If you’re in the mood for a sweet treat that melts in your mouth, look no further than this classic sugar cookie recipe. With a soft, buttery texture and a touch of sweetness, these cookies are perfect for decorating or simply enjoying as they are. Ideal for holidays or any time you crave something sweet, this recipe is quick and easy, making it a favorite for bakers of all skill levels. Get ready to delight your taste buds!
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
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 3/4 cup white sugar for decoration
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe makes about 24 cookies. Preparation time is approximately 15 minutes, and the cooking time is 8-10 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each cookie (approximately 1 oz) contains about 150 calories, 7g of fat, 20g of carbohydrates, and 1g of protein. This is based on a single serving size of one cookie.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a small bowl, stir together flour, baking soda, and baking powder; set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract.
- Gradually blend in the dry ingredients.
- Roll rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls, and place onto ungreased cookie sheets.
- Flatten each ball with the bottom of a glass, dipping it in sugar for a decorative touch.
- Bake 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven until golden.
- Let cool on cookie sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks.
- Enjoy your delicious sugar cookies!
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute butter with margarine or coconut oil for a dairy-free version. Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free treat. Additionally, you can replace white sugar with brown sugar for a deeper flavor.
Serving and Pairings
These sugar cookies are delightful on their own but pair wonderfully with milk, coffee, or tea. They can also be decorated with icing or sprinkles for special occasions.
Storage and Reheating
Store your sugar cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They can also be frozen for longer storage. To reheat, simply place them in a warm oven for a few minutes.
Cooking Mistakes
- Not measuring ingredients accurately can affect texture.
- Baking at too high a temperature can lead to burnt cookies.
- Overmixing the dough can make cookies tough.
- Skipping the cooling step can result in fragile cookies.
- Using cold butter instead of softened will change the cookie’s texture.
Helpful Tips
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes for better shaping.
- Use parchment paper on baking sheets for easy cleanup.
- Experiment with flavorings like lemon zest or cocoa powder.
- Store cookies with a slice of bread to keep them soft.
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour, but it will change the texture and flavor slightly. You may need to adjust the liquid in the recipe.
How do I make these cookies thicker?
To make thicker cookies, chill the dough before baking and avoid flattening them too much before putting them in the oven.
What can I add for extra flavor?
You can add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits to the dough for added flavor and texture.
How long do they last?
When stored properly in an airtight container, sugar cookies can last about a week at room temperature and up to three months in the freezer.
Can I decorate these cookies?
Absolutely! These cookies are perfect for decorating with icing, sprinkles, or edible glitter.
Conclusion
This sugar cookie recipe is a timeless classic that everyone will love. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, you can enjoy these delightful cookies any time of the year. Perfect for sharing or indulging in yourself, they are sure to become a favorite in your household.
Sugar Cookie 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
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 3/4 cup white sugar for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a small bowl, stir together flour, baking soda, and baking powder; set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract.
- Gradually blend in the dry ingredients.
- Roll rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls, and place onto ungreased cookie sheets.
- Flatten each ball with the bottom of a glass, dipping it in sugar for decoration.
- Bake 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven until golden.
- Let cool on cookie sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks.
- Enjoy your delicious sugar cookies!