Indulge in the sweetness of homemade sugar cookies that are soft, chewy, and oh-so-delicious! This easy sugar cookies recipe is perfect for both novice and experienced bakers alike. With just a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up a batch in no time. These delectable cookies can be decorated for any occasion, making them a favorite for parties, holidays, or just a sweet treat at home.
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 cup sprinkles (optional)
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe makes about 24 cookies. Preparation time is approximately 15 minutes, and cooking time is around 10-12 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each cookie (approximately 40g) contains about 150 calories, 7g of fat, 20g of carbohydrates, and 1g of protein. This nutritional value is for one cookie.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
3. In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until smooth.
4. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and salt until well blended.
5. Gradually blend in the dry ingredients.
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, dipped in sugar for a sparkly finish.
8. Optional: Add sprinkles on top for decoration.
9. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until golden.
10. Remove from oven, and let cool on wire racks.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version. Additionally, coconut oil can replace butter for a dairy-free option, and you can use agave syrup instead of sugar for a lower glycemic index sweetener.
Serving and Pairings
These sugar cookies are delightful on their own but can also be paired with a glass of milk, coffee, or tea. They make great gifts when packaged in decorative boxes for friends and family.
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 place them in a warm oven for a few minutes.
Cooking Mistakes
- Not measuring flour correctly can lead to dry cookies.
- Overbaking can make cookies hard instead of soft.
- Skipping the cooling step can lead to a doughy texture.
- Using cold butter instead of softened can affect the consistency.
- Not preheating the oven can result in uneven baking.
Helpful Tips
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes for a firmer texture.
- Experiment with different extracts like almond for flavor variations.
- Use food coloring to tint the icing for festive designs.
- Try different shapes using cookie cutters for special occasions.
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough a day in advance and refrigerate it. Just allow it to soften slightly before rolling it out.
How can I make the cookies softer?
To achieve softer cookies, slightly underbake them and let them cool on the tray for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Can I add chocolate chips to the dough?
Absolutely! You can fold in 1-2 cups of chocolate chips for a delicious twist on this classic recipe.
What can I use instead of eggs?
You can use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) or applesauce (1/4 cup) as an egg substitute.
How should I store leftover cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, or freeze them for up to three months for longer preservation.
Conclusion
These easy sugar cookies are a classic treat that brings joy to any gathering. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, they’re perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying at home. Try this recipe today and delight in the sweet aroma of freshly baked cookies!
Easy Sugar 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 cup sprinkles optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
- Cream together the softened butter and sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and salt until well blended.
- Gradually blend in the dry ingredients.
- Roll rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls, and place them onto ungreased cookie sheets.
- Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass, dipped in sugar.
- Optional: Add sprinkles on top for decoration.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until golden.
- Remove from oven, and let cool on wire racks.
