Name: easy sugar cookie recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 2.75 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 0.5 teaspoon baking powder; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (2 sticks); 1.5 cups white sugar; 1 each egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 0.5 teaspoon almond extract (optional); 0.5 teaspoon salt; 0.75 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)

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Sugar cookies have long been a beloved treat, cherished for their simplicity and delightful sweetness. These classic cookies are a staple at festive gatherings, bake sales, and family celebrations, bringing smiles to children and adults alike. With their soft texture and versatility, they can be enjoyed plain or adorned with colorful icing and sprinkles, making them the perfect canvas for creativity. However, in today’s fast-paced world, finding a quick and accessible recipe is essential for both novice and experienced bakers alike.

This article is designed specifically for those busy bakers seeking an effortless yet delicious sugar cookie recipe. Whether you have a last-minute gathering to prepare for or simply want to indulge in a sweet treat at home, we’ve got you covered. We will walk you through the key ingredients needed for this classic cookie, offer helpful tips for selecting high-quality components, and provide a straightforward, step-by-step recipe that guarantees success. Plus, you’ll discover ideas for decorating and storing your sugar cookies to keep them fresh and delightful. Let’s dive into the sweet world of sugar cookies and create some delicious memories together!

Key Ingredient Insights

Creating the perfect sugar cookie starts with understanding the essential ingredients that contribute to its delightful flavor and texture. Here’s a breakdown of the key components you’ll need:

Flour: All-purpose flour is the backbone of sugar cookies, providing the structure needed for a tender bite.
Sugar: Both granulated sugar and powdered sugar play vital roles; granulated sugar adds sweetness and texture, while powdered sugar can create a smoother finish in icing.
Butter: Unsalted butter is preferred for its rich flavor and ability to create a soft, chewy cookie.
Eggs: One egg helps bind the ingredients together and contributes to the cookie’s moisture.
Baking powder: This leavening agent ensures your cookies rise perfectly, giving them a light and fluffy texture.
Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla adds depth and enhances the sweetness of the cookies.

When selecting ingredients, opt for high-quality products to ensure the best flavor and texture. For example, using fresh butter and pure vanilla extract will significantly elevate your cookies. Also, consider sifting your flour and powdered sugar to eliminate lumps and improve the overall texture of the dough.

Step-by-Step Easy Sugar Cookie Recipe

Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients, it’s time to dive into the easy sugar cookie recipe. Follow this straightforward process to create delicious sugar cookies that you can decorate or enjoy as is!

Ingredients

2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)

Step-by-Step Easy Sugar Cookie Recipe

Ingredients

2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)

Directions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Cream Butter and Sugar: Using an electric mixer, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Add Egg and Extracts: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract (and almond extract if using).
Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
Shape and Bake: Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick. Cut out desired shapes, place on a baking sheet, and bake for 8-10 minutes.
Cooling and Decorating: Let cool on a wire rack before decorating with icing or sprinkles if desired.

Baking Tips and Variations

To achieve perfect sugar cookies every time, here are some helpful tips and variations to consider:

Prevent Spreading: Ensure your butter is at the right temperature and avoid overmixing the dough to prevent cookies from spreading too much while baking.
Color Variations: Add a few drops of food coloring to your dough for colorful cookies that will brighten up any occasion.
Alternate Add-ins: Experiment with chocolate chips, dried fruit, or nuts to create fun variations on the classic sugar cookie.

Decorating Ideas

Decorating sugar cookies can be an enjoyable and creative experience. Here are some ideas to inspire your designs:

Frosting Options: Use royal icing for a smooth finish or buttercream frosting for a richer flavor.
Simple Techniques: Explore basic techniques such as flooding (using a thin icing to cover the cookie) or piping for detailed designs.
Themed Decorations: Get creative with seasonal decorations, like snowflakes for winter holidays or flowers for spring celebrations.

Storage and Freezing Tips

To keep your sugar cookies fresh and delicious, consider the following storage and freezing tips:

Storage: Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Freezing Cookie Dough: To save time, freeze cookie dough by rolling it into logs, wrapping in plastic wrap, and placing in a freezer bag.
Freezing Baked Cookies: Baked cookies can be frozen by placing them in layers separated by parchment paper in an airtight container.
Thawing Tips: When ready to enjoy, thaw cookies at room temperature, maintaining their texture and flavor.

Nutrition Information

For those mindful of their dietary intake, here’s a basic breakdown of the nutrition per cookie:

Calories: Approximately 150 calories per cookie.
Macronutrients: Each cookie contains around 6g of fat, 20g of carbohydrates, and 1g of protein.
Healthier Modifications: Consider using less sugar, substituting with whole wheat flour, or reducing butter for a lighter version.

Conclusion

This easy sugar cookie recipe provides a perfect guide for everyone, from novice bakers to seasoned pros. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a batch of delicious cookies that are sure to impress.

We encourage you to give this recipe a try, share your results, and get creative with your decorating and flavor variations. Happy baking!

FAQs

Here are some common questions related to sugar cookies:

What is the secret to making sugar cookies soft?

The key to soft sugar cookies is to not overbake them. Remove the cookies from the oven just when they start to turn golden edges and allow them to cool on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack.

How long do sugar cookies stay fresh?

When stored in an airtight container, sugar cookies can stay fresh at room temperature for about 5-7 days.

Can I make sugar cookies without baking powder?

Yes, sugar cookies can be made without baking powder; however, they may yield a denser texture. You can use baking soda if your recipe has an acid, such as cream of tartar, to balance it.

What kind of frosting is best for sugar cookies?

Royal icing is popular for sugar cookies because it dries hard and allows for detailed decorating. Buttercream frosting is also fine if you prefer a creamier texture.

Can I freeze sugar cookies?

Yes, sugar cookies can be frozen both baked and unbaked. Just ensure they are in airtight containers or freezer bags to maintain freshness.