Sugar cookies are a classic and beloved treat that are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making them for a holiday party, a bake sale, or just to satisfy a sweet tooth, these cookies are sure to be a hit. With this simple recipe, you can easily make delicious sugar cookies from scratch that are soft, chewy, and bursting with flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs, one at a time, and vanilla extract. Gradually add flour mixture, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Divide dough in half and shape into two discs. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- On a floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to 1/4 inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes and transfer them to the prepared baking sheets. Repeat with remaining dough.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Decorate as desired.
Variations
Chocolate Sugar Cookies
To make chocolate sugar cookies, simply substitute 1/2 cup of flour with unsweetened cocoa powder. You can also add chocolate chips to the dough for an extra chocolatey treat.
Lemon Sugar Cookies
For a refreshing twist on classic sugar cookies, add 2 tablespoons of lemon zest to the dough and substitute 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract with lemon juice. You can also add a lemon glaze to the cookies by mixing powdered sugar with lemon juice and drizzling it over the cooled cookies.
Vegan Sugar Cookies
To make vegan sugar cookies, replace the butter with vegan butter and the eggs with a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water). You can also substitute the granulated sugar with coconut sugar or maple syrup for a healthier option.
Gluten-Free Sugar Cookies
For gluten-free sugar cookies, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. You can also use almond flour or coconut flour for a grain-free option.
Conclusion
Sugar cookies are a classic treat that are easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. With this simple recipe, you can make delicious sugar cookies from scratch that are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking them for a holiday party or just to enjoy with a cup of tea, these cookies are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. So grab your apron and get baking!
FAQ
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
We recommend using unsalