If there’s one thing my family can’t get enough of, it’s these delightful sugar cookies. It’s funny, really — we’ve tried countless cookie recipes over the years, but somehow, these always come out on top. Every time I whip up a batch, they’re gone in a flash! I figured it’s high time I shared this beloved recipe.
Let me tell you a little story. Last weekend, I took on the mission of baking these cookies with my kids. Now, if you’ve ever cooked or baked with children, you’d know it’s quite the adventure, with flour flying everywhere and giggles echoing in the kitchen. But that’s what makes these cookies so special — they’re not just tasty treats; they’re a shared experience, a fun family tradition.
What’s great about this recipe is how simple and straightforward it is. You don’t need to be a professional pastry chef to pull it off; it’s as easy as pie — or in this case, a cookie! And with just eight ingredients, there’s nothing too fancy to run out and buy. Everything you need is likely already in your pantry.
I remember feeling a bit hesitant the first time I tried making these cookies. Would they come out right? Would they taste as good as the ones I used to make with my mom? Spoiler alert: they did, and they exceeded all expectations. My husband couldn’t stop at one, nor could the kids, and I found myself reaching for another before I knew it!
While the cookies themselves are scrumptious, part of what makes them a staple in our home is their versatility. You can get creative with different shapes and decorations — a perfect excuse to use that cookie cutter collection! Plus, they’re fantastic for any occasion, whether it’s a birthday, a holiday, or simply because it’s Tuesday and you’re in the mood for something sweet.
At the end of the day, these sugar cookies are more than just a recipe. They’re a canvas for creativity and a catalyst for bringing people together. So, if you’re looking for a tried-and-true activity — with a delicious reward — gather your loved ones and give these cookies a go. Trust me, you won’t regret it!
How to Make Sugar Cookies
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Ingredients
- 1 Cup unsalted butter (226 grams)
- 1 Cup granulated white sugar (200 grams)
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (360 grams)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). It’s best to do this first so your oven is nice and hot when the cookies are ready to bake.
- Start by creaming the butter and sugar together in a large bowl until the mixture turns smooth and fluffy. This should take about 3 minutes using a hand mixer or stand mixer.
- Beat in the vanilla extract, almond extract, and egg, ensuring everything is well combined. It’s important to mix until you get a smooth, cohesive mixture.
- In a separate bowl, stir together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually incorporate this dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing continuously to form a consistent dough.
- If the dough feels too crumbly, keep mixing for another minute to help it come together. It should start to pull away from the sides of the bowl as it forms a ball.
- If needed, lightly flour your countertop, then knead the dough with wet hands until it becomes smooth. This helps integrate all the ingredients evenly.
- There’s no need to chill the dough. Simply divide it into 2-3 portions for easier handling. Roll out each portion to about 1/4 inch thick on a floured surface, then cut into shapes as desired.
- Place your cut cookies on a baking sheet and bake for 6-8 minutes. Once done, let them cool on the sheet until firm before transferring to a wire rack to cool fully.
Storing Suggestion
To maintain their freshness, store these sugar cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delicious for up to a week. If you prefer to keep them longer, place them in the freezer for up to three months. Just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Cooking Tips
For a richer flavor, try browning the butter before mixing it with sugar. If you prefer a softer cookie, reduce the baking time slightly. As for the flavorings, feel free to swap out the almond extract with lemon or orange zest for a citrusy twist. These small changes can make a noticeable difference in taste and texture.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies pair wonderfully with a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot cocoa. For a delightful touch, sprinkle a little powdered sugar on top before serving. If you’re feeling extra fancy, sandwich two cookies with a layer of cream cheese frosting or jam for a treat that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you’re out of some ingredients, don’t fret! You can substitute margarine for butter, though the flavor will differ slightly. A flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) can replace the egg for a vegan version. Additionally, if almond extract isn’t available, simply bump up the vanilla extract to 1.5 teaspoons.
Seasonal Variations
During the holiday season, add a pinch of nutmeg and cinnamon to give these cookies a festive flavor. In the summer, topping the cookies with fresh fruit or a citrus glaze can turn them into a fresh seasonal dessert. Changing up the cutouts to match the holidays — like leaves for autumn or stars for New Year’s — makes for a fun activity.
Allergen Information
This recipe contains dairy, eggs, and gluten, which are common allergens. For a gluten-free option, try substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. As mentioned, you can use a flax egg for an eggless version. Note that flavors might vary slightly, but they’ll still be delicious!
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dough a day in advance. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to use, let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before rolling it out, as it’ll be easier to handle.
Why don’t these cookies require chilling?
This recipe is designed to skip the chilling step to save time while still achieving a firm texture. The balance of ingredients ensures the cookies don’t spread too much during baking. However, if you prefer a slightly firmer dough, you may chill it for about 15 minutes.
Can I freeze the baked cookies?
Absolutely! You can freeze these cookies after baking. Ensure they’re completely cooled, then stack them between layers of parchment paper in an airtight container. They can last in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
What’s the best way to roll out the dough?
To prevent sticking, sprinkle a small amount of flour on your countertop and rolling pin before rolling out the dough. If you find the dough sticking too much or getting too soft, work with smaller portions and dust with flour as needed. Consistent thickness helps ensure even baking.
Can I add decorations to the cookies before baking?
Sure thing! You can sprinkle some colored sugar or nonpareils on the cookies before baking for a decorative touch. Alternatively, use cookie stamps or embossing tools to make fun patterns. Just keep in mind that overly thick decorations may affect the baking time.
Is it possible to add other flavors or fillings?
Yes, indeed! Additions such as chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits can easily be mixed into the dough. You could also drizzle the finished cookies with chocolate or caramel, or fill them with cream or jam, turning them into sandwich cookies for a delightful twist.
Best Sugar Cookie
Ingredients
- 1 Cup unsalted butter (226 grams)
- 1 Cup granulated white sugar (200 grams)
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (360 grams)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350° F.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until it's smooth and fluffy—about 3 minutes should do.
- Beat in the extracts and the egg until well combined.
- In another bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet mixture, combining little by little.
- If your dough seems crumbly, continue mixing for another 30 seconds to a minute. It should start to pull away from the bowl nicely.
- If it's still too dry, transfer the dough to your countertop. Dust the surface as needed, wet your hands, and knead it till it's smooth.
- Do not chill the dough! Instead, divide it into 2-3 manageable portions. Roll each on a floured surface and cut to your desired shape, keeping them around 1/4 inch thick.
- Bake in your preheated oven for 6-8 minutes. Allow the cookies to cool on the sheet until firm, then transfer them to a cooling rack.
