Soft Buttery Sugar Cookies

There's something magical about baking cookies, isn’t there? The warm aroma that envelops your kitchen, the sound of batter coming together, and the promise of soft, buttery cookies melting in your mouth take me back to my childhood. My grandma used to make sugar cookies every Sunday, and I still can’t taste them without feeling that cozy nostalgia. Today, I’m sharing my very own Soft Buttery Sugar Cookies recipe—a classic that’s close to my heart and guaranteed to bring smiles to your home.

Why you'll love this recipe

Imagine biting into a warm sugar cookie that’s crisp on the outside yet soft and chewy on the inside. That’s the kind of cookie we’re creating here. What makes these cookies irresistible? It’s all about the buttery richness paired with a delightful sweetness. Each bite feels like a warm hug, perfect for special occasions or just because.

These cookies are versatile, too! They can be dressed up with sprinkles for kids’ parties or simply served with a cup of tea for a quiet evening at home. Plus, they're straightforward to whip up, making them a fantastic choice for both novice bakers and experienced chefs looking for something comforting. The minimal ingredients mean that if you're missing one or two, you can often find a clever substitution that still brings great results.

Gather these ingredients

Before we dive into the cookie-making fun, let’s round up our ingredients. You’ll need:

• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour: This is the backbone of your cookie, creating structure. If you need gluten-free, a good all-purpose gluten-free blend can work!

• 1 teaspoon baking soda: This acts as a leavening agent to help your cookies gently rise.

• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Another leavening agent that contributes to the cookie's fluffy texture.

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: This is where the magic begins. Make sure your butter is really soft for that light, airy mix. If you're in a pinch, room temperature butter is key; you can even pop it in the microwave for a few seconds, but don’t melt it!

• 1 1/2 cups white sugar: The sweet stuff! It gives your cookies that lovely golden color and, of course, sweetness.

• 1 egg: This binds everything together and adds richness.

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: We’re talking about that classic cookie flavor that everyone loves.

• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract: This addition is a secret weapon! It adds a touch of nutty warmth that elevates the cookie to new heights.

• 3/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.

• 1/2 cup sugar for decoration: When you roll your cookie balls in sugar, it adds that delightful sparkle and extra crunch once baked.

Preparing Soft Buttery Sugar Cookies

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is crucial; a hot oven will create that perfect crisp exterior while keeping the center chewy.

2. In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder. This mix ensures you have even leavening throughout your cookies.

3. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until smooth and fluffy. Don’t rush this step! It’s where you'll introduce air into the batter, making your cookies light.

4. Next, beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Trust me, let those flavors mingle; it’s like throwing a little party in your mixing bowl.

5. Gradually add your dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, blending until just combined. Over-mixing can lead to tough cookies, and nobody wants that!

6. Roll rounded tablespoonfuls of the dough into balls. Then, roll each ball in the sugar for decoration. It’s like giving your cookies a sweet little coat for the oven!

7. Place them on ungreased cookie sheets, spacing them about two inches apart. These cookies will spread, so give them room to dance!

8. Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes. You want them golden around the edges but still a bit soft in the center for that perfect texture.

9. Lastly, let them cool on wire racks. This will help them finish setting up and makes them easier to handle without crumbling apart.

Best way to enjoy it

These sugar cookies are delightful on their own, but let me tell you, they sing when paired with a glass of milk or a steaming cup of tea. For a fun twist, how about picking up some colorful sprinkles and adding them on top before you bake? They’ll give your cookie that festive flair, perfect for birthdays or holiday gatherings.

Also, consider serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream—they're a fantastic make-your-own ice cream sandwich option!

Storage and reheating tips

If by chance you have leftovers (unlikely, but let’s be optimistic!), you’ll want to store those beauties in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for about a week. If you can, separate layers of cookies with wax paper or parchment to avoid sticking.

For longer storage, place them in the freezer and pull out just what you need. Let them thaw at room temperature, or quickly pop them in the microwave for a few seconds—just enough to warm them up without cooking further.

Helpful cooking tips

Here are a few pro tips for success:

• Softened butter is key; if it's too cold, you'll struggle to cream it properly. Plan ahead a bit!

• Chill your dough for 30 minutes if the dough seems sticky. This will help control the spread during baking.

• Use a cookie scoop for uniformity. This way, you’ll achieve even baking and presentation.

• If you want an extra crunch, add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top just before baking—it's divine!

Creative Twists

Feeling adventurous? You can customize these cookies in countless ways!

• Chocolate chips: Mix in some semi-sweet or white chocolate chips for that classic chocolate chip cookie twist.

• Zest it up: Add some lemon or orange zest for a zingy freshness that brightens the flavor.

• Experiment with flours: Try replacing half the flour with almond flour for a lovely nutty texture.

The possibilities are endless; let your creativity flow!

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
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup sugar for decoration

Directions to follow

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Whisk together flour, baking soda, and baking powder in a small bowl.
3. Beat softened butter and sugar in a large bowl until creamy.
4. Add egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract; mix well.
5. Gradually stir dry ingredients into the mixture.
6. Roll rounded tablespoonfuls of dough into balls; coat in sugar.
7. Place on ungreased cookie sheets, 2 inches apart.
8. Bake for 8-10 minutes until golden.
9. Cool on wire racks.

Your questions answered

1. What can I use instead of almond extract?
   Feel free to skip it entirely or use more vanilla. Amaretto liqueur can also work, if you have it!

2. Can I make the dough in advance?
   Absolutely! You can chill the dough for a few days in the fridge. Just let it sit out for about 15-20 minutes before rolling.

3. What if I want to add chocolate chips?
   Swap in about a cup of chip goodness in the mixing process!

4. Are these cookies suitable for freezing?
   Yes! Freeze the cookie dough balls or the baked cookies. Just ensure proper storage.

5. How long does the dough need to be chilled?
   If you're chilling, 30 minutes to an hour should do the trick.

I hope you’re as excited to try these Soft Buttery Sugar Cookies as I am to share them! There’s a little bit of joy in every bite. I can’t wait to hear your thoughts and any twists you think of. Baking is all about exploring and making it your own. So roll up those sleeves, and let’s bake!