Oh, the joy of baking sugar cookies! There’s something so heartwarming about the smell of sweet, buttery dough wafting through the house, isn’t there? This classic sugar cookie recipe has been a favorite of mine for years. Trust me, it yields the most delightful cookies—soft, chewy, and just the right amount of sweetness. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a birthday, or just a cozy afternoon treat, these cookies are sure to bring smiles all around. I love rolling the dough into little balls and flattening them with a glass, watching them puff up in the oven. And when they come out, golden brown and slightly crisp on the edges, I can’t help but sneak one (or two!) right away. Get ready to bake up some happiness!
Ingredients for Sugar Cookie Recipe
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to cookie magic! Here’s what you’ll need for these delightful sugar cookies:
- 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
Make sure your butter is softened—this really helps with that creamy, dreamy texture we love in sugar cookies. And don’t skimp on the vanilla extract; it brings a lovely warmth to the flavor. Trust me, you’ll want to have everything measured out and ready to go so you can dive right into mixing!
How to Prepare Sugar Cookie Recipe
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s get baking! This part is where the magic happens, and I promise it’s super straightforward. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have delicious sugar cookies in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is crucial because a hot oven helps our cookies puff up perfectly!
- While the oven warms up, grab a small bowl and mix together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Just a quick stir will do—this helps evenly distribute those leavening agents.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and white sugar until it’s nice and smooth. You want a fluffy texture here, so don’t rush this step—it makes a world of difference!
- Next, beat in the egg and the vanilla extract. This is where the dough starts to come alive with flavor. Yum!
- Now, it’s time to gradually blend in those dry ingredients. I like to add them a little at a time to avoid a flour explosion. Mix until everything is just combined—don’t overdo it!
- Once your dough is ready, roll rounded teaspoonfuls into balls and place them on ungreased cookie sheets. Leave a bit of space between them; they’ll spread while baking.
- For that classic sugar cookie look, flatten each ball gently with the bottom of a glass. This helps them bake evenly.
- Pop the cookie sheets in the preheated oven and bake for about 8 to 10 minutes. Keep an eye on them—you’re looking for a lovely golden color around the edges.
- Finally, once they’re out of the oven, let them cool on wire racks. This helps them firm up while staying soft and chewy inside.
And there you have it! Your sugar cookie journey is complete, and trust me, the smell in your kitchen will be absolutely heavenly!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This sugar cookie recipe is not just any ordinary cookie recipe; it’s packed with reasons to fall in love! Here are some delightful features that make these cookies a must-try:
Quick and Easy
Who doesn’t love a recipe that can be whipped up in just 25 minutes? Seriously, from start to finish, you’ll have these scrumptious cookies ready to enjoy in less time than it takes to watch an episode of your favorite show. It’s perfect for those moments when you need a sweet fix or when unexpected guests drop by. Just mix, scoop, bake, and indulge!
Soft and Chewy Texture
The texture of these sugar cookies is what truly sets them apart. Each bite is soft and chewy, with a slight crispness on the edges that balances perfectly with the pillowy center. You know those cookies that make you feel like you’re getting a hug? These are it! They’re the kind of cookies you want to savor with a glass of milk or your favorite cuppa.
Versatile for Decorating
Let your creativity shine with these cookies! Whether you want to keep them simple or go all out with icing, sprinkles, or even edible glitter, the possibilities are endless. I love letting the kids decorate them for birthdays or holidays—it’s such a fun activity! You can customize each cookie to match any occasion, making them not only delicious but also visually delightful.
Tips for Success
Now that you’re ready to bake, let me share some tried-and-true tips to make sure your sugar cookies turn out perfect every time. Trust me, these little adjustments can make a big difference!
- Chill Your Dough: If you have time, I highly recommend chilling your dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This will help the cookies hold their shape better and enhance their chewy texture. Plus, it makes the dough easier to handle!
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Always check the freshness of your baking powder and baking soda. Expired leavening agents can lead to flat cookies, and nobody wants that! Fresh ingredients ensure your cookies rise beautifully.
- Don’t Overmix: When blending the dry ingredients into the wet, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, and we want them soft and tender!
- Keep an Eye on Baking Time: Ovens can vary, so check your cookies a minute or two before the suggested baking time. You’re looking for a light golden color around the edges—this is when they’re just perfect!
