Craving something sweet and homemade? Look no further than this easy sugar cookies recipe! These delightful cookies are soft, chewy, and perfect for decorating or enjoying plain. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just treating yourself, this recipe is a must-try. With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll be able to whip up a batch in no time. Let’s dive into the deliciousness!
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe makes about 24 cookies. Preparation time is approximately 15 minutes, and cooking time is around 10 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1 cookie) contains approximately:
– Calories: 150
– Total Fat: 7g
– Saturated Fat: 4g
– Carbohydrates: 22g
– Protein: 1g
This nutritional value is based on one cookie.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) to the butter mixture and mix well.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Roll the dough into balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Place the cookie balls on ungreased baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass or your hand.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes until the edges are lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour if you’re looking for a gluten-free option. Additionally, unsalted butter can be replaced with coconut oil for a dairy-free version.
Serving and Pairings
These sugar cookies are delightful on their own but can also be paired with a glass of milk, coffee, or tea. Consider serving them with frosting or sprinkles for an extra festive touch.
Storage and Reheating
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They can also be frozen for up to three months. To reheat, simply pop them in a warm oven for a few minutes.
Cooking Mistakes
- Overmixing the dough can make cookies tough.
- Not measuring flour correctly can lead to dry cookies.
- Baking at the wrong temperature can cause uneven cooking.
- Skipping the cooling step can lead to messy icing.
- Using cold butter may prevent proper creaming.
- Not spacing cookies properly can cause them to merge.
- Underbaking may result in a doughy texture.
Helpful Tips
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes for a thicker cookie.
- Experiment with different flavors by adding citrus zest.
- Use food coloring in the frosting for festive cookies.
- Try adding chocolate chips or nuts for variety.
FAQs
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, margarine can be used instead of butter, but it may slightly alter the taste and texture. Ensure it’s softened for best results.
How do I make these cookies more festive?
You can add colored frosting or sprinkles on top after baking. Using cookie cutters to shape the dough also adds a fun twist!
What should I do if my cookie dough is too sticky?
If your dough is too sticky, try chilling it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will make it easier to handle.
Can I add chocolate chips to this recipe?
Absolutely! Fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips after mixing the dough for a delicious variation.
How long do these cookies last?
Stored in an airtight container, these cookies can last up to a week at room temperature, or three months in the freezer.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can easily double the recipe if you need more cookies. Just ensure to adjust your baking sheets accordingly.
Conclusion
This easy sugar cookies recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels. With simple ingredients and a straightforward process, you can create deliciously soft cookies that everyone will love. Don’t hesitate to get creative with flavors and decorations. Happy baking!
Easy Sugar Cookies
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) to the butter mixture and mix well.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Roll the dough into balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Place the cookie balls on ungreased baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass or your hand.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes until the edges are lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.