Every bite of a well-made sugar cookie takes me back to festive gatherings and cozy moments in the kitchen. Whether paired with a cup of hot cocoa or a tall glass of milk, these cookies are a universal delight. When I set out to bake sugar cookies, I think about how they can be the perfect companion for storytelling, laughter, and joy. Let me take you through a delightful journey into the world of sugar cookies, a classic treat that’s approachable yet endlessly customizable.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
This sugar cookie recipe is a winner for many reasons. First, it’s easy to follow—ideal for both novice and seasoned bakers. I appreciate recipes that simplify the process without compromising flavor or texture. Using basic ingredients that are often found in the pantry makes this recipe accessible.
Remember the last time you hosted a gathering? Picture this: guests laughing, kids running around, and you emerge from the kitchen with a tray of warm sugar cookies. People will be singing your praises. And if that doesn’t make you want to bake these cookies, I don’t know what will!
Having baked countless batches of sugar cookies, I’ve tuned my ingredients and method for reliability. I’ve tested and tweaked this recipe so that it produces cookies with crisp edges, chewy interiors, and a delightful sweetness.
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Let’s Dive Into the Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create these delicious confections:
Unsalted Butter (3/4 cup or 170g): The heart of any good cookie. I always use unsalted so I can control the saltiness.
Granulated White Sugar (3/4 cup or 150g): This adds sweetness and helps create that perfectly chewy texture.
Large Egg (1): Preferably at room temperature. It acts as a binding agent and adds moisture.
Pure Vanilla Extract (2 teaspoons): Vanilla is a game-changer, infusing every bite with warmth and depth.
Optional Almond Extract (1/4 teaspoon): A dash of almond extract brings an incredible flavor boost.
Finely Grated Lemon Zest (1 teaspoon): This will brighten your cookie in a magical way.
Milk or Cream (1 tablespoon): Optional, but it gives the dough a softer texture if added.
All-Purpose Flour (2 and 1/4 cups or 281g): The backbone of the cookie. Be sure to measure it correctly.
Baking Powder (1/2 teaspoon): This ingredient gives the cookies a bit of lift.
Fine Sea Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Counterbalances the sweetness.
Let’s Bake!
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, we’ll prepare our dough.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated white sugar together until light and fluffy. I usually start with a hand mixer for even incorporation; it makes the job easier. This step is crucial for incorporating air into the mixture, leading to light cookies.
Step 3: Mix in the Egg and Extracts
Once your butter and sugar are well combined, add in that large egg, vanilla extract, and optional almond extract. Beat it until everything is well mixed and smooth. The mixture should look creamy and homogenous.
Step 4: Add Lemon Zest and Milk
Now, stir in the freshly grated lemon zest and milk if you’re using it. The lemon zest can be transformative—its fresh notes lend depth to the overall flavor.
Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and sea salt. This step ensures that the leavening agent and salt are evenly distributed before being incorporated.
Step 6: Gradually Add Dry Ingredients
Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. I find it helpful to do this in two or three batches, mixing each thoroughly before adding more. Avoid overmixing; you don’t want tough cookies.
Step 7: Chill Your Dough
If you have time, let the dough chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. Chilling will firm up the butter, helping your cookies maintain their shape while baking.
Step 8: Prepare for Baking
Line your baking sheet with parchment paper. Flour your working surface lightly. Scoop the dough into balls—about 1.5 inches in diameter. Roll them in your hands to make them perfectly round.
Step 9: Flatten and Decorate
Place the cookie dough balls on your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Here’s where it gets fun: flatten them slightly with a glass or your hand and decorate with sprinkles or sanding sugar.
Step 10: Bake
Bake in your preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly golden. The centers will look soft; that’s okay! They’ll continue to set as they cool.
Step 11: Cool and Enjoy!
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. They will firm up as they cool.
Recipe Notes
Let’s break down some of our key ingredients:
Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted gives you control over the final flavor.
Granulated Sugar: This sweetener is essential for achieving that traditional crunchy exterior.
Egg: It adds moisture and richness, essential for a good cookie texture.