- Experiment with Flavor: Feel free to add a pinch of almond extract or a sprinkle of citrus zest for a fun twist. It’s amazing how a little change can elevate your cookies to a whole new level!
- Store Properly: To keep your cookies soft, store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread. The bread helps maintain moisture, ensuring your cookies stay chewy and delicious for days!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set for cookie success! Happy baking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
After all that hard work baking these delightful sugar cookies, you’ll want to make sure they stay fresh and tasty! Here’s how to store any leftovers (if you have any!) and how to reheat them for the best experience.
To store your cookies, let them cool completely on wire racks first. Once they’re cool, place them in an airtight container. I like to layer parchment paper between the cookies to prevent them from sticking together. This way, they stay soft and chewy, just like when they came out of the oven!
If you find yourself with a big batch (or just want to save some for later), you can freeze them, too! Just make sure they’re fully cooled, then wrap each cookie tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to three months, so you can have a sweet treat ready whenever the craving strikes!
When it’s time to indulge, you can let the cookies thaw at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. If you prefer them warm, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Just be careful not to overheat them—nobody wants a dry cookie! And there you have it—perfectly stored and reheated sugar cookies ready to enjoy anytime!
Nutritional Information
Alright, let’s talk about the nutritional side of these scrumptious sugar cookies! Now, keep in mind that nutrition can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so the values I’m sharing are approximate. Here’s a typical breakdown for one cookie:
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10g
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
These cookies are a delightful treat, so enjoy them in moderation! It’s all about balance, right? If you’re looking to tweak the recipe for dietary needs, just remember to adjust accordingly and keep track of those nutritional values. Happy baking and indulging!
FAQ About Sugar Cookie Recipe
Got questions? No worries! I’ve got you covered with some of the most common queries I hear about this sugar cookie recipe. Let’s dive into the answers!
Can I freeze the dough?
Absolutely! Freezing the dough is a fantastic option if you want to bake the cookies later. Just scoop the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze them for about an hour until solid, then transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to three months. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them straight into the oven from the freezer, but add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. Easy-peasy!
How do I make cookies crispier?
If you’re after a crispier cookie, there are a couple of tricks to consider! First, you can bake them a minute or two longer than the suggested time—just keep an eye on them so they don’t over-bake. Another tip is to flatten the dough balls a bit more before baking; this allows them to spread out and crisp up nicely. Also, using a little less butter can help achieve that crunchy texture. Experiment a bit to find your perfect balance!
What can I substitute for butter?
If you’re looking for a butter substitute, there are several great options! You can use equal parts of coconut oil or vegetable shortening for a dairy-free alternative. Applesauce is another fun twist—it adds moisture and a hint of sweetness, but it may make your cookies a bit softer. If you’re okay with dairy but need a lower-fat option, consider using Greek yogurt; just remember to adjust your flour slightly since yogurt adds moisture. Whatever you choose, keep track of how it affects the flavor and texture—baking is all about finding what works best for you!
Share Your Experience
I absolutely love hearing from you, and I can’t wait to know how your sugar cookie baking adventure goes! Did you try any fun decorations? Maybe you added a twist to the recipe? Whatever the case, please drop a comment below and let me know! Your feedback not only makes my day but also helps fellow bakers discover delicious ways to enjoy these cookies.
If you snap some photos of your cookie creations, I’d be thrilled if you shared them on social media! Tag me so I can see all your amazing work and give you a virtual high-five! Whether you’re a baking novice or a seasoned pro, every cookie counts, and I’m here cheering you on. Let’s spread the joy of baking together!
Imprimer
Sugar Cookie Recipe: 7 Steps to Pure Cookie Bliss
- Temps Total: 25 minutes
- Rendement: 24 cookies 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
A classic sugar cookie recipe that yields soft and chewy cookies.
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
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a small bowl, stir together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla.
- Gradually blend the dry ingredients into the creamed mixture.
- Roll rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls, and place onto ungreased cookie sheets.
- Flatten each ball with the bottom of a glass.
- Bake 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven.
- Cool on wire racks.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- Cookies can be decorated with icing or sprinkles.
- Adjust baking time for desired crispiness.
- 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: 120
- Sucre: 10g
- De Sodium: 50mg
- La graisse: 6g
- Graisses Saturées: 4g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 2g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 15g
- La fibre: 0g
- La protéine: 1g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 20mg
Mots-clés: sugar cookie recipe
