Indulge in the sweet simplicity of sugar cookies, a classic treat that never goes out of style. With their buttery flavor and soft texture, these cookies are perfect for decorating or enjoying plain. They make a great addition to any celebration or a delightful snack for any day. Follow this easy recipe to create a batch that will surely satisfy your sweet tooth!
Ingredients
Here is the list of ingredients.
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe yields approximately 24 cookies. Preparation time is about 15 minutes, and cooking time is around 10-12 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1 cookie) contains approximately:
– Calories: 150
– Total Fat: 7g
– Saturated Fat: 4g
– Carbohydrates: 21g
– Sugars: 10g
– Protein: 1g
This nutritional information is based on one cookie.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened butter and 1 cup of sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add 1 egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the mixture, and beat well.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and a pinch of salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Roll the dough into small balls (about 1 inch) and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass or your hand.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free option. Additionally, use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version.
Serving and Pairings
Sugar cookies pair wonderfully with milk, coffee, or tea. They can also be decorated with icing and sprinkles for special occasions, making them festive treats for holidays or parties.
Storage and Reheating
Store sugar cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to three months. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature.
Cooking Mistakes
- Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies.
- Not chilling the dough may cause cookies to spread too much.
- Using expired baking powder will affect the rise.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately can alter the texture.
- Skipping parchment paper can lead to sticking.
Helpful Tips
- Use a cookie scoop for uniform cookies.
- Experiment with different extracts like almond or lemon for unique flavors.
- Add chocolate chips or nuts for extra texture.
- Let cookies cool completely before decorating.
FAQs
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, margarine can be used as a substitute for butter, but it may slightly alter the flavor and texture of the cookies.
How do I make my cookies softer?
To achieve softer cookies, underbake them slightly and ensure not to overmix the dough.
Can I add food coloring to the dough?
Absolutely! You can add food coloring to the dough to create vibrant cookies for special occasions.
How long can I store these cookies?
Sugar cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week or frozen for up to three months.
What can I do with leftover dough?
You can freeze leftover dough for future use or roll it into shapes and bake immediately.
Are these cookies suitable for decorating?
Yes, sugar cookies are perfect for decorating! Use royal icing or fondant for beautiful designs.
Conclusion
Sugar cookies are a timeless treat loved by many. Their simplicity allows for endless creativity, whether enjoyed plain or decorated. Perfect for any occasion, this recipe ensures you’ll have a delightful batch ready to share with family and friends.
Sugar Cookie Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the mixture, and beat well.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Roll the dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack.
