Indulge in the delightful world of sugar cookies with this easy-to-follow recipe. Perfectly sweet and buttery, these cookies are a staple for any gathering or as a treat just for yourself. With a few basic ingredients and simple steps, you can create a batch of cookies that will impress family and friends alike. Let’s get baking and bring some sweetness into your life!
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 tablespoons milk
– ½ teaspoon salt
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe makes approximately 24 cookies. Preparation time is about 15 minutes, with a cooking time of 8 to 10 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1 cookie) contains approximately 150 calories, 7g fat, 22g carbohydrates, and 2g protein. This is based on a standard sugar cookie made from this recipe.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt; set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth.
4. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until well combined.
5. Gradually blend in the dry ingredients.
6. Add milk to achieve desired dough consistency.
7. Roll rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls, and place them on ungreased cookie sheets.
8. Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass.
9. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven until golden.
10. Let cool on wire racks.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute butter with margarine or coconut oil for a dairy-free option. Use gluten-free flour blends for a gluten-free version. For a fun twist, add chocolate chips or sprinkles to your dough!
Serving and Pairings
These sugar cookies can be enjoyed on their own or served with a glass of milk, coffee, or tea. They also pair wonderfully with frosting or a dusting of powdered sugar for added sweetness.
Storage and Reheating
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. They can also be frozen for up to three months. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes.
Cooking Mistakes
- Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies.
- Not chilling the dough may result in spreading too much during baking.
- Using stale ingredients can affect the cookie’s texture and flavor.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately can lead to inconsistent results.
- Baking at the wrong temperature can cause cookies to burn or remain doughy inside.
Helpful Tips
- Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes for better texture.
- Experiment with different extracts for unique flavors.
- Use a cookie scoop for uniform cookie sizes.
- Decorate with icing for festive occasions.
FAQs
Can I use brown sugar instead of white sugar?
Yes, you can substitute brown sugar for white sugar. This will give your cookies a richer flavor and a slightly chewy texture.
What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough is too sticky, try chilling it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes or adding a little extra flour until it’s manageable.
How do I decorate my sugar cookies?
You can use royal icing, buttercream frosting, or simply dust with powdered sugar. Get creative with sprinkles or edible glitter for a fun touch!
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance, refrigerate it, and bake the cookies when you’re ready. They also freeze well.
What is the best way to store sugar cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for freshness. You can also layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Conclusion
This sugar cookie recipe is a delightful addition to any dessert table and is sure to please everyone. With its simplicity and versatility, you can enjoy these cookies year-round. Happy baking!
Sugar Cookie Recipe
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 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt; set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until well combined.
- Gradually blend in the dry ingredients.
- Add milk to achieve desired dough consistency.
- Roll rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls, and place on ungreased cookie sheets.
- Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven until golden.
- Let cool on wire racks.