Classic Sugar Cookies Recipe
Yield: About 24 cookies
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour (including chilling time)
Ingredients:
- For the Cookies:
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 3 tablespoons milk
- For the Topping:
- ¼ cup granulated sugar for rolling
- Optional: sprinkles, colored sugar, or icing for decorating
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and baking soda. Set this dry mixture aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter until it’s creamy and smooth, about 2 minutes. Add the granulated sugar and continue beating for another 2 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat until fully combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure even mixing.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, beating on low speed until just combined. Add the milk and mix until the dough comes together. The dough should be soft but not sticky.
- Chill the Dough:
- Divide the dough into two equal portions and flatten each into a disc. Wrap each disc in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial as it helps to prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent the cookies from sticking.
- Shape the Cookies:
- Remove one disc of dough from the refrigerator. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to about ¼ inch thick. Using cookie cutters, cut the dough into your desired shapes. If you don’t have cookie cutters, you can use a round glass to make simple round cookies.
- Place the cut-out cookies on the prepared baking sheets, about 2 inches apart.
- Sprinkle the tops of the cookies with granulated sugar or colored sugar for a simple decoration. If you prefer, you can leave them plain and decorate with icing after baking.
- Bake the Cookies:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden. Be careful not to overbake; sugar cookies should remain soft and chewy.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Decorate (Optional):
- Once the cookies are completely cooled, you can decorate them with icing, sprinkles, or additional sugar. To make a simple icing, whisk together 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of milk until smooth. Add food coloring if desired and use a piping bag or a spoon to drizzle the icing over the cookies.
- Serve and Store:
- Enjoy your classic sugar cookies with a glass of milk or a cup of tea. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months.
Tips for Perfect Sugar Cookies:
- Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough is essential for maintaining the shape of the cookies and preventing spreading. If the dough becomes too soft while cutting shapes, return it to the refrigerator for a few minutes.
- Uniform Thickness: Roll the dough to a consistent thickness to ensure even baking. Thicker cookies will be softer, while thinner ones will be crispier.
- Avoid Overmixing: Overmixing the dough can result in tough cookies. Mix until the ingredients are just combined for a tender texture.
- Decorate as Desired: Sugar cookies are perfect for decorating. You can use royal icing for intricate designs, or simply sprinkle with sugar before baking for a classic look.
Variations:
- Lemon Sugar Cookies: Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest to the dough for a citrusy twist.
- Chocolate Sugar Cookies: Substitute ½ cup of flour with cocoa powder for chocolate-flavored sugar cookies.
- Spiced Sugar Cookies: Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice to the dough for a warm, spiced flavor.
These classic sugar cookies are versatile and perfect for any occasion. Whether you enjoy them plain, with a dusting of sugar, or adorned with colorful icing, they are sure to be a delightful treat for everyone!
