Indulge in the sweet simplicity of our Easy Sugar Cookies Recipe! These cookies are soft, buttery, and melt in your mouth, making them a delightful treat for any occasion. Whether you’re decorating for a holiday or just craving something sweet, this recipe is easy to follow and yields delicious results. Gather your ingredients, and let’s get started on creating these scrumptious cookies that everyone will love!
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
– 3/4 cup decorated icing (optional)
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe makes about 24 cookies. Preparation time is approximately 15 minutes, and cooking time is about 10 minutes per batch.
Nutritional Value
Per serving (1 cookie):
– Calories: 150
– Total Fat: 7g
– Saturated Fat: 4g
– Carbohydrates: 22g
– Sugars: 9g
– Protein: 1g
This nutritional information is based on one cookie.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, stir together flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
3. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until smooth.
4. Beat in egg, vanilla, and salt until well blended.
5. Gradually blend in the dry ingredients.
6. Roll rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls, and place onto ungreased cookie sheets.
7. Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass.
8. Bake 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, until golden.
9. Let cool on cookie sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks.
10. Decorate with icing if desired.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option. Additionally, using coconut oil instead of butter will give a unique flavor and make the cookies dairy-free.
Serving and Pairings
These sugar cookies pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee. They also make a fantastic addition to holiday cookie platters, birthday parties, or as a sweet treat for kids.
Storage and Reheating
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. They can also be frozen for up to three months, making them perfect for future treats. Simply thaw at room temperature before serving.
Cooking Mistakes
- Overbaking will make the cookies hard; keep an eye on them!
- Not measuring flour correctly can lead to dry cookies.
- Using cold butter will not cream well with sugar.
- Skipping the chilling step can affect the cookie shape.
- Not allowing the cookies to cool on the sheet can cause them to break.
Helpful Tips
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes for better shaping.
- Experiment with different extracts like almond or lemon for variation.
- Try adding sprinkles to the dough for a fun twist.
FAQs
Can I use brown sugar instead of white sugar?
Yes, you can substitute brown sugar for white sugar. This will give your cookies a richer flavor and a slightly chewier texture.
What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough is sticky, try adding a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a workable consistency.
How can I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?
Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking will help maintain the cookie shape and prevent excessive spreading.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough, shape it into balls, and freeze them. Bake directly from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
What’s the best way to decorate these cookies?
You can use royal icing, fondant, or store-bought icing. Get creative with colors and sprinkles for a festive look!
Conclusion
Baking these Easy Sugar Cookies is a delightful way to bring sweetness to any occasion. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, anyone can enjoy these homemade treats. Perfect for sharing or enjoying with a warm drink, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.
Easy Sugar Cookies
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
- 3/4 cup decorated icing optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a small bowl, stir together flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
- In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until smooth.
- Beat in egg, vanilla, and salt 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.
- Bake 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, until golden.
- Let cool on cookie sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks.
- Decorate with icing if desired.
