Sugar Cookies Recipe

Sugar cookies are a timeless favorite, perfect for any occasion from holidays to everyday treats. They are easy to make, with a soft and buttery texture that can be decorated in endless ways. This recipe will guide you through making delicious sugar cookies from scratch. Let’s get started!

Ingredients

For the Cookies

• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
• 2 tablespoons milk

For Rolling

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

Optional Icing

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 teaspoons milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Food coloring (optional)
• Sprinkles (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside.
2. Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add egg and extracts: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) until well combined.
4. Combine dry and wet ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. Add the milk and mix until the dough comes together.

Step 2: Chill the Dough

1. Chill: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling the dough helps to make it easier to handle and prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking.

Step 3: Preheat the Oven and Prepare for Baking

1. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
2. Prepare rolling sugar: Place the 1/4 cup granulated sugar in a small bowl.

Step 4: Shape and Bake the Cookies

1. Form balls: Scoop out tablespoons of dough and roll them into balls.
2. Coat in sugar: Roll each ball in the granulated sugar until fully coated.
3. Arrange on baking sheet: Place the sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass.
4. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set and just starting to turn golden. The centers should still look slightly underbaked.

Step 5: Cool and Decorate

1. Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
2. Prepare icing (optional): In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. If desired, add food coloring to the icing.
3. Decorate: Once the cookies are completely cool, use a spoon or piping bag to drizzle or spread the icing on the cookies. Add sprinkles if desired.

Step 6: Serve

1. Serve: Enjoy your sugar cookies with a glass of milk or a cup of tea.

Tips for the Perfect Sugar Cookies

• Chill the dough: Chilling the dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much and makes the dough easier to handle.
• Don’t overbake: For soft cookies, remove them from the oven when the edges are set but the centers are still slightly underbaked. They will continue to cook as they cool on the baking sheet.
• Customize flavors: Experiment with different extracts like lemon, peppermint, or coconut to customize the flavor of your cookies.
• Decorate creatively: Have fun with icing, sprinkles, and other decorations to make your sugar cookies festive for any occasion.

Conclusion

This classic sugar cookie recipe is sure to become a favorite with its perfect combination of buttery flavor and soft texture. Whether you enjoy them plain or decorated, these cookies are always a hit. Enjoy baking and indulging in these delightful treats!