cookie (approximately 1 cookie) contains:
– Calories: 150
– Total Fat: 7g
– Saturated Fat: 4g
– Cholesterol: 20mg
– Sodium: 70mg
– Total Carbohydrates: 22g
– Sugars: 10g
– Protein: 1g
This nutritional information is for one cookie.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a small bowl, stir together flour, baking soda, and baking powder; set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla until well blended.
- Gradually blend in the dry ingredients.
- Roll rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls, and place onto ungreased cookie sheets.
- Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass, and sprinkle with sugar.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven.
- Cool on wire racks.
- Enjoy your delicious sugar cookies!
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour for a gluten-free version. Additionally, coconut oil can replace butter for a dairy-free option. Experimenting with flavored extracts, like almond or lemon, can also add a unique twist to the classic sugar cookie.
Serving and Pairings
These sugar cookies pair wonderfully with a glass of milk or a cup of tea. You can also serve them alongside ice cream for a delightful dessert experience. For festive occasions, decorate them with icing or sprinkles to match the theme.
Storage and Reheating
Store sugar cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to three months. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to regain their softness.
Cooking Mistakes
- Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies.
- Not measuring flour correctly can affect the texture.
- Skipping the chilling step may result in spreading.
- Baking at the wrong temperature can cause uneven cooking.
- Forgetting to use parchment paper can lead to sticking.
- Using old baking soda can affect rising.
- Not allowing cookies to cool on the tray can cause them to break.
Helpful Tips
- Chill the dough for at least an hour for better flavor.
- Experiment with different sugars for varying sweetness.
- Use a cookie scoop for even-sized cookies.
- Try adding chocolate chips for a delicious twist.
FAQs
What makes sugar cookies different from other cookies?
Sugar cookies are characterized by their soft, tender texture and sweet flavor, often enhanced by a simple sprinkle of sugar on top. Unlike chocolate chip cookies, they focus on the sweetness and buttery taste.
Can I add flavors to my sugar cookies?
Absolutely! You can add various extracts like almond, lemon, or even spices like cinnamon to enhance the flavor profile of your sugar cookies.
How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?
Ensure your butter is at the right temperature—soft but not melted. Additionally, chilling the dough before baking can help maintain the shape of the cookies.
Can sugar cookies be decorated?
Yes! Sugar cookies are perfect for decorating with royal icing, fondant, or sprinkles, making them a festive treat for holidays and celebrations.
How long do sugar cookies last?
When stored properly in an airtight container, sugar cookies can last up to a week at room temperature or can be frozen for three months.
Conclusion
This sugar cookie recipe is not only easy to follow but also yields delicious results that everyone will love. Whether enjoyed plain or dressed up with icing, these cookies are sure to bring joy to any gathering. So, gather your ingredients and start baking today!
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 small bowl, stir together flour, baking soda, and baking powder; set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla until well blended.
- Gradually blend in the dry ingredients.
- Roll rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls, and place onto ungreased cookie sheets.
- Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass, and sprinkle with sugar.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven.
- Cool on wire racks.
- Enjoy your delicious sugar cookies!
