I’m so excited to share my favorite sugar cookie recipe with you! Sugar cookies have always held a special place in my heart. Growing up, my mom would whip up a batch during the holidays, filling the house with the most delightful aroma, and we’d spend hours decorating them together. There’s something magical about a simple sugar cookie, isn’t there? Perfectly sweet, soft, and often adorned with colorful icing or sprinkles, they bring joy to any occasion and are a timeless treat that appeals to kids and adults alike.
What I love most about these sugar cookies is their versatility! They can be shaped into festive designs for holidays, decorated for birthdays, or simply enjoyed as a sweet everyday snack. Plus, they are super easy to make, and honestly, who doesn’t love a cookie that pairs perfectly with a glass of milk? So let’s roll up our sleeves and get baking!
What’s in The Best Sugar Cookies?
Granulated Sugar: The star of the show in sugar cookies! It provides sweetness and contributes to the cookies’ structure. I always choose pure cane sugar for the best flavor.
Butter: This adds rich flavor and helps achieve that delightful, tender texture. I recommend using unsalted butter to control the saltiness of your cookies.
Eggs: Eggs bind the ingredients together and add a touch of moisture. Make sure they’re at room temperature for even mixing.
Vanilla Extract: Ah, the magic ingredient! A splash of vanilla not only enhances flavor but gives the cookies that warm, homey scent.
Baking Powder: This is what makes the cookies rise, ensuring they’re soft and fluffy rather than flat and hard.
All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of the cookie recipe! This is what gives the cookies their structure without being too dense.
Is The Best Sugar Cookies Good for You?
Okay, let’s be honest – sugar cookies aren’t exactly health food, but they do have their redeeming qualities! For starters, these cookies provide a delightful treat that can boost your mood, which is a benefit in itself!
Butter: While it adds richness and taste, it’s important to use it in moderation since it’s high in saturated fats.
Whole Eggs: They offer proteins and healthy fats; just keep in mind that balance is key. They are great in moderation, but if you’re watching cholesterol, you might want to swap with egg whites or an egg substitute.
All in all, sugar cookies are best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Treat yourself — life’s too short to skip dessert!
Ingredients List
– 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 large egg (at room temperature)
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– A pinch of salt
– Sprinkles or icing for decoration (optional)
This recipe makes about 2 dozen cookies, depending on how big you like them!
How to Make The Best Sugar Cookies?
1. **Preheat Your Oven:** Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cookies bake evenly and perfectly.
2. **Mix the Dry Ingredients:** In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this aside — we’ll come back to it later.
3. **Cream the Butter and Sugar:** In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This will take about 3-5 minutes. It’s a great arm workout!
4. **Add the Egg and Vanilla:** Now, add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat it until well combined.
5. **Combine the Mixtures:** Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix; nobody likes tough cookies!
6. **Shape the Cookies:** Using a tablespoon or a cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Gently flatten them a bit with your palm (they’ll spread a little while baking).
7. **Bake:** Pop the baking sheets into the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them; every oven bakes a little differently!
8. **Cool Down:** Once baked, let the cookies sit on the sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. **Decorate:** Once cooled, get creative with icing or sprinkles if you like. I think they are adorable topped with colorful sprinkles, but you can never go wrong with a simple glaze!
Sweet Tips and Variations
– Want a twist? Try adding lemon zest or almond extract for an extra punch of flavor.
– If you’re feeling festive, use cookie cutters to shape them into hearts, stars, or holiday-themed designs.
– Store your cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh. They usually last about a week (if they last that long!).
I really hope you give these sugar cookies a try! They’re not just cookies; they’re a piece of nostalgia and a sprinkle of joy in each bite. If you try them, I would love to hear how they turn out for you! Happy baking!