Are you craving something sweet and simple? Sugar cookies are the perfect treat that fits the bill for an easy and delightful baking experience. These versatile cookies can be enjoyed plain, adorned with a sprinkle of sugar, or decorated with icing for special occasions. In this guide, we'll walk through a simple sugar cookies recipe that’s ideal for beginners and seasoned bakers alike, ensuring your cookies turn out fluffy, sweet, and irresistible every time.
Why Sugar Cookies?
Sugar cookies are a classic for good reasons:
- They’re easy to make with basic ingredients.
- They’re incredibly versatile; you can shape them into different forms or use cookie cutters for festive occasions.
- The soft texture and sweet flavor are loved by all ages.
- They serve as a blank canvas for creativity, allowing you to decorate with icing, sprinkles, or other toppings.
Ingredients for Sugar Cookies
Before we dive into the steps, let’s gather our ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-Purpose Flour | 2 ¾ cups |
| Butter (unsalted, room temperature) | 1 cup (2 sticks) |
| Granulated Sugar | 1 ½ cups |
| Egg | 1 large |
| Baking Soda | 1 tsp |
| Baking Powder | ½ tsp |
| Salt | ¼ tsp |
| Vanilla Extract | 1 tsp |
Step-by-Step Sugar Cookies Recipe
Preparing the Dough
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium-sized bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- In a larger bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla, mixing well.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Stir until a dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add a bit more flour.
Shaping the Cookies
- Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie to allow for spreading.
- Using the bottom of a glass or a fork, gently flatten the cookies to your desired thickness.
Baking the Cookies
- Bake for about 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. The cookies should not brown too much; they’ll continue to cook a bit after being removed from the oven.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Decorating Your Cookies
Here’s where you can let your creativity shine:
- Sprinkles or Colored Sugars: Roll the dough balls in these before baking for an instant, no-fuss decoration.
- Frosting: Make or buy royal icing to pipe designs on cooled cookies.
- Food Coloring: Divide your dough and add food coloring to make different colored sections for a festive look.
🎨 Note: For a marbled effect, combine white and colored dough, twisting it slightly before cutting shapes.
Whether you're a novice or an experienced baker, this sugar cookies recipe ensures delicious results. Their simplicity allows for easy customization, making them perfect for holidays, birthdays, or just a delightful afternoon treat.
Can I freeze sugar cookie dough?
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Yes, you can freeze sugar cookie dough. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before using.
What’s the best way to store sugar cookies?
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Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze them for up to 2 months. If frosted, keep them separated with layers of parchment paper to avoid sticking.
Can I use this recipe for cookie cutters?
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Absolutely! This dough is perfect for cookie cutters. After mixing, chill the dough for easier handling, then roll out to about ¼-inch thick before cutting.
