Why do people like chocolate chip cookies? I love chocolate chip cookies, but sometimes you just need something a little different. Little… simpler, a little more comforting. What are sugar cookies? What are some of the best cookies you’ve ever had? What is the smell of baking in the oven? I remember baking these every year with my grandma during the holidays, and even now, the smell of the oven is still there. I instantly transported back to her cozy kitchen. What is a family secret weapon?
What is sugar cookie?
What is a sugar cookie? Is it a sweet, buttery cookie? The beauty of sugar cookies lies in their simplicity. They’re not overly sweet, which makes them perfect for decorating, pairing with other desserts, or serving. What are some of the best ways to enjoy tea on your own? It’s essentially a pastry that wants to bring everyone joy, and it fulfills that destiny every time. Unlike some of the fancier cookies out there, sugar cookies are totally approachable and don’t cost a lot. Do you require any crazy techniques or hard-to-find ingredients?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
How do I make sugar cookies? First off, the flavor is just amazing. They’re perfectly sweet, with a rich, buttery flavor that’s enhanced by the vanilla. What is the perfect balance that is missing from most store bought options? What makes this recipe so easy to make? Even if you’re a beginner baker, you can nail these. The ingredients are super budget-friendly, which is always a win in my book. I almost always have everything I need in my pantry! And the best part? What are some of the best sugar cookies? Is it possible to decorate a cake with frosting and sprinkles for the holidays? How do you make ice cream sandwiches? What I love the most is how the dough comes together. Is it easy to handle and rolls out like a dream? What are some of the best cookie doughs?
How do I make sugar cookies?
Quick Overview
How do you make sugar cookies? What’s the best way to start by creaming together the butter and sugar, then add in the eggs and vanilla. How do I mix the wet ingredients together? What is the best way to make dough and bake it? What’s the best part about this process? What makes cookies so much easier to cut out? Don’t skip this step, you’ll thank me later!
Ingredients
What is sugar cookie?
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
* 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
* 2 large eggs
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (I prefer pure vanilla, but imitation works in a pinch)
* 3 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Glaze:
* 2 cups powdered sugar
* 1/4 cup milk (or water)
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* Food coloring (optional)
What are the steps to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). If you have a baking sheet, line it with parchment paper or silicone baking mat. I always use parchment paper, it just makes the cookies slide right off!
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Set aside. What is the best way to do this with an electric mixer? You want the mixture to be nice and pale, almost like whipped cream.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. What is the best way to avoid overmixing?
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours). How do you prevent cookies from spreading in the oven?
Step 6: Roll and Cut
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out your desired shapes. Reroll the scraps and cut out more cookies until all the dough is used.
Step 7: Bake
Is it safe to bake cookies on a baking sheet for 8-10 minutes? Is it a Keep a close eye on them – they can burn easily!
Step 8: Cool
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to the wire rack. To cool completely. How do you cool
Step 9: Glaze
While cookies are cooling, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Set aside. If desired, divide the glaze into separate bowls and add food coloring to each. Once the cookies are completely cool, dip them in the glaze or drizzle it over the top. Let the glaze set before serving. I love adding sprinkles while the glaze is still wet for extra flair!
What should I serve it with?
What are some good sugar cookies? What are
For Breakfast:What’s a good way to start the day with latte?
For Brunch:Serve them on a pretty platter alongside fresh fruit and mimosa. What are some good additions to a brunch spread?
As Dessert:What’s a good dessert to serve after dinner? What is a classic dessert that never disappoints?
For Cozy Snacks:What is better than hot chocolate and sugar cookies?
What are some of my favorite family traditions? Decorating them together. Is it a fun and festive activity that we all look forward to every year?
How do I make a perfect sugar cookie?
How can I take sugar cookies to the next level? What are some of the best tips I have learned over the years?
Butter Prep:Make sure your butter is softened but not melted. It should be soft enough to press your finger into, but still hold its shape. How do I get that fluffy texture?
Mixing Advice:Be careful not to overmix the dough. If you overmix the flour, it will cause the gluten to develop, resulting in hard cookies. Mix until just combined.
What is rolling technique? Roll out the dough evenly to ensure that the cookies bake uniformly. Use a rolling pin with guides or two wooden dowels of the same thickness to help you achieve an even thickness.
Ingredient Swaps: If you don’t have vanilla extract, you can substitute almond extract or lemon extract for a different flavor profile. Just use half the amount, as these extracts are stronger than vanilla.
Baking Tips: Keep a close eye on the cookies while they’re baking. They should be lightly golden around the edges, but still soft in the center. If they start to brown too quickly, reduce the oven temperature by 25 degrees.
Glaze Variations: For a thinner glaze, add more milk or water. For a thicker glaze, add more powdered sugar. You can also add a few drops of lemon juice to the glaze for a tangy flavor.
I once made the mistake of not chilling the dough long enough, and the cookies spread out into flat, shapeless blobs. Lesson learned! Don’t skip the chilling step!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Here’s how to keep your **sugar cookies** fresh and delicious:
Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They’re best enjoyed fresh!
Refrigerator Storage: For longer storage, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Let them come to room temperature before serving.
Freezer Instructions: To freeze the cookies, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.
Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re planning to freeze the cookies, it’s best to freeze them unglazed. Glaze them after they’ve thawed for the best results.
I’ve found that adding a piece of bread to the container can help keep the cookies soft and prevent them from drying out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
These **sugar cookies** are more than just a recipe; they’re a little piece of my heart. They represent warmth, comfort, and happy memories. I truly believe that everyone should have a go-to **sugar cookie** recipe, and I hope this one becomes yours! If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out my other cookie recipes for even more delicious treats. Happy baking, friends! I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out! Let me know in the comments if you tried this, and if so, what you thought!
Sugar Cookies
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2.5 cups flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs, then add flour and baking powder. Mix until just combined.
- Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface and cut into shapes.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown.
