Best Sugar Cookie Recipe

Sugar cookies are a timeless treat loved by all ages for their simple, yet delightful taste and versatility in decoration. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, special occasion, or just to satisfy a sweet craving, having the perfect sugar cookie recipe in your repertoire is essential. Here, we delve into crafting the ultimate sugar cookie that promises to be both delicious and picture-perfect.

Ingredients:

• 2 3/4 cups (345g) all-purpose flour: Provides the structure and base for the cookies.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and become light and fluffy.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Adds to the cookies’ texture and helps them spread just right.
• 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened: Gives the cookies their rich, buttery flavor and tender texture.
• 1 1/2 cups (300g) granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and helps the cookies spread and brown nicely.
• 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor profile with its aromatic richness.
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional but recommended): Adds a delightful hint of almond flavor, complementing the sweetness of the cookies.
• Additional flour for rolling: Helps prevent the dough from sticking.

Instructions:

1. Preheat Your Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This process aerates the butter, creating a softer cookie texture.
4. Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) until well combined.
5. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until the flour is fully incorporated and the dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Chill the Dough: Divide the dough into two equal portions, flatten into discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 24 hours). Chilling the dough ensures the cookies hold their shape during baking.
7. Roll and Cut: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) again. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough at a time to about 1/4 inch (6mm) thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes, transferring them to the prepared baking sheets.
8. Bake: Bake cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden. The baking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of your cookies, so keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time.
9. Cool and Decorate: Remove from oven and let cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely. Once cooled, decorate with icing, sprinkles, or enjoy them plain!

Tips for Success:

• Room Temperature Butter: Ensure your butter is softened but not melted. This ensures proper creaming with the sugar for a light and fluffy texture.
• Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough prevents spreading during baking, resulting in cookies with clean, defined edges.
• Uniform Thickness: Roll out the dough evenly to ensure all cookies bake at the same rate.
• Decorating Options: Get creative with icing, colored sugars, or even chocolate drizzles for festive and flavorful cookies.

With this foolproof sugar cookie recipe, you’re equipped to create batches of delicious treats that will delight friends and family alike. Whether for holidays, birthdays, or just a sweet afternoon snack, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Enjoy the process of baking and sharing these delightful treats with your loved ones!