Introduction
Sugar cookies are a timeless dessert, cherished for their buttery sweetness and crisp, tender texture. This sugar cookie recipe delivers perfectly shaped cookies that are ideal for holidays, celebrations, or everyday indulgence. Whether decorated with icing, sprinkles, or enjoyed plain, these cookies are a canvas for creativity. Their simplicity and versatility make them a favorite for bakers of all levels, offering a delightful treat that pairs well with coffee, tea, or a glass of milk.
Sugar Cookie Ingredients
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp almond extract (optional)
- Optional: ¼ cup colored sprinkles or sanding sugar for decorating
Step-by-Step Process
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) until fully combined.
- Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Chill Dough: Divide dough into two discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 2 days) to firm up.
- Preheat and Roll: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc to ¼-inch thickness. Cut into shapes using cookie cutters.
- Bake: Place cookies 2 inches apart on parchment-lined baking sheets. Sprinkle with optional sprinkles or sugar. Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Tips for a Better Sugar Cookie
- Chill the dough thoroughly to prevent spreading
- Soften butter to room temperature, not melted
- Roll the dough evenly for uniform baking
- Use parchment paper for easy cleanup
- Don’t overbake to keep cookies soft
- Dust the rolling pin with flour to avoid sticking
- Cool cookies completely before decorating
- Use a metal spatula to transfer cutouts
Variations and Customization
- Lemon Sugar Cookies: Add 1 tbsp lemon zest and 1 tsp lemon extract
- Chocolate-Dipped: Dip cooled cookies in melted dark chocolate
- Spiced Cookies: Mix in ½ tsp cinnamon or nutmeg
- Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend
- Vegan Option: Use plant-based butter and a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water)
- Iced Cookies: Decorate with royal icing or buttercream
- Sprinkle Fun: Roll dough edges in sprinkles before baking
- Coffee-Infused: Add 1 tsp espresso powder for a mocha twist
Storage and Serving Tips
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week
- Freeze baked cookies for 3 months or dough for 2 months
- Serve with hot cocoa, tea, or ice cream sandwiches
- Layer cookies with parchment to prevent sticking
- Refresh stale cookies in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes
- Package in tins for gifting or holiday exchanges
- Decorate with kids for a fun family activity
- Pair with fruit compote for a dessert platter
Nutritional Information
The following nutritional information is approximate, based on 24 servings (1 cookie per serving):
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
- Sodium: 110mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 19g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 2g
- Vitamins and Minerals:
- Calcium: 2% of Daily Value
- Vitamin A: 6% of Daily Value
- Iron: 4% of Daily Value
Note: Nutritional values vary based on ingredient brands, portion sizes, and optional ingredients like sprinkles or almond extract. Use a nutritional calculator for precise measurements. These sugar cookies are high in sugar and fat due to butter and granulated sugar; enjoy in moderation or try the vegan variation for a plant-based option. Decorations like icing may add extra calories.
Conclusion
This sugar cookie recipe delivers a delightful, buttery treat that’s perfect for any occasion, from holiday baking to casual snacks. Its crisp edges and soft centers make it a versatile base for creative decorations or simple enjoyment. Whether shared with loved ones or gifted in festive tins, these cookies bring joy to every bite. Easy to prepare and endlessly customizable, this recipe is a must-have for your baking collection.
Sugar Cookie Recipe: Sweet and Versatile Treat
Ingredients
- 2¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp almond extract (optional)
- ¼ cup colored sprinkles or sanding sugar (optional)
Instructions
- Whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt
- Cream butter and sugar until fluffy; add egg and extracts
- Mix in dry ingredients until combined
- Chill dough for 1 hour
- Roll to ¼-inch thickness; cut shapes
- Bake at 350°F for 8-10 minutes; cool on rack
Notes
- Chill the dough to prevent spreading
- Don’t overbake for soft cookies
- Store at room temperature for 1 week or freeze for 3 months
- Decorate with icing or sprinkles