Easy Sugar Cookies
Indulging in a batch of homemade sugar cookies is a delightful experience that never goes out of style. This easy sugar cookie recipe brings together simple ingredients to create a sweet treat that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a festive gathering or a cozy afternoon at home.
The beauty of these cookies lies in their versatility; they can be enjoyed plain or customized with candies or toppings. One of our favorites is adding chocolate mints on top, which elevates the flavor and adds a festive touch that both kids and adults will love.
With straightforward steps and a quick baking time, these sugar cookies are as rewarding to make as they are to eat. Once you pull them from the oven, the enticing aroma will have everyone eagerly waiting to savor a warm, buttery bite.
Easy Sugar Cookies: Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: The foundation of these cookies, providing structure and a tender crumb that balances the sweetness.
- Butter: This creamy ingredient adds rich flavor and a melt-in-your-mouth texture, ensuring each bite is indulgent.
- White sugar: Essential for sweetness, it enhances the cookie’s flavor while helping to create a beautiful golden crust.
- Egg: A binding agent that brings the ingredients together, contributing moisture and a slight lift to the cookies.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses the dough with a warm, aromatic essence, elevating the overall taste and making the cookies irresistible.
Easy Sugar Cookies
This easy sugar cookie recipe is a delightful way to create a sweet treat with minimal effort. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies are a canvas for creativity, whether enjoyed plain or adorned with your favorite toppings. To enhance your baking experience, here are some valuable tips, serving suggestions, and answers to common questions about this delicious recipe.
Recipe Tips
- Measure Ingredients Accurately: Baking is a science, so measuring your ingredients accurately is crucial. Use a kitchen scale for precision, especially when it comes to flour. Too much flour can lead to dry cookies, while too little can make them too sticky. Level off your measuring cups with a knife for the best results.
- Chill the Dough: For even better texture and to prevent spreading, consider chilling the cookie dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps solidify the butter and allows the flavors to meld, resulting in thicker, chewier cookies. Just make sure to let the dough sit at room temperature for a few minutes before rolling into balls.
- Customize Toppings: While these cookies are delicious on their own, don’t hesitate to experiment with toppings! From chocolate chips to crushed candies or a sprinkle of sea salt, the options are endless. If using candy, press them into the cookies immediately after they come out of the oven for a beautiful presentation.
What to Serve with Easy Sugar Cookies
- Milk or Plant-Based Milk: A classic pairing with sugar cookies, a glass of cold milk perfectly complements the sweetness of these treats. Whether you prefer traditional dairy or a nut or oat milk alternative, the creaminess helps balance the flavors and enhances the overall indulgence.
- Coffee or Tea: For an adult twist, serve your sugar cookies with a warm cup of coffee or herbal tea. The rich, bold flavors of coffee contrast beautifully with the sweetness of the cookies, while tea adds a soothing touch. Consider a light roast coffee or a chamomile tea for the perfect pairing.
- Ice Cream Sandwiches: Transform your sugar cookies into ice cream sandwiches for a fun and refreshing dessert. Choose your favorite ice cream flavor, place a scoop between two cookies, and enjoy! Roll the edges in sprinkles or crushed nuts for an extra festive touch.
FAQ
- Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the baking powder and other ingredients are also gluten-free. - How do I store leftover cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer freshness, freeze them in a sealed bag, and they’ll last for up to three months. - Can I freeze the dough?
Absolutely! You can freeze the cookie dough before baking. Roll it into balls, place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time. - What can I use instead of butter?
You can replace butter with margarine or coconut oil for a dairy-free option. If using coconut oil, ensure it’s softened, not melted, for the best texture in your cookies.
Easy Sugar Cookies
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour
- Butter softened
- White sugar
- Egg
- Vanilla extract
- Baking soda
- Baking powder
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all necessary ingredients and preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
- In a small bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Mix thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of the leavening agents.
- In a larger mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and white sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture is smooth and fluffy.
- Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract into the butter-sugar mixture, blending until fully integrated.
- Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until a uniform dough forms.
- Roll the dough into walnut-sized balls and arrange them on ungreased baking sheets, spacing them approximately two inches apart.
- Place the sheets in the preheated oven and bake until the edges turn golden, which should take about 8 to 10 minutes. Allow the cookies to cool briefly on the baking sheets before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.