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To make perfect sugar cookies, gather these simple ingredients: - 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened - 1 ½ cups white sugar - 1 egg - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon almond extract - 1 teaspoon baking soda - ½ teaspoon baking powder - ¾ teaspoon salt - 3 tablespoons granulated sugar (for rolling) - Optional: colored sprinkles or edible glitter for decoration Each ingredient plays a key role in creating the right texture and flavor. All-purpose flour gives structure to the cookies. It helps them hold their shape as they bake. Unsalted butter adds richness and moisture. Use it softened so it blends well with sugar. White sugar sweetens the dough and helps with browning. The egg binds the ingredients together and adds a nice chew. Vanilla and almond extracts bring depth to the flavor. They make every cookie taste special. Baking soda and baking powder are leavening agents. They help the cookies rise and become fluffy. Salt enhances the sweetness of the cookies. Rolling the dough in extra granulated sugar adds a lovely crunch and sparkle. Feel free to use colored sprinkles or edible glitter for fun decorations. They make your cookies pop! Now that you have your ingredients, you’re ready to start baking these delicious treats. Enjoy the process! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, set your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step helps the cookies bake evenly. While it warms up, line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This will keep the cookies from sticking. Next, take a medium bowl. In this bowl, whisk together 2 ¾ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, ½ teaspoon of baking powder, and ¾ teaspoon of salt. Mix well and set the bowl aside. Now, grab a large bowl and an electric mixer. Add 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 ½ cups of white sugar. Beat them together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This step adds air and makes your cookies light. Add 1 egg into the creamy mixture. Then, pour in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1 teaspoon of almond extract. Beat everything together until it looks well mixed. These extracts give your cookies a lovely flavor. Take the dry mixture you set aside. Gradually add it to the creamed mixture. Mix until everything is fully combined. This helps your cookies stay soft and not too tough. Now, scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough. Roll each portion into a ball. Then, roll each ball in 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar. This gives a nice sweet crust when baked. Place the dough balls on the baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. If you want, flatten them slightly with a fork or a glass. Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown. Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Then, transfer them to wire racks to cool completely. This cooling time allows the cookies to set and become perfect for eating! To get the right texture in your sugar cookies, use room temperature butter. It should be soft but not melted. Cream the butter well with the sugar. This step adds air, making the cookies fluffy. Mix your dry and wet ingredients separately first. Gradually blend them together. Don’t over-mix the dough; just combine until smooth. One common mistake is using cold butter. It will not cream well, and your cookies may turn out flat. Another mistake is skipping the chilling step for the dough. Chilling helps the cookies hold their shape. Also, watch your bake time. Remove the cookies when edges are golden, not brown. Overbaking makes them hard, not soft. Get creative by using colored icing or sprinkles. You can pipe icing on top for designs. Use cookie cutters to make fun shapes. Try seasonal themes for holidays. Place edible glitter on top before baking for sparkle. Dust with powdered sugar after baking for a classic touch. To use edible glitter and sprinkles, add them just before baking. Roll your dough balls in granulated sugar first. Then, add a sprinkle of glitter or sprinkles on top. This gives a nice crunch and look. Be sure to use products labeled "edible." Regular glitter is not safe to eat. Pro Tips Chill the Dough: For thicker cookies, chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies maintain their shape and prevents spreading. Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to customize the flavor by adding citrus zest, or substituting different extracts like coconut or peppermint for a unique twist! Check for Doneness: Cookies will appear soft in the center when they are done. They will continue to firm up as they cool, so don't overbake them! Storage Tips: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze them for longer-lasting freshness. {{image_2}} You can easily change the flavor of your sugar cookies. Here are some ideas: - Lemon: Add the zest of one lemon to the dough. This gives a bright, fresh taste. - Chocolate Chip: Fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips to the dough. This adds a rich, sweet flavor. - Almond: Use more almond extract, up to 2 teaspoons. It gives a stronger nutty taste. - Spices: Mix in 1 teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm flavor. Each variation offers a unique twist on the classic sugar cookie. Get creative and try your favorite flavors! Making gluten-free sugar cookies is simple. Just swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. Here’s what you need to do: - Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. This works well in most recipes. - Ensure your baking soda and baking powder are gluten-free. - Check all other ingredients for gluten-free labeling. You won't lose any taste or texture. Your gluten-free friends will love these cookies! Sugar cookies are perfect for any holiday or event. Here are some fun ideas: - Christmas: Use cookie cutters to make stars, trees, or ornaments. Decorate with colored icing and sprinkles. - Valentine’s Day: Cut out hearts and decorate with pink icing and red sprinkles. - Halloween: Make spooky shapes like ghosts and pumpkins. Use black and orange icing for a festive touch. - Birthdays: Create fun shapes like balloons or cakes. Add bright icing and colorful sprinkles. These themed cookies add joy to every celebration. You can personalize them to fit any theme! To keep your sugar cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place a piece of parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking. This helps the cookies stay soft and tasty. You can also add a slice of bread to keep them moist. Bread absorbs moisture and helps keep your cookies from drying out. Freezing sugar cookie dough is simple and smart. First, scoop the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze the balls for about an hour. Once firm, transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag. Label the bag with the date and type of cookie. When you are ready to bake, just take out the dough and let it thaw for about 10 minutes before baking. Baked sugar cookies can last about one week when stored properly. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Baked cookies can last up to three months in the freezer. Just remember to wrap them well to prevent freezer burn. Sugar cookies get their soft and chewy texture from a few key ingredients. First, using unsalted butter adds moisture. The right balance of baking soda and baking powder helps the cookies rise but keeps them tender. Also, don’t overmix the dough. This keeps the cookies light and airy. For the best results, bake them until the edges are just golden. This will give you that perfect soft center. To stop cookies from spreading, chill your dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This firms up the butter, making it less likely to melt too fast in the oven. Another tip is to use parchment paper on your baking sheets. It acts as a barrier and helps keep the shape. Make sure you measure your flour correctly. Too little flour can lead to spreading as well. Yes, you can use brown sugar instead of white sugar. Brown sugar adds a hint of caramel flavor and moisture, making cookies chewier. If you want a mix, try using half brown sugar and half white sugar. This will give you a nice balance of flavor and texture. You can add flavor by using extracts or zests. Vanilla and almond extracts are great options. Just a teaspoon each will work well. For a fresh twist, add a bit of lemon or orange zest. Be careful not to add too much liquid. This could alter the dough’s texture. All-purpose flour is the best choice for sugar cookies. It gives the cookies a good structure while keeping them tender. You can also use cake flour for a lighter texture. Just remember, if you switch flours, you may need to adjust the amount slightly. You learned how to make sugar cookies from scratch. We covered key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. Baking cookies can be a fun and rewarding experience. Practice makes perfect, so don't worry if they aren't flawless the first time. Explore flavor variations and creative decorations to make them unique. Store your cookies properly for lasting freshness. Enjoy baking and sharing these treats, as they bring smiles to everyone. Happy baking!

Sugar Cookie Bliss

Deliciously soft and sweet sugar cookies, perfect for any occasion.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 24
Calories 100 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2.75 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 0.5 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1.5 cups white sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon almond extract
  • 0.75 teaspoon salt
  • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar (for rolling)
  • optional colored sprinkles or edible glitter for decoration

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  • In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter and 1 ½ cups of white sugar until smooth and creamy.
  • Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until well combined.
  • Gradually add the dry mixture to the creamed mixture, mixing until fully incorporated.
  • Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Roll each ball in the extra granulated sugar to coat.
  • Space the dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. If desired, gently flatten each ball with a fork or the bottom of a glass to create a crisscross pattern.
  • If using, sprinkle colorful edible sprinkles or glitter on top of each cookie before baking.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
  • Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

Notes

Arrange the cooled cookies on a decorative plate, dust lightly with powdered sugar for a beautiful finish, or stack them in a clear jar for a charming gift idea!
Keyword cookies, dessert, sugar cookies