Oh, sugar cookies! Just the thought of them brings back so many sweet memories for me. There’s something so comforting about the smell of sugar cookies baking in the oven—it’s like a warm hug for your senses! This simple and delicious sugar cookie recipe is my go-to for every occasion, whether I’m preparing for the holidays or just craving something sweet to brighten up my day. Trust me, they come together in a snap and the best part? They’re incredibly versatile! You can enjoy them plain, or jazz them up with sprinkles or chocolate chips. I love making these cookies with my kids; we roll the dough into little balls, coat them in sugar, and watch them puff up in the oven. You’ll love how easy it is to whip up a batch and share them with family or friends. Get ready to dive into cookie heaven!
Ingredients List
- 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 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 3/4 cup white sugar for decoration
How to Prepare Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is crucial because you want those cookies to start baking as soon as they hit the tray!
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder. This will help ensure that your dry ingredients are well combined and your cookies will rise perfectly.
- Now, in a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1 1/2 cups of sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. I like to use an electric mixer for this part—it makes everything so much easier! You’ll want to beat it for about 2-3 minutes.
- Next, add in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Mix well until everything is fully incorporated. The aroma at this point is simply divine!
- Gradually blend in the dry ingredients from your earlier bowl. I usually do this in three parts, mixing until just combined after each addition. Don’t overmix, or your cookies might turn out tough!
- Once your dough is ready, it’s time to get your hands a little messy! Roll the dough into balls, about 1 inch in diameter. This is where you can get creative—if you want bigger cookies, go for it!
- Now, roll each ball in the reserved 3/4 cup of sugar until they’re fully coated. This gives them that lovely sweet crunch on the outside.
- Place the sugar-coated balls onto ungreased cookie sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. They’ll spread a little as they bake, so give them some room!
- Bake in your preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes. Keep an eye on them—the cookies should be lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center when you take them out.
- Lastly, let them cool on the cookie sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is essential for achieving that perfect chewy texture!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation time—ready in just 25 minutes from start to finish!
- Simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.
- Deliciously sweet with a delightful crunch on the outside and a soft, chewy center.
- Versatile enough to customize—add sprinkles, chocolate chips, or even nuts!
- Perfect for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to just a cozy afternoon treat.
- Kid-friendly—great for baking with little ones who love rolling and coating the dough!
- They stay fresh for days, making them ideal for meal prepping or sharing with friends.
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s talk about how to make these sugar cookies absolutely perfect! I’ve got a few tried-and-true tips that’ll take your cookies from good to amazing.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and egg are at room temperature before you start. This helps them cream together better, resulting in a smoother dough that bakes evenly.
- Don’t Overmix: Once you add the dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, and nobody wants that! We want tender and delightful bites.
- Chill the Dough: If you have time, chill the dough for about 30 minutes before rolling it into balls. This helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking, giving you that perfect thickness.
- Watch the Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake! Ovens can vary, so start checking at the 8-minute mark. You want them to be lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool.
- Use Parchment Paper: For even baking and easy cleanup, line your cookie sheets with parchment paper. It prevents the cookies from sticking and helps them bake evenly.
- Experiment with Toppings: Don’t be afraid to get creative! Try adding colorful sprinkles before baking for a festive touch or drizzle some melted chocolate on top once they cool for an extra indulgence.
With these tips in your back pocket, I just know your sugar cookies will be a hit! Enjoy the process and happy baking!
Variations
One of the best things about this sugar cookie recipe is how easy it is to customize! You can let your creativity shine by adding different flavors and textures. Here are some fun variations to try:
- Chocolate Chip Sugar Cookies: Mix in a cup of chocolate chips for a delightful twist! The melty chocolate pairs perfectly with the sweet cookie base.
- Sprinkle Surprise: Before baking, roll the dough balls in colorful sprinkles. They’ll add a festive touch that’s perfect for birthdays or holidays!
- Citrus Zest: Add the zest of a lemon or orange to the dough for a refreshing citrus flavor. It brightens up the cookies and gives them a lovely aroma.
- Nutty Delight: Fold in some chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, for a crunchy texture. This adds a nice contrast to the soft cookies.
- Almond Joy: Swap out the vanilla extract for coconut extract and add shredded coconut to the mix. It’s a tropical twist that’s absolutely delicious!
- Spiced Sugar Cookies: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger to the dough for a warm, spiced flavor that’s perfect for fall or winter.
- Frosted Sugar Cookies: After your cookies cool, spread a simple buttercream frosting on top and decorate with more sprinkles. They’ll look as good as they taste!
Feel free to mix and match these ideas or come up with your own unique combinations. The sky’s the limit when it comes to making these sugar cookies your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now that you’ve whipped up a delicious batch of sugar cookies, let’s talk about how to keep them fresh and tasty!
To store your cookies, simply place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay good for about a week—if they last that long! I love using a cookie jar, but any airtight container will do the trick. Just make sure they’re completely cooled before you seal them up to prevent moisture buildup.
If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them! Just wrap each cookie tightly in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just take out the desired amount and let them thaw at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. No need to reheat unless you want that fresh-out-of-the-oven warmth—just pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, and you’ll be in cookie heaven again!
By following these simple storage and reheating tips, you’ll always have a sweet treat on hand whenever the craving strikes. Happy munching!
Nutritional Information
Curious about the nutritional goodness packed into these delightful sugar cookies? Here’s a quick breakdown of the estimated values per cookie. Keep in mind that these are approximations, and actual values may vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Sugar: 10g
These cookies are a sweet treat, so it’s good to enjoy them in moderation! They’re perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without feeling too guilty. Now, let’s get baking and enjoy these delightful bites!
FAQ Section
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
Yes, you can use salted butter, but I recommend reducing the added salt in the recipe if you do. Unsalted butter gives you more control over the sweetness and saltiness of your cookies.
What should I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough feels too sticky to roll into balls, don’t worry! Just sprinkle a little extra flour onto your work surface and your hands. It’ll help make rolling easier. You can also chill the dough for about 30 minutes to firm it up.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before rolling it into balls.
How do I know when my cookies are done baking?
Keep an eye on them while they bake! Your cookies are done when they’re lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool, so don’t overbake them!
Can I freeze the baked cookies?
Yes, you can! Just let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw at room temperature or microwave them for a few seconds to warm them up!
Sugar Cookie Recipe: 7 Steps to Cookie Bliss
- Gesamtzeit: 25 minutes
- Ertrag: 24 cookies 1x
- Ernährung: Vegetarisch
Beschreibung
A simple and delicious sugar cookie recipe that is easy to make.
Zutaten
- 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
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 3/4 cup white sugar for decoration
Anweisungen
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
- In another bowl, cream together butter and 1 1/2 cups sugar until smooth.
- Add egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Mix well.
- Gradually blend in the dry ingredients.
- Roll dough into balls and coat with sugar.
- Place on ungreased cookie sheets.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until golden.
Notes
- Allow cookies to cool on a wire rack.
- Store in an airtight container.
- For a variation, add sprinkles or chocolate chips.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 10 minutes
- Kategorie: Dessert
- Methode: Baking
- Küche: American
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 cookie
- Kalorien: 150
- Zucker: 10g
- Natrium: 50mg
- Fett: 7g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 4g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 22g
- Faser: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterin: 20mg
Keywords: sugar cookie recipe
