Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s something incredibly comforting about baking sugar cookies. The smell of warm dough floating through the house, the way the dough comes together in your hands—it’s pure magic. This recipe has been a family favorite for years, often making an appearance at every birthday party, holiday gathering, and bake sale. Each time you take a bite, it transports you back to those sweet moments shared with loved ones, laughter echoing in the background.
These sugar cookies are soft and chewy, with a slight crispness on the edges. They can be enjoyed plain or dressed up with frosting and sprinkles. Either way, they make your heart feel warm. Best of all, they’re fun to make with kids! Gather them in the kitchen, dust off the rolling pin, and let the creativity flow. You’ll create delightful shapes and flavors together, turning simple baking into a cherished family tradition.
how to make sugar cookies
Making sugar cookies is simple and delightful! Just follow along, and soon you’ll have a batch of cookies that everyone will rave about.
Ingredients
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 large egg, at room temperature
– 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
– 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
Directions
First things first, grab your stand mixer and the paddle attachment. In the bowl of the mixer, combine the butter and sugar. Beat them together until they’re just blended, which takes about 45 seconds. You’ll want to see a nice creamy texture forming.
Next, it’s time to add the egg and extracts. Pour in the vanilla and almond extracts. Beat this mix well for about a minute. Scraping down the sides of the bowl helps everything mix evenly.
Now, add your flour and salt to the bowl. Mix until you can’t see any streaks of flour. You’ll know it’s done when it forms a cohesive dough. This part is so satisfying; you can feel the dough coming together.
Once your dough is mixed, shape it into a flat, oval disk. Wrap this disk in plastic wrap and put it in the refrigerator. Chill it for at least an hour or, even better, overnight if you can wait that long!
When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F. While the oven heats, line two baking sheets with parchment paper. On a floured surface, roll out your chilled dough with a rolling pin to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out your favorite shapes.
Carefully transfer the cookie shapes to your prepared baking sheets. If you like, now is the perfect time to sprinkle colored sugar on top for a bit of sparkle! The kids will love this part.
Bake your cookies for about 8 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are just golden brown. The aroma will be heavenly! Once they’re baked, let them cool completely on a wire rack. This is the hardest part—waiting for them to cool before you taste one. But trust me, it’s worth it!
how to serve sugar cookies
These sugar cookies are perfect just as they are, but there’s plenty of fun to be had in serving them, too. You can plate them up for a cozy family brunch, or set them out at your next gathering. Kids will adore them after school, maybe paired with a glass of milk or a cup of hot cocoa.
If you’re feeling festive, consider decorating them with homemade frosting or icing. A simple glaze made from powdered sugar and a dash of milk can transform your cookies. Add food coloring and sprinkles for an extra touch!
For a more personal touch, you might package a few in a pretty box or a bag as a sweet gift for a neighbor or friend. Who doesn’t love homemade treats?
how to store sugar cookies
To keep your sugar cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay tasty for about 5 to 7 days. If you really want to make them last, consider freezing them. Just place a layer of parchment paper between the cookies in an airtight container and freeze. They’ll be great for up to three months! When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply let them thaw on the counter.
tips to make sugar cookies
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Don’t skip the chilling step: Chilling the dough is essential for achieving that perfect cookie texture. It allows the butter to solidify, which helps the cookies keep their shape during baking.
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Use a light hand when rolling out the dough: Aim for a consistent thickness of about 1/4 inch. If the dough is too thick, the cookies may not bake evenly. Too thin, and they could burn. Take your time with this step!
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Experiment with flavors: While this recipe features vanilla and almond extracts, feel free to try others like lemon, orange, or even a touch of peppermint. Each will add a unique twist to your cookies.
variation
If you’re in the mood for something different, consider adding some mix-ins! Chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or nuts can elevate the classic flavor. For a festive touch, add seasonal spices like cinnamon or nutmeg. Alternatively, try rolling the dough in crushed candy canes for a peppermint variation around the holidays.
Pro Tips for Success
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Invest in quality ingredients: Using high-quality butter and pure extracts can make a noticeable difference in the flavor of your cookies. It may seem like a small detail, but it truly enhances your final product.
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Use a cookie scoop: If you want perfectly shaped cookies, consider using a cookie scoop. This tool gives you uniform-sized ball of dough, ensuring even baking and making your cookies look professional.
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Pay attention to your oven temperature: Ovens can vary, so it’s a good idea to check your cookies a minute or two before the suggested baking time. You want them to be golden around the edges while still soft in the center.
Serving Ideas
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Cookie Decorating Party: Set up a cookie decorating station with various frostings, sprinkles, and edible glitter. This is not only fun for kids but also a creative outlet for adults! Invite friends and make a day of it.
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Cookie Gift Jars: Layer cookies in a mason jar for a lovely gift. Add a little ribbon, and you have a heartfelt present for a neighbor or friend.
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Brunch Centerpiece: Arrange your cookies on a beautiful platter for a weekend brunch. Pair with fresh fruits and coffee for a charming and inviting display.
FAQs
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
While you can use margarine, butter gives the best flavor and texture. If you must use margarine, try to pick a stick variety that has a similar fat content to butter.
What should I do if my cookie dough is too sticky?
If your dough is very sticky, add a bit more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it’s workable. Remember, though, to be careful not to add too much flour or your cookies could turn out tough.
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Absolutely! You can freeze the dough before rolling and cutting it. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer bag. Thaw it in the fridge when you’re ready to bake.
How can I make my cookies thicker?
To make thicker cookies, use baking powder instead of baking soda, and chill the dough longer before rolling it out. This will help them rise rather than spread.
Quick Recap
These sugar cookies are a delightful treat that brings warmth and joy to any occasion. From family gatherings to bake sales, they’re perfect for sharing and creating memories. So grab your mixers, gather the family, and bake these delightful cookies this weekend. You’ll be glad you did! Each bite is a sweet embrace of nostalgia and love, and I can’t wait for you to experience it.
Sugar Cookies
Ingredients
Cookie Dough Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature Use high-quality butter for best flavor.
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract Use pure vanilla for better flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract Can be substituted with other flavor extracts.
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour Sifted for better consistency.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- In a stand mixer, mix the butter and sugar until creamy, about 45 seconds.
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract, beat for 1 minute, scraping down the sides as needed.
- Mix in the flour and salt until there are no streaks of flour, forming a cohesive dough.
- Shape the dough into a flat, oval disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
Baking
- On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/4 inch thickness.
- Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes and transfer to lined baking sheets.
- Sprinkle colored sugar on top if desired.
- Bake for 8 to 12 minutes, or until edges are golden brown.
- Let cool on a wire rack.