Sugar cookies are a timeless classic loved by people of all ages. Their simplicity, buttery flavor, and delightful texture make them a staple in bakeries and home kitchens alike. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion, holiday, or just to enjoy with a cup of tea, sugar cookies are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Why You’ll Love These Sugar Cookies
- Simple Ingredients: This recipe uses basic pantry staples, making it easy to whip up a batch anytime.
- Versatile and Customizable: Perfect as is, or dressed up with your favorite sprinkles, frosting, or decorations.
- Perfect Texture: Crisp edges with a soft, chewy center.
- Easy to Make: Suitable for bakers of all levels, from beginners to experts.
- Store Well: These cookies stay fresh for days, making them perfect for gifting or keeping in your cookie jar.
Sugar Cookies
Here’s the table based on your latest list:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups |
| Baking powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Unsalted butter (softened) | 1 cup |
| Granulated sugar | 1 cup |
| Large egg (at room temperature) | 1 |
| Pure vanilla extract | 2 teaspoons (for cookies) |
| Almond extract | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Confectioners’ sugar | 3 cups (for decorating) |
| Pure vanilla extract | 1/2 teaspoon (for decorating) |
| Light corn syrup | 2 teaspoons |
| Room temperature water | 5 tablespoons |
| Salt | As needed |
Optional Add-Ons
- Food coloring for colorful icing.
- Sprinkles for a festive touch.
- Nuts or dried fruit for added texture.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Sugar Cookies
Preparing the Cookie Dough
Step 1. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, and a pinch of salt.
- This step ensures that the baking powder and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour, which helps the cookies rise and achieves a uniform texture.
Step 2. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
- In a large bowl, beat 1 cup of unsalted butter with 1 cup of granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for ensuring the cookies have the perfect texture.
- Creaming the butter and sugar incorporates air into the mixture, giving the cookies a light and tender texture. It usually takes about 5 or 6 minutes of beating with an electric mixer on medium speed.
Step 3. Add the Egg and Extracts:
- Add 1 large egg, 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract, and 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract to the butter and sugar mixture.
- Beat until well combined. The vanilla and almond extracts add depth and complexity to the flavor. Make sure the egg is at room temperature to prevent the batter from curdling.
Step 4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
- Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, leading to tough cookies.
- Use a spatula to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure all ingredients are well incorporated.
Step 5. Chill the Dough:
- Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Chilling the dough makes it easier to roll out and cut shapes. It also helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking. If you’re in a hurry, you can chill the dough in the freezer for about 20-30 minutes.
Step 6. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures even baking and prevents the cookies from sticking to the pan.
- If you don’t have parchment paper, you can use silicone baking mats.
Rolling and Baking the Cookies
Step 7. Prepare the Rolling Surface:
- Lightly flour your work surface and rolling pin to prevent sticking. Excess flour can make the cookies tough, so use just enough to keep the dough from sticking.
Step 8. Roll the Dough:
- Roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Reroll scraps and cut until all dough is used. If the dough gets too soft, you can refrigerate it for a few minutes to make it easier to handle.
Step 9. Bake:
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling completely is essential before decorating to prevent the icing from melting.
Decorating the Cookies
Step 10. Prepare the Icing:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together 3 cups of confectioners’ sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract, 2 teaspoons of light corn syrup, 5 tablespoons of room temperature water, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
- Adjust the consistency by adding more water if needed. For thicker icing, add more confectioners’ sugar.
Step 11. Color and Decorate:
- Divide the icing into separate bowls if you plan to use different colors. Add food coloring as desired. Use a piping bag or a small spatula to decorate the cooled cookies.
- Allow the icing to set completely before storage. You can add sprinkles, edible glitter, or other decorations while the icing is still wet.
Storage and Serving
- Storage: Store decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, place them in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Make sure the icing is fully set before freezing.
- Serving: Serve at room temperature. These cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee, and they make excellent gifts for friends and family.
Tips for Success
- Properly Measure the Flour: Spoon and level the flour to avoid adding too much, which can result in dry cookies. Use a kitchen scale for the most accurate measurement.
- Don’t Skip Chilling: Chilling the dough prevents it from spreading too much during baking, resulting in cookies that hold their shape.
- Keep an Eye on Baking Time: Baking times can vary, so keep an eye on the cookies and remove them when the edges are just turning golden. Slightly underbaked cookies will continue to set as they cool.
Variations
- Lemon Sugar Cookies: Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest to the dough for a refreshing citrus flavor.
- Chocolate Sugar Cookies: Substitute 1/2 cup of the all-purpose flour with cocoa powder for a rich, chocolatey variation.
- Sprinkle Sugar Cookies: Mix colorful sprinkles into the dough for a fun, festive look.
These Sugar Cookies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed all year round. With their buttery flavor, perfect texture, and endless customization options, they are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just because these cookies are sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face!