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
Scale
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