The Most Delightful Sugar Cookies Recipe for Sweet Smiles
Sweet sugar cookies bring pure joy to any kitchen, promising moments of delectable bliss.
Soft, buttery textures and delicate flavors dance across your palate with irresistible charm.
Baking these classic treats connects generations through shared culinary memories and warm traditions.
Every baker understands the magic of creating something simple yet extraordinary from basic ingredients.
Crisp edges and tender centers make these cookies absolutely impossible to resist.
Imagine filling your home with comforting aromas that promise delicious satisfaction.
The perfect balance of sweetness and texture awaits you in this delightful recipe.
Grab your mixing bowl and let’s create something wonderfully scrumptious together.
Tips That Take Sugar Cookies Up a Notch
Keep Sugar Cookies Soft and Sweet
Tasty Companions for Sugar Cookies
Ways to Customize These Cookies
Sugar Cookie Questions? Find the Answers Here
Yes! You can prepare the dough up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator wrapped in plastic. Just let the dough sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before rolling out.
Make sure your butter is at cool room temperature, not melted. Also, don’t skip chilling the cut-out cookies for 10-15 minutes before baking, which helps them maintain their shape.
Once completely cooled, store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Layer them between sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Absolutely! Baked cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months. Place them in a freezer-safe container with parchment between layers. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Sugar Cookies That Brighten Every Table
What You’ll Need to Bake These Sugar Cookies
Fats and Sweeteners:Liquid Ingredients:Dry Ingredients:Instructions for Picture-Perfect Sugar Cookies
Step 1: Warm Up the Oven
Turn your oven to 350°F (175°C). Let it heat while you prepare the magical cookie dough.
Step 2: Create Creamy Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine:Whip these ingredients until they become light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
Step 3: Add Flavor Boosters
Gently blend into the creamy mixture:Mix until everything is wonderfully combined.
Step 4: Gather Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together:Ensure these ingredients are well-integrated.
Step 5: Merge Wet and Dry Worlds
Slowly introduce dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir gently until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing.
Step 6: Shape the Dough
If the dough feels crumbly, knead it gently on a lightly floured surface. Use damp hands to help bind the mixture smoothly.
Step 7: Roll and Design Cookies
Sprinkle flour on your work surface. Divide dough into 2-3 portions. Roll each section to 1/4 inch thickness. Use fun cookie cutters to create delightful shapes.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Place cookie shapes on a baking sheet. Slide into the preheated oven. Bake 6-8 minutes until edges turn slightly golden.
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy
Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Transfer to a cooling rack. Wait until completely cool before devouring these delectable treats.
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Delightful Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 1x
Description
Sweet, buttery sugar cookies bring pure joy to holiday celebrations. Crisp edges and delicate centers make this classic American treat irresistible for gatherings that spark warmth and cheer.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup (226 grams) unsalted butter
- 1 cup (200 grams) granulated white sugar
- 3 cups (360 grams) all-purpose flour
- 1 egg
Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
Leavening and Seasoning:
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare your kitchen workspace by readying all ingredients and equipment, ensuring a clean, organized cooking environment.
- Thoroughly blend softened butter and sugar in an electric mixer until the mixture transforms into a light, fluffy consistency with a creamy texture.
- Introduce vanilla and almond extracts along with the egg, mixing until the ingredients harmonize seamlessly and create a uniform liquid base.
- Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate vessel, eliminating potential lumps and ensuring even distribution of dry ingredients.
- Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently to prevent overmixing and maintain the delicate cookie texture.
- Evaluate the dough’s consistency; if it appears crumbly or dry, knead briefly on a lightly floured surface, using slightly dampened hands to achieve a smooth, pliable texture.
- Divide the dough into manageable portions, rolling each section on a floured countertop to approximately 1/4 inch thickness using gentle, even pressure.
- Select decorative cookie cutters and carefully press into the rolled dough, transferring delicate shapes onto a lined baking sheet with minimal spacing between each cookie.
- Position the baking sheet in a preheated oven set at 350°F, monitoring cookies closely to achieve a delicate golden edge without excessive browning.
- Remove cookies from the oven and allow them to rest on the baking sheet for several minutes, enabling them to firm up before transferring to a wire cooling rack for complete cooling.
Notes
- Chill the dough for a firmer texture and more precise cutting if you have extra time, though not required for this quick recipe.
- Handle the dough gently to prevent tough cookies, using light touches when mixing and rolling.
- Check cookies at 6 minutes as they brown quickly and can become too crisp if overbaked.
- Use fresh, room temperature ingredients for the smoothest and most consistent cookie texture.
- Dust your work surface and rolling pin with flour to prevent sticky dough and easier cookie cutting.
- Store completely cooled cookies in an airtight container to maintain their soft, delicate texture for several days.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24
- Calories: 164
- Sugar: 8.3 g
- Sodium: 38 mg
- Fat: 7.2 g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 23.9 g
- Fiber: 0.6 g
- Protein: 1.4 g
- Cholesterol: 14 mg
Isabella Rossi
Founder & Culinary Content Creator
Expertise
Recipe Development, Traditional Irish and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education
Education
Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) – School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology
Ballymaloe Cookery School
Liam is the voice behind many of Craft Meats’ most flavorful features. With roots in Dublin’s smoky barbecue scene and a culinary degree from the Dublin Institute of Technology, he brings time-tested cooking techniques to life.
His training at Ballymaloe Cookery School sharpened his farm-to-table approach, giving him a deep respect for every ingredient he writes about.
He’s not about overcomplicating the process, just helping you cook meat that’s worth talking about. When he’s not writing or grilling, he’s out foraging or nerding out on regional spice blends to add to his next recipe.