Sugar Cookie Recipe

Ah, sugar cookies—the perfect canvas for your creativity and the ultimate comfort food wrapped in a delightful crunch. Memories of baking these cookies in my grandmother’s sunny kitchen come flooding back every time I take a whiff of the buttery dough. A sprinkle of sugar, a touch of love, and the inviting aroma wafting from the oven—they’re not just cookies; they are a celebration of simple pleasures. Let’s dive into why this sugar cookie recipe deserves a spot in your baking repertoire.

Why you’ll love this recipe

The beauty of these sugar cookies lies in their incredible versatility. Maybe you’re baking for a birthday, a holiday, or just a Tuesday that needed a pick-me-up. Each bite is not only a sweet morsel but also a vessel for joy, laughter, and creativity. The soft, warm texture is a hug you can taste, and it’s surprisingly simple to whip up.

Think about it: these cookies can be plain, topped with a dusting of sugar for a sparkly finish, or missed with vibrant icing for your festive gatherings. It’s like painting with flavors and textures. Plus, with just a handful of ingredients, you’re showing that magic can happen even amid simplicity. This recipe is not merely about baking; it’s about infusing tradition and love into every batch, creating a sweet connection in a bite.

Gather these ingredients

To embark on this delightful sugary journey, you’ll need the following essential components:

• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of your cookie, providing structure. Consider a gluten-free blend if you want to swap it out.

• 1 teaspoon baking soda: This little powerhouse gives your cookies the lift they need. Don’t skip it—no one wants flat cookies!

• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: It complements the soda for a soft, airy cookie. Together, they play a pivotal role in creating that perfect chewiness.

• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened): The golden elixir of flavor. Makes sure it’s soft enough to cream easily, letting it meld beautifully with sugar.

• 1 1/2 cups white sugar: The sweet magic that makes these cookies shine. This is your key to that satisfying sweetness, making each bite irresistible.

• 1 egg: Binding everything together. If you’re aiming to make this vegan, you might try a flax egg or applesauce; just keep in mind the flavor will slightly alter!

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A flavor enhancer that elevates everything. It’s the secret ninja ingredient that takes your cookies from good to fabulous.

• 3 to 4 tablespoons sugar for decoration: A little sprinkle on top makes them sparkle and adds a delightful crunch. Choose your favorite sprinkles for some flair if you’re feeling fancy!

Step-by-step instructions overview

Ready to transform those ingredients into golden delights? Here’s how to bring your sugar cookies from mixing bowl to cookie jar:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is the perfect moment to set the stage for your baked goods!

2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and baking powder. This helps to evenly distribute the dry ingredients, ensuring perfect cookies every time. Set this mixture aside.

3. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until it’s dreamy and smooth. Imagine a fluffy cloud—it should feel light and airy!

4. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is combined beautifully. This is where your dough really starts to shine.

5. Gradually blend those dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Don’t rush; take your time and mix until everything is just combined.

6. Use your hands (or a spoon, if you must) to roll rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls, placing them on ungreased cookie sheets. Remember to leave some room for spreading—these lovely gems need space to breathe!

7. Flatten each ball slightly using the bottom of a glass dipped in sugar. This will give them a beautiful, glossy look and enhance that sugar crunch!

8. Bake in your preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes until they’re just golden. Keep an eye on them—those first few batches are always the most exciting!

9. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks. This step is crucial; the cookies need to firm up a bit!

10. Finally, decorate as desired once they’re cooled. Let your imagination run wild—sprinkles, icing, or just a simple sugar dusting will do!

Best way to enjoy it

The sheer joy of sugar cookies comes not just from baking them but how you enjoy them afterward. Picture this: a plate stacked high with your golden cookies, a warm cup of tea or coffee nearby, and a cozy blanket wrapped around you. Pure bliss!

For an extra twist, try pairing these cookies with a dollop of homemade whipped cream or even a scoop of ice cream for a delicious dessert sandwich. You can also serve them alongside fresh strawberries for a pop of fruity goodness.

Keeping leftovers fresh

There’s something so wonderful about coming back to leftover cookies. To keep them fresh and delectable, store them in an airtight container. They’ll be good at room temperature for about a week, but they never last that long in my house!

If you want to save some for later, you can freeze the dough! Roll it into balls, freeze them flat on a baking sheet, and then transfer them to a freezer bag. This way, you can have homemade cookies any time you want—just pop them in the oven from frozen!

Helpful cooking tips

• Soft butter is key: Make sure your butter is truly softened. That means no hard bits that can threaten the creaming process. Leave it out for about an hour before baking.

• Chill if you prefer thicker cookies: If you like your cookies a tad thicker, consider chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. It’ll help them spread less!