Flour: There are great gluten-free options available if you need them. Just substitute with a gluten-free blend.
Baking Powder: That’s what gives our cookies the right lift without being cakey.
Salt: A small amount can enhance the overall flavor and balance the sweetness.
Recipe Variations
Add Chocolate Chips: Toss in some semi-sweet chocolate chips for a delicious twist.
Substitute Citrus: Try orange zest or even lime zest instead of lemon.
Nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans can add a delightful crunch.
Coconut: Include sweetened shredded coconut for that tropical flair.
Spices: Mix in some cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm flavor profile.
Icing: A simple glaze or royal icing can elevate these cookies to a new level.
Conclusion
Baking sugar cookies isn’t just about the end product; it’s a memory-making experience. Each step brings you closer to a batch of treats that can make any gathering sparkle. With a handful of ingredients, you can create a delightful cookie that can be enjoyed in countless ways, from simple with a sprinkle of sugar to elegantly iced masterpieces.
So grab that mixing bowl, put on your favorite apron, and let’s make some sugar cookies. They’re not just a dessert; they’re an invitation to share sweetness, laughter, and perhaps a story or two. Remember, every cookie tells a story; what will yours be?
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Sugar Cookies – Great Meal Recipes
Description
This sugar cookie recipe is a winner for many reasons. First, it’s easy to follow—ideal for both novice and seasoned bakers. I appreciate recipes that simplify the process without compromising flavor or texture. Using basic ingredients that are often found in the pantry makes this recipe accessible.
Remember the last time you hosted a gathering? Picture this: guests laughing, kids running around, and you emerge from the kitchen with a tray of warm sugar cookies. People will be singing your praises. And if that doesn't make you want to bake these cookies, I don’t know what will!
Having baked countless batches of sugar cookies, I’ve tuned my ingredients and method for reliability. I’ve tested and tweaked this recipe so that it produces cookies with crisp edges, chewy interiors, and a delightful sweetness.
Ingredients
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
-
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, we'll prepare our dough.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
-
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated white sugar together until light and fluffy. I usually start with a hand mixer for even incorporation; it makes the job easier. This step is crucial for incorporating air into the mixture, leading to light cookies.
Step 3: Mix in the Egg and Extracts
-
Once your butter and sugar are well combined, add in that large egg, vanilla extract, and optional almond extract. Beat it until everything is well mixed and smooth. The mixture should look creamy and homogenous.
Step 4: Add Lemon Zest and Milk
-
Now, stir in the freshly grated lemon zest and milk if you're using it. The lemon zest can be transformative—its fresh notes lend depth to the overall flavor.
Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients
-
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and sea salt. This step ensures that the leavening agent and salt are evenly distributed before being incorporated.
Step 6: Gradually Add Dry Ingredients
-
Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. I find it helpful to do this in two or three batches, mixing each thoroughly before adding more. Avoid overmixing; you don’t want tough cookies.
Step 7: Chill Your Dough
-
If you have time, let the dough chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. Chilling will firm up the butter, helping your cookies maintain their shape while baking.
Step 8: Prepare for Baking
-
Line your baking sheet with parchment paper. Flour your working surface lightly. Scoop the dough into balls—about 1.5 inches in diameter. Roll them in your hands to make them perfectly round.
Step 9: Flatten and Decorate
-
Place the cookie dough balls on your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Here’s where it gets fun: flatten them slightly with a glass or your hand and decorate with sprinkles or sanding sugar.
Step 10: Bake
-
Bake in your preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly golden. The centers will look soft; that’s okay! They’ll continue to set as they cool.
Step 11: Cool and Enjoy!
-
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. They will firm up as they cool.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 24
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 1kcal
Note
Let’s break down some of our key ingredients:
Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted gives you control over the final flavor.
Granulated Sugar: This sweetener is essential for achieving that traditional crunchy exterior.
Egg: It adds moisture and richness, essential for a good cookie texture.
Flour: There are great gluten-free options available if you need them. Just substitute with a gluten-free blend.
Baking Powder: That's what gives our cookies the right lift without being cakey.
Salt: A small amount can enhance the overall flavor and balance the sweetness.
