Baking sugar cookies has always been a cherished tradition in my family. Growing up, I can still remember the sound of the oven timer ringing, signaling that the latest batch of my grandma’s famous Sugar Cookies Recipe was ready to be pulled out. The buttery aroma would waft through the house, and I’d come running to the kitchen, eager to sink my teeth into those perfectly soft and pillowy treats.
My grandma would let me help roll out the dough and carefully cut out the shapes with all sorts of festive cookie cutters. I’d meticulously decorate each one with vibrant sprinkles and colorful icing, taking great pride in my masterpieces. And of course, no Sugar Cookies Recipe session was complete without a taste test (or two or three!). Those precious moments spent baking together are some of my fondest memories.
Now, as an adult, I still find myself craving those comforting Sugar Cookies Recipe from my childhood. That’s why I’m excited to share my grandma’s tried-and-true recipe with you. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become your new go-to for any occasion.
Why This Sugar Cookies Recipe Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
What sets this Sugar Cookies Recipe apart is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. These cookies aren’t overly sweet, with just the right amount of buttery richness and a delightful crunch on the edges. The secret lies in the special technique we use to chill the dough, which ensures the cookies hold their shape beautifully during baking.
The Secret Behind Perfect Sugar Cookies Recipe
The key to achieving those picture-perfect Sugar Cookies Recipe is to chill the dough for at least two hours (or up to 24 hours) before baking. This step allows the fats to solidify, which prevents the cookies from spreading too much in the oven. It also intensifies the flavors, resulting in a more delicious and satisfying final product.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- Unsalted butter: The foundation of any great Sugar Cookies Recipe. Make sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing.
- Granulated sugar: This sweetens the dough and gives the cookies their signature crackly tops.
- Egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds richness.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile.
- All-purpose flour: The structure-building component.
- Baking powder: Helps the cookies rise and achieve a light, tender texture.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the other flavors.
Step-by-Step Sugar Cookies Recipe Instructions
Preparing your Sugar Cookies Recipe is a straightforward process that even novice bakers can master. You’ll need about 30 minutes of active time, plus 2 to 24 hours of chilling for the dough.
1- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
2- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until a dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
3- Divide the dough in half, shape each half into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or up to 24 hours). This chilling step is crucial for preventing the cookies from spreading during baking.
4- When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Remove the dough from the fridge and roll it out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out shapes.
5- Carefully transfer the shaped cookies to the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden brown.
6- Allow the Sugar Cookies Recipe to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, you can decorate them with your choice of icing, sprinkles, or other toppings.
Pro Tips for Success
- Chill the dough for at least 2 hours (or up to 24 hours) for best results. This helps the cookies hold their shape during baking.
- Use room temperature butter for easy mixing and a tender, crumbly texture.
- Don’t overmix the dough, as this can lead to tough, dense cookies.
- Be sure to let the cookies cool completely before decorating or handling, as they’ll be delicate straight out of the oven.
- Experiment with different cookie cutter shapes and decorations to make your Sugar Cookies Recipe even more festive.
Serving and Storing Your Sugar Cookies Recipe
These Sugar Cookies Recipe are the perfect treat for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to casual get-togethers. They pair beautifully with a steaming mug of hot chocolate or a refreshing glass of milk.
Perfect Pairings for Sugar Cookies Recipe
For a classic pairing, serve your Sugar Cookies Recipe with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea. They also make a delightful accompaniment to a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. And let’s not forget the classic milk and cookies combo – it’s a match made in heaven!
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Undecorated Sugar Cookies Recipe can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you’d like to get a head start on your baking, you can make the dough up to 24 hours in advance and keep it chilled in the fridge until ready to roll and cut.
For longer-term storage, you can freeze the unbaked cookie dough for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before rolling, cutting, and baking as usual.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Sugar Cookies Recipe
Creative Sugar Cookies Recipe Variations
While the classic Sugar Cookies Recipe is always a hit, you can easily customize them to suit different tastes and occasions. Try adding a hint of almond extract or lemon zest to the dough for a subtle flavor twist. For a festive touch, roll the dough in colored sanding sugar before cutting and baking.
Making Sugar Cookies Recipe Diet-Friendly
To make these Sugar Cookies Recipe gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend. For a vegan version, use dairy-free butter and replace the egg with a flax or chia “egg.” And for a lower-carb option, swap the granulated sugar for a sugar-free alternative like erythritol or xylitol.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I substitute salted butter for unsalted butter in this Sugar Cookies Recipe?
A: While you can use salted butter, it’s best to stick with unsalted butter. This allows you to have more control over the overall salt content in the cookies. If you do use salted butter, be sure to reduce the amount of added salt in the recipe.
Q: How long do I need to chill the dough for best results?
A: The dough should be chilled for at least 2 hours, but can be kept in the fridge for up to 24 hours. This extended chilling time helps the dough firm up, which prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
Q: Can I freeze the baked Sugar Cookies Recipe?
A: Absolutely! Baked and cooled Sugar Cookies Recipe can be frozen for up to 3 months. Simply place them in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. When ready to serve, thaw them at room temperature.
Q: How many cookies does this recipe make?
A: The yield can vary depending on the size of your cookie cutters, but this recipe typically makes around 2-3 dozen cookies.
Q: My cookies spread too much during baking. What did I do wrong?
A: If your cookies spread excessively, it’s likely that the dough wasn’t chilled long enough. Make sure to refrigerate the dough for at least 2 hours (or up to 24 hours) before rolling and baking.
Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 25
- Yield: 24
Description
These soft, buttery sugar cookies are a classic treat that can be enjoyed any time of year. With just a few simple ingredients and 30 minutes, you can bake up a batch of these delightful cookies that are perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Ingredients
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
– 1 egg
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
1. – Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. – In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. – In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until combined.
4. – Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
5. – Scoop the dough by the tablespoonful and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
6. – Bake for 8-10 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden. Allow to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For a fun twist, try rolling the dough into balls and coating them in sanding sugar before baking. You can also add sprinkles or decorations to the cookies after they’ve cooled. Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 10
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
There’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked Sugar Cookies Recipe wafting through the air. This classic recipe is a true delight, with its perfect balance of sweetness, buttery richness, and tender, crumbly texture. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or simply to enjoy as a cozy treat, I’m confident this Sugar Cookies Recipe will become a go-to in your household, just as it has in mine.
So preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create some delicious memories. I can’t wait to hear how your Sugar Cookies Recipe turn out – be sure to share your photos and reviews in the comments below!
