Sugar Cookie Recipe

Sugar cookies are a delightful treat, perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a party, or just a sweet snack, this beginner-friendly recipe will guide you through creating soft, delicious sugar cookies. Here’s a detailed guide to help you get started.

Ingredients:

• 2 3/4 cups All-Purpose Flour
• 1 tsp Baking Soda
• 1/2 tsp Baking Powder
• 1 cup Unsalted Butter (softened)
• 1 1/2 cups Granulated Sugar
• 1 Egg (large)
• 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
• 1/2 tsp Almond Extract (optional)
• 3-4 tbsp Milk
• Additional Sugar (for rolling)

Equipment:

• Mixing Bowls: One large and one medium.
• Electric Mixer: Stand mixer or hand mixer.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate measurements.
• Baking Sheets: Preferably non-stick or lined with parchment paper.
• Cookie Cutters: If you want shaped cookies.
• Rolling Pin: For rolling out the dough.
• Cooling Rack: To cool the cookies after baking.

Instructions:

1. Preheat Your Oven:
   • Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and allow it to preheat while you prepare the dough.
2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
   • In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking soda, and 1/2 tsp baking powder. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
   • In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream 1 cup softened unsalted butter and 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add the Wet Ingredients:
   • Beat in 1 large egg, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and 1/2 tsp almond extract (if using). Mix until well combined.
   • Gradually blend in the dry ingredients. If the dough is too thick, add 3-4 tbsp of milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough is soft and manageable.
5. Chill the Dough:
   • For easier handling, cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling helps to prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
6. Roll Out the Dough:
   • On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheets about 1 inch apart.
7. Bake the Cookies:
   • Sprinkle the tops of the cookies with a bit of granulated sugar.
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. Be careful not to overbake.
8. Cool the Cookies:
   • Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
9. Decorate (Optional):
   • Once the cookies are completely cool, you can decorate them with icing, sprinkles, or other toppings if desired.

Tips for Success:

• Room Temperature Butter: Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for easier mixing.
• Accurate Measurements: Measure your ingredients precisely, especially the flour. Too much flour can make the cookies dry.
• Chill the Dough: Don’t skip the chilling step; it helps the cookies keep their shape.
• Watch the Baking Time: Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake to prevent overbrowning. They should be slightly golden on the edges but still pale on top.
• Decorating: If decorating, ensure the cookies are completely cool to prevent the icing from melting.

By following these detailed steps, you’ll be able to bake perfect sugar cookies every time, impressing your family and friends with your baking skills. Enjoy your delicious homemade treats!