Imagine a cookie that’s soft, buttery, and melts in your mouth. This easy sugar cookies recipe is perfect for both novice and experienced bakers. With just a handful of ingredients, you’ll create delightful treats that are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a holiday or just a fun weekend project, these sugar cookies will become a family favorite. Let’s dive into the effortless steps to create these delicious cookies!
Ingredients
– 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 1/2 cups white sugar
– 1 egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 3/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe yields approximately 24 cookies. Preparation time is about 15 minutes, and cooking time is around 10 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each cookie (approximately 30g) contains:
– Calories: 150
– Protein: 1g
– Carbohydrates: 22g
– Fat: 7g
– Saturated Fat: 4g
– Sugar: 9g
This nutritional information is based on a serving size of one cookie.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
3. In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until smooth.
4. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract if using.
5. Gradually blend the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
6. Roll rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls, and place them onto ungreased cookie sheets.
7. Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass.
8. Sprinkle a little sugar on top of each cookie.
9. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until golden.
10. Remove from the oven and let cool on wire racks.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute butter with margarine or coconut oil for a dairy-free option. Use gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free. For added flavor, consider using different extracts like lemon or orange in place of vanilla.
Serving and Pairings
These sugar cookies pair wonderfully with a glass of milk, coffee, or tea. For a festive touch, serve them with colored icing or sprinkles, especially during holiday gatherings.
Storage and Reheating
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. They can also be frozen for up to three months. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes.
Cooking Mistakes
– Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies.
– Not measuring flour correctly can affect the texture.
– Baking at the wrong temperature can cause uneven baking.
– Skipping the refrigeration step may lead to spreading.
– Using old baking soda or powder can impact rising.
Helpful Tips
– Chill the dough for 30 minutes for thicker cookies.
– Experiment with different extracts for unique flavors.
– Use a cookie scoop for uniform sizes.
– Always preheat the oven for best results.
FAQs
Can I use brown sugar instead of white sugar?
Yes, you can substitute brown sugar for white sugar, which will give the cookies a richer flavor and a slightly chewy texture.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
The edges should be lightly golden, while the center may appear soft. They will firm up as they cool.
Can I decorate these cookies?
Absolutely! These cookies are a great base for decorating with icing, sprinkles, or colored sugar.
What if my dough is too sticky?
If the dough is too sticky, try adding a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a manageable consistency.
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough. Just shape it into balls, freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a zip-top bag for later baking.
Conclusion
In just a few simple steps, you can create delightful sugar cookies that are sure to impress. Whether enjoyed plain or decorated, this easy sugar cookies recipe is a must-try for any baking enthusiast. Happy baking!
Easy Sugar Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 1/2 cups white sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
- In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract if using.
- Gradually blend the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
- Roll rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls, and place them onto ungreased cookie sheets.
- Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass.
- Sprinkle a little sugar on top of each cookie.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until golden.
- Remove from the oven and let cool on wire racks.
Nutrition
