There’s something truly magical about the aroma of freshly baked sugar cookies wafting through the kitchen. These delightful treats have a special place in my heart, often evoking memories of holiday gatherings and family celebrations. They’re not just cookies; they’re a canvas for creativity, whether you decorate them for a birthday or enjoy them plain with a cup of tea. With their soft and chewy texture, The Best Sugar Cookies are sure to become a favorite in your home, perfect for any occasion.
Why Make This Recipe
These sugar cookies are loved for their delightful sweetness and simplicity. They come together quickly, making them an ideal choice for busy families looking to bake together. The dough can even be made in advance and chilled for easy baking whenever the mood strikes.
"These cookies were a hit! Everyone asked for the recipe at our family gathering," says a happy home baker.
Whether you’re throwing a birthday party or just want a sweet treat after dinner, these cookies fit the bill. Their versatility makes them perfect for all occasions. Kids love to help cut out shapes, and adults appreciate how easy it is to whip them up without fuss.
How to Make The Best Sugar Cookies
Making The Best Sugar Cookies is a breeze that even novice bakers can enjoy. Start by blending the butter and sugar until creamy. Once fully combined, mix in the egg and extracts. After that, sift in the flour and salt. A quick mix brings the dough together, which you’ll shape into a disk and chill. Chilling is important, as it helps the cookies maintain their shape when they bake.
When you’re ready to bake, roll out the chilled dough, cut out your favorite shapes, and pop them into the oven. Make sure to keep an eye on them, as bake times can vary depending on your cookie size. Once they come out just golden at the edges and have cooled, you can frost them or simply enjoy as is.
Ingredients
Gather these items:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For substitutions, you can use softened coconut oil for a dairy-free option or replace part of the sugar with a sugar alternative for a lighter treat. Feel free to swap in different extracts, like lemon or orange, for a unique twist on flavor.
Directions
In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the butter and sugar, and beat until just combined, about 45 seconds. Add in the egg, vanilla, and almond extract, and beat well, about 1 minute. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and add the flour and salt, mixing until no streaks of flour remain. Form a flat, oval disk and wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least an hour or overnight.
Preheat the oven to 350°F and line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. On a floured surface, roll out the cookie dough with a rolling pin to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut out shapes and carefully transfer them to the prepared baking sheets. If you want to sprinkle the cookies with colored sugar, do so now! Depending on the size of your cookies, bake for 8 to 12 minutes or until the edges are just golden brown. It totally depends on the size of your cookies— for mini cookies, usually about 8 minutes; for medium size, about 10; and for larger cookies, about 12. Allow the cookies to cool completely before transferring them to a wire rack. Allow to cool completely before frosting or enjoy plain!
How to Serve The Best Sugar Cookies
Sugar cookies are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. Dust them lightly with powdered sugar for a simple presentation, or decorate them with colorful icing for special occasions. These cookies pair wonderfully with a cozy cup of tea or coffee and can be enjoyed on their own or with a scoop of ice cream for a fun dessert twist. Consider hosting a cookie decorating party for kids, letting each child design their own creations with sprinkles and frosting.
How to Store
These sugar cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, they can be frozen for up to three months. Just make sure they’re properly wrapped to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy frozen cookies, simply let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften.
Tips to Make
For perfect sugar cookies every time, ensure your butter is at room temperature; this helps create the creamy texture. Also, don’t skip the chilling step— it’s key to achieving the ideal shape. If your dough feels too sticky while rolling, sprinkle a little more flour on your surface. Using cookie cutters dipped in flour can also prevent sticking. Lastly, adjust your baking time based on your cookie size to avoid overbaking.
Variations
There are endless possibilities when it comes to sugar cookie variations. For a holiday twist, try adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough. You can swap out the almond extract for other flavors, such as peppermint or coconut, to tailor them to different seasons. For a pop of flavor and color, consider adding citrus zest or chocolate chips. You could also try making these cookies gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
FAQs
What is the best way to cut out sugar cookies?
Use cold dough and flour your cutters to make the process easy and clean.
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Absolutely! You can freeze the dough for up to three months. Just thaw and roll when you’re ready to bake.
What is the secret to chewy sugar cookies?
The key is to take them out of the oven just as they start to turn golden, letting them continue to cook slightly as they cool.
Can I decorate these cookies?
Yes! These sugar cookies are perfect for decorating with icing or sprinkles for any occasion.
For More Recipe Inspiration
If you’re looking for more delicious homemade options, try our Smash Cake or indulge in our Cottage Cheese Chocolate Mousse. Both are great additions to your dessert repertoire!
Join our community for more cozy baking ideas at:
https://www.pinterest.com/quickcakes/
The Best Sugar Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the butter and sugar, and beat until just combined, about 45 seconds.
- Add the egg, vanilla, and almond extract, and beat well for about 1 minute.
- Scrape down the sides of the bowl and add the flour and salt, mixing until no streaks of flour remain.
- Form the dough into a flat, oval disk and wrap in plastic wrap.
- Refrigerate for at least an hour or overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
- On a floured surface, roll out the cookie dough to 1/4 inch thickness.
- Cut out shapes and carefully transfer to the prepared baking sheets.
- If desired, sprinkle the cookies with colored sugar.
- Bake for 8 to 12 minutes, until edges are just golden brown.
- Remove from oven and allow to cool completely before transferring to a wire rack.