Sugar Cookie Recipe

Name: Sugar Cookie Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon baking powder; 1 cup unsalted butter (softened); 1 ½ cups white sugar; 1 egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ teaspoon almond extract; 3 to 4 tablespoons sugar for decoration

Indulge in the delightful world of sugar cookies with this easy and delicious recipe. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving something sweet, these cookies are sure to impress. They are soft, chewy, and can be decorated in countless ways. Get ready to create a batch that will disappear in no time!

Ingredients

– 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– ½ teaspoon baking powder
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 ½ cups white sugar
– 1 egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– ½ teaspoon almond extract
– 3 to 4 tablespoons sugar for decoration

Servings and Cooking Time

This recipe makes approximately 24 cookies. Preparation time is 15 minutes, and cooking time is about 10 minutes.

Nutritional Value

Each serving (1 cookie) contains approximately: 150 calories, 7g fat, 20g carbohydrates, 1g protein, and 10g sugar. This information is based on one cookie.

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, stir together flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
3. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth.
4. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract.
5. Gradually blend in the dry ingredients.
6. Roll rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls, and place them onto ungreased cookie sheets.
7. Flatten each ball with the bottom of a glass dipped in sugar.
8. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven.
9. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
10. Decorate as desired once cooled.

Alternative Ingredients

You can substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option. Additionally, coconut oil can replace butter for a dairy-free variation.

Serving and Pairings

These sugar cookies are perfect for pairing with a glass of milk, coffee, or tea. They also make a great base for holiday decorations or themed parties.

Storage and Reheating

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer in a sealed bag. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Cooking Mistakes

Not measuring flour accurately can lead to dry cookies.
Overbaking will result in hard cookies; keep an eye on them.
Using cold butter instead of softened can affect texture.
Skipping the chilling step can result in cookies spreading too much.
Not allowing cookies to cool properly can make them break easily.

Helpful Tips

Chill the dough for 30 minutes for better texture.
Experiment with different extracts for unique flavors.
Try adding sprinkles or chocolate chips for extra fun.
Use a cookie cutter for festive shapes.

FAQs

Can I use brown sugar instead of white sugar?

Yes, using brown sugar will give the cookies a richer flavor and a slightly chewy texture, but they may spread more.

How do I make the cookies thicker?

To make thicker cookies, chill the dough for longer before baking and avoid flattening them too much.

Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Absolutely! Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to three months. Thaw before baking.

What can I use for decoration?

You can use icing, sprinkles, or edible glitter for decoration. Get creative with colors and designs!

How long do these cookies stay fresh?

When stored properly in an airtight container, these cookies can stay fresh for up to a week at room temperature.

Conclusion

This sugar cookie recipe is a classic that never goes out of style. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, you can enjoy soft, chewy cookies perfect for any occasion. Whether decorated for a holiday or enjoyed plain, these cookies are sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face.