There’s something magical about the smell of freshly baked sugar cookies wafting through your home, isn’t there? This *sugar cookie recipe* is my go-to for creating soft, delicious cookies that bring smiles to everyone’s faces. Whether it’s a cozy afternoon with family or a festive gathering with friends, these cookies are perfect for sharing. They’re simple to make and absolutely delightful to eat! Trust me, once you take your first bite, you’ll understand why they disappear so quickly. Get ready to roll up your sleeves and dive into the sweet world of sugar cookies—your taste buds will thank you!
Ingredients List
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened at room temperature
- 1 1/2 cups white sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup sugar for decoration
How to Prepare the Sugar Cookie Recipe
Now, let’s get our hands doughy and start crafting these delightful sugar cookies! Trust me, the steps are super simple, and before you know it, your kitchen will be filled with that heavenly aroma. Here’s how you do it:
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the cookies bake evenly and come out perfectly golden.
- While the oven warms up, grab a small bowl and stir together the sifted flour, baking soda, and baking powder. This will help distribute the leavening agents evenly throughout your dough.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and white sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. This typically takes about 2-3 minutes of mixing, so don’t rush it!
- Next, beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. The vanilla adds such a lovely flavor!
- Gradually blend in the dry ingredients, mixing just until everything is combined. You don’t want to overmix, or your cookies might turn out tough.
- Now, roll rounded teaspoonfuls of the dough into balls. I usually aim for about 1 inch in diameter.
- Place these dough balls on ungreased cookie sheets, giving them a little space to spread. Then, flatten each ball gently with the bottom of a glass—this helps them bake evenly!
- For a little extra sweetness, sprinkle the tops with sugar before baking.
- Pop them in the oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they’re done when the edges start to turn golden.
- Finally, let the cookies cool on wire racks. This makes sure they stay soft and chewy!
Why You’ll Love This Sugar Cookie Recipe
- Super easy to make—perfect for bakers of all skill levels!
- Soft and chewy texture that melts in your mouth.
- Versatile base for all your favorite flavors—try adding almond extract or lemon zest!
- Great for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to casual get-togethers.
- Quick to whip up, with a total time of just 25 minutes!
- Fun for kids to help with—rolling dough balls is always a hit!
Tips for Success with Your Sugar Cookie Recipe
Want to ensure your sugar cookies come out perfectly every time? Here are my top tips! First, consider chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies hold their shape and can result in thicker, chewier cookies. Next, keep an eye on baking times—every oven is different, so check them at the 8-minute mark. If they’re just starting to turn golden at the edges, pull them out to avoid overbaking. And don’t be afraid to get creative! Add mix-ins like chocolate chips or sprinkles to shake things up. You’ve got this!
FAQ Section
Common Questions
Got questions about this *sugar cookie recipe*? No worries, I’ve got the answers! Here are some common queries I hear:
- How do I store these cookies? Keep your sugar cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them fresh longer, you can also freeze them!
- Can I substitute the butter? Absolutely! If you need a dairy-free option, try using margarine or a vegan butter substitute. The cookies might taste a bit different, but they’ll still be delicious!
- Why are my cookies spreading too much? If your dough is too warm or you skipped chilling it, the cookies might spread too much while baking. Just pop the dough in the fridge for a bit next time.
- Can I use whole wheat flour? Yes, you can! Just keep in mind that your cookies may be denser. I suggest using half whole wheat and half all-purpose for a nice balance.
- What can I do if my cookies are too hard? If your cookies come out hard, try not to overbake them next time. Also, store them with a slice of bread to help keep them soft!
Nutritional Information
It’s always good to know what you’re munching on! Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. For this *sugar cookie recipe*, here’s an estimated breakdown per cookie:
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
These cookies are a sweet treat, so enjoy them in moderation as part of a balanced diet! Happy baking!
Print
Sugar Cookie Recipe: 10 Reasons You’ll Adore These Treats
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This is a simple sugar cookie recipe that yields soft and delicious 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 sugar for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a small bowl, stir together flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla.
- Gradually blend in the dry ingredients.
- Roll rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls.
- Place on ungreased cookie sheets and flatten with the bottom of a glass.
- Sprinkle with sugar.
- Bake 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven.
- Let cool on wire racks.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container for freshness.
- Experiment with different extracts for flavor variations.
- Chill dough for 30 minutes for thicker cookies.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: sugar cookie recipe, soft sugar cookies, easy cookie recipe
