Oh, sugar cookies! They’re like little bites of nostalgia that whisk me back to my childhood. I remember baking them with my grandmother, her kitchen filled with the sweet aroma of vanilla and butter. What I love most about these sugar cookies is their versatility—they’re perfect for any occasion! Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, holiday, or just want a sweet treat, these cookies fit the bill. You can dress them up with colorful icing or keep them simple, rolling them in sugar for that delightful crunch. Trust me, once you master this classic sugar cookie recipe, you’ll find yourself making them again and again. So, let’s get started and create some magic in the kitchen!
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up the most delightful sugar cookies! Make sure you gather everything before you start. Trust me, it makes the process so much smoother!
- 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 cup sugar for decoration
Having everything prepped and ready to go will help you create these tasty treats with ease! And don’t forget to have some fun with the decorating sugar—it’s the cherry on top!
How to Prepare Sugar Cookies
Making sugar cookies is simple, and I can’t wait to share the steps with you! Follow along, and you’ll have a batch of delicious cookies in no time.
Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Preheating is super important because it ensures that your cookies bake evenly and come out perfectly tender. No one wants a cookie that’s burnt on the outside and raw on the inside, right? So, get that oven working before you mix your dough!
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a small bowl, stir together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder. This step is crucial because it helps distribute the leavening agents evenly throughout the flour. You want to make sure there are no clumps! Just give it a good whisk until it’s all well mixed.
Creaming Butter and Sugar
Now, grab a large bowl and cream together the softened butter and sugar until it’s smooth and fluffy. I like to use a hand mixer, but you can totally do it by hand with a wooden spoon. You’re aiming for a light, airy mixture that looks almost like whipped cream. This texture is what makes your cookies lovely and tender!
Mixing in Wet Ingredients
Next, beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Make sure everything is well combined—this adds that incredible flavor we all love. I like to mix until it’s just blended; overmixing can lead to tough cookies! So, be gentle and let those flavors marry beautifully.
Forming Cookies
Now it’s time to shape your cookies! Roll rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls and then roll them in the sugar for that sweet, crunchy exterior. Place them on ungreased cookie sheets, giving them some space—about 2 inches apart. They’ll spread while baking, so don’t crowd them!
Baking Instructions
Pop your cookie sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes. Keep an eye on them! You’ll know they’re done when the edges are lightly golden but the centers still look a bit soft. Let them cool on wire racks for a few minutes before transferring them to cool completely. Trust me, the smell wafting through your kitchen will be heavenly!
Nutritional Information
Just a heads up, nutritional values can vary based on the ingredients and brands you use, so this info is a general guideline. For each delightful sugar cookie, you can expect about 150 calories, 7g of fat, 1g of protein, and 20g of carbs. Enjoy every sweet bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Classic, timeless flavor that everyone loves
- Super easy to make, perfect for all skill levels
- Customizable with various extracts and decorations
- Great for any occasion, from holidays to everyday treats
- Yields a generous batch, perfect for sharing!
Tips for Success
To ensure your sugar cookies turn out perfectly every time, here are some of my favorite tips! First, make sure your butter is softened but not melted—this helps achieve that perfect texture. If you want to switch things up, try adding different extracts like lemon or coconut for a fun twist. For storage, keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, and they’ll stay fresh for up to a week. You can also freeze them! Just layer them between parchment paper and pop them in a freezer bag. Trust me, they’re just as delicious straight from the freezer!
FAQ Section
Got questions about sugar cookies? I’ve got answers! One common question is, Can I use brown sugar instead of white sugar? Absolutely! Brown sugar will give your cookies a richer flavor and a slightly chewy texture. Just remember to adjust the amount if you prefer a lighter cookie!
Another popular inquiry is, How do I make my sugar cookies softer? To achieve that soft texture, try underbaking them slightly—take them out when they’re still a bit soft in the center. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool. And don’t forget to use the right amount of butter!
Lastly, you might wonder, Can I freeze sugar cookie dough? Yes! You can roll it into balls and freeze them, then bake fresh cookies whenever the craving strikes. Just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time if baking from frozen. Happy baking!
For more delicious cookie recipes, check out strawberry cheesecake cookies or 3-ingredient sugar cookie recipe.
Print
Sugar cookies: 7 Secrets to Irresistible Delight
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 36 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A classic sugar cookie recipe that is simple and delicious.
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
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 3/4 cup sugar for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat 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 extract, and almond extract.
- Gradually blend dry ingredients into the creamed mixture.
- Roll rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls, and roll in sugar.
- Place cookies on ungreased cookie sheets.
- 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.
- Experiment with different extracts for variety.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: sugar cookies, dessert, baking