• Be flexible with decorations: If you’re not in the mood for sugar on top, drizzle some icing or even melt a bit of chocolate for dipping. Be creative!

Recipe Variations

Feeling adventurous? Here are a few creative twists you can take with this classic recipe:

• Add zest: A bit of lemon or orange zest can brighten up the flavor profile and add a refreshing note.

• Spice it up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon to the dry ingredients for a warm, cozy flavor, perfect for autumn.

• Chocolate chip twist: Fold in some chocolate chips or M&Ms for a fun, colorful surprise.

Each twist is a personalized expression of you, making these cookies uniquely yours.

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 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 to 4 tablespoons sugar for decoration

Directions to follow

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together flour, baking soda, and baking powder; set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until smooth.
4. Beat in egg and vanilla until well combined.
5. Gradually blend the dry mixture into the wet mixture.
6. Roll rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls, placing them on ungreased cookie sheets.
7. Flatten each ball slightly with a glass dipped in sugar.
8. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until golden.
9. Cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to racks.
10. Decorate as desired once cooled.

Your questions answered

1. What’s the prep time? Typically around 15 minutes, plus 8-10 for baking. In total, you’re looking at under 30 minutes to cookie heaven!

2. Can I use brown sugar instead? Sure thing! It will give a more caramel-like flavor and a chewier texture.

3. How should I store them? Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for a week, or freeze the dough for later use!

4. What’s a good pairing? A warm cup of tea or hot cocoa is divine! You could even serve them with ice cream for an indulgent treat.

5. Can I make them gluten-free? Absolutely! Just substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, and you’re good to go!

Baking is such a rewarding experience. Each time you pull these sugar cookies from the oven, you’re not just making a treat—you’re creating memories. Whether you bake a batch to share or savor them quietly, let each cookie be a reminder of the joy that can be found in small moments. So roll up your sleeves, turn on that oven, and let’s get baking!

Print Recipe

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Sugar Cookie Recipe

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time Cook Time Total Time 25 hrs

Cooking Temp: 375  F Servings: 24 Estimated Cost: $ 10 Calories: 150

Best Season: Any

Description

A classic recipe for soft, sweet sugar cookies that are perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

Cookie Ingredients

• 2 ³⁄₄ cups all-purpose flour (Can substitute with gluten-free blend)
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon baking powder
• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened) (Must be softened to cream easily)
• 1 ¹⁄₂ cups white sugar
• 1 whole egg (Can substitute with flax egg or applesauce for vegan version)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (Enhances flavor)
• 3 to 4 tablespoons sugar for decoration (For a crunchy topping)

Instructions

Baking Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   Mark as complete

2. Mix Dry Ingredients

   In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Set this mixture aside.
   Mark as complete

3. Cream Butter and Sugar

   In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until smooth.
   Mark as complete

4. Add Egg and Vanilla

   Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is combined beautifully.
   Mark as complete

5. Combine Mixtures

   Gradually blend the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
   Mark as complete

6. Form Dough Balls

   Roll rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls and place them on ungreased cookie sheets.
   Leave space for spreading.
   Mark as complete

7. Flatten Cookies

   Flatten each ball slightly using the bottom of a glass dipped in sugar.
   Mark as complete

8. Bake

   Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until golden.
   Monitor closely to avoid over-baking.
   Mark as complete

9. Cool

   Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks.
   They need to firm up a bit.
   Mark as complete

10. Decorate

    Once cooled, decorate as desired.
    Let your imagination run wild.
    Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings 24

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 150kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 10g16%

Saturated Fat 6g30%

Trans Fat 0g

Cholesterol 30mg10%

Sodium 70mg3%

Potassium 0mg

Total Carbohydrate 15g5%

Dietary Fiber 0g

Sugars 7g

Protein 1g2%

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Vitamin A 5 IU

Vitamin C 0 mg

Calcium 0 mg

Iron 0 mg

Vitamin D 0 IU

Vitamin E 0 IU

Vitamin K 0 mcg

Thiamin 0 mg

Riboflavin 0 mg

Niacin 0 mg

Vitamin B6 0 mg

Folate 0 mcg

Vitamin B12 0 mcg

Biotin 0 mcg

Pantothenic Acid 0 mg

Phosphorus 0 mg

Iodine 0 mcg

Magnesium 0 mg

Zinc 0 mg

Selenium 0 mcg

Copper 0 mg

Manganese 0 mg

Chromium 0 mcg

Molybdenum 0 mcg

Chloride 0 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

These cookies can be decorated in many ways, and variations are encouraged!

Keywords: sugar cookies, cookie recipe, baking, dessert