There’s something magical about the smell of freshly baked sugar cookies wafting through the house. I remember my grandma would whip up a batch every holiday, and the moment those cookies came out of the oven, it felt like a warm hug! This sugar cookie recipe is one of my absolute favorites because it’s so simple yet utterly delicious. You don’t need any fancy techniques or hard-to-find ingredients—just a few basics, and you’ll have a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Trust me, once you taste these cookies, you’ll want to bake them again and again!
Ingredients for the Sugar Cookie Recipe
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (make sure it’s at room temperature for easy creaming!)
- 1 1/2 cups white sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (this adds a lovely depth of flavor!)
- 3/4 cup white sugar for decoration (I love to roll the dough balls in this for that extra sparkle!)
How to Prepare the Sugar Cookie Recipe
Getting ready to bake these sugar cookies is a breeze! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a batch of sweet goodness in no time. Just remember to keep an eye on the baking time—those little beauties can go from perfect to golden brown pretty quickly!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is key to ensuring your cookies bake evenly.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Set it aside for now; we’ll bring it back into the mix shortly!
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1 1/2 cups of sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Add in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Mix everything together until well combined.
- Gradually blend the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Don’t overmix—just a few folds will do!
- Now, it’s time to roll! Form the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Coat each dough ball in the extra 3/4 cup of sugar for that delightful crunch and sparkle!
- Place the sugar-coated balls on ungreased cookie sheets, giving them a bit of space to spread out.
- Bake in your preheated oven for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them, as oven times can vary!
- Once they’re out, let the cookies cool on the cookie sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set perfectly!
Why You’ll Love This Sugar Cookie Recipe
- It’s super quick and easy—perfect for when you need a sweet treat in a hurry!
- With just a handful of basic ingredients, you’ll always have what you need on hand.
- These cookies are incredibly versatile; decorate them for any occasion or enjoy them plain!
- They have that classic soft and chewy texture that makes every bite feel like a hug.
- Great for baking with kids! They’ll love rolling the dough and adding sugar.
Tips for Success with Your Sugar Cookie Recipe
To ensure your sugar cookies come out perfectly every time, here are a few handy tips! First, make sure your butter is softened but not melted; this is crucial for achieving that light, fluffy texture. Also, don’t skip the chilling step if your dough feels too soft—it helps the cookies hold their shape while baking. Keep an eye on them as they bake; they can go from perfect to overdone in a flash! And if you want a little extra flair, feel free to add colorful sprinkles or chocolate chips before baking. Happy baking!
Nutritional Information
Just a quick note: nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these are estimated values. Each sugar cookie contains approximately:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 1g
Keep in mind that if you choose to add toppings like sprinkles or chocolate chips, the nutritional content will change. Enjoy your sweet creations while keeping these values in mind!
FAQ About Sugar Cookie Recipe
Can I use different types of sugar?
Absolutely! While I love the classic flavor of white sugar, you can experiment with brown sugar for a richer taste. Just remember, it might change the texture a bit, making them chewier.
Can I chill the dough before baking?
Yes, chilling the dough is a great idea if you have the time! It helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking, resulting in a thicker, fluffier cookie.
What’s the best way to decorate these cookies?
Let your creativity shine! You can use royal icing, colored sprinkles, or even edible glitter. Just make sure to decorate them after they’ve cooled completely for the best results.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
Look for the edges to be lightly golden. The centers may seem a bit soft, but they’ll firm up as they cool. If they’re too golden, they might be overbaked, so keep an eye on them!
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Definitely! You can swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. Just make sure it’s a 1:1 substitute to ensure the right texture. Enjoy your baking adventure!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your sugar cookies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay tasty for about a week—if they last that long! If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Just layer the cookies between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container, and they’ll be good for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, let the cookies thaw at room temperature. If you prefer them warm, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This will bring back that lovely soft texture!
Imprimer
Sugar Cookie Recipe: 5 Simple Steps to Heartwarming Joy
- Temps Total: 25 minutes
- Rendement: 24 cookies 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
A simple and delicious sugar cookie recipe that is easy to make.
Ingrédients
- 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
Instructions
- 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.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 10 minutes
- Catégorie: Dessert
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sucre: 10g
- De Sodium: 50mg
- La graisse: 7g
- Graisses Saturées: 4g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 2g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 22g
- La fibre: 0g
- La protéine: 1g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 20mg
Mots-clés: sugar cookie recipe
