Sweet Adventures in Baking
There’s something incredibly special about a batch of freshly baked sugar cookies. They evoke memories of family gatherings, holiday celebrations, and childhood baking sessions in the kitchen. This particular recipe for sugar cookies is not only simple but yields the most delightful, soft, and buttery cookies that are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making them for a holiday party or just because you need a sweet treat, these sugar cookies are sure to bring joy to everyone who takes a bite.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
Sugar cookies are a classic dessert that everyone adores. This recipe is particularly special because it’s easy to make, requires just a handful of ingredients, and is utterly customizable. They’re perfect for decorating during the holidays, as well as being an everyday delight. Plus, they’re kid-approved and a great baking project to do with your little ones!
"After trying this recipe, I can’t go back to store-bought cookies. These are perfectly soft with just the right amount of sweetness!" – A happy home baker.
The Cooking Process Explained
Creating the best sugar cookies is a delightful journey. The steps are straightforward, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels. You’ll start by mixing your butter and sugar, followed by adding your wet ingredients, and finishing with the flour mixture. After resting the dough, you’ll roll, cut, and bake to perfection.
What You’ll Need
Gather these items for your sweet endeavor:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Note: You can substitute the almond extract with more vanilla if desired, or add food coloring to your dough for a festive twist!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your perfect sugar cookies:
- In your stand mixer with the paddle attachment, combine the room-temperature butter and granulated sugar. Beat until just combined, about 45 seconds.
- Add the egg, along with the vanilla and almond extracts. Mix well for 1 minute until everything is nicely blended.
- Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt, mixing until there are no streaks of flour left.
- Form the dough into a flat, oval disk. Wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour, or ideally overnight for optimal flavor.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- On a floured surface, roll out your chilled cookie dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to create fun shapes and transfer them onto the prepared baking sheets.
- If desired, sprinkle colored sugar on top before baking. Bake for about 8 to 12 minutes until the edges are just golden brown.
- Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheets before transferring them to a wire rack.
Best Ways to Enjoy Them
These sugar cookies are perfect served warm right out of the oven, but they also shine when paired with a cold glass of milk or a cup of hot cocoa. Consider icing them for extra sweetness or placing them on a decorative platter for an impressive dessert display at your next gathering.
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
To maintain those delightful flavors, store your cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last up to a week. For longer storage, consider freezing them! Just ensure they’re placed in a freezer-safe bag or container. Remember: always let them cool completely before freezing to preserve texture.
Helpful Cooking Tips
To ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time:
- Use room-temperature ingredients for a better blend.
- Chill the dough well before rolling; this helps them keep their shape while baking.
- Don’t overbake! Keep an eye on the cookies, as they can quickly go from golden to browned.
Creative Twists
Feeling adventurous? You can add various flavors to these sugar cookies! Consider:
- Adding a teaspoon of citrus zest for a bright twist.
- Incorporating mini chocolate chips or sprinkles into the dough for added fun and flavor.
- Using royal icing or melted chocolate for decoration after cooling.
Your Questions Answered
How long does it take to prepare these cookies?
The total prep time is about 2 hours. This includes an hour for dough chilling. Baking takes only about 10 minutes per batch!
Can I use unsalted butter for this recipe?
Yes, using unsalted butter is common in baking as it allows you to control the salt content in the recipe.
What if I don’t have almond extract?
No problem! Simply substitute with more vanilla extract or omit it altogether. Your cookies will still be delicious!
With these guidelines and tips, you’re all set to bake a batch of these delightful sugar cookies. Enjoy these little bites of happiness and make new memories in the kitchen!
Sugar Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- In your stand mixer with the paddle attachment, combine the room-temperature butter and granulated sugar. Beat until just combined, about 45 seconds.
- Add the egg, along with the vanilla and almond extracts. Mix well for 1 minute until everything is nicely blended.
- Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt, mixing until there are no streaks of flour left.
- Form the dough into a flat, oval disk. Wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour, or ideally overnight for optimal flavor.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- On a floured surface, roll out your chilled cookie dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to create fun shapes and transfer them onto the prepared baking sheets.
- If desired, sprinkle colored sugar on top before baking. Bake for about 8 to 12 minutes until the edges are just golden brown.
- Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheets before transferring them to a wire rack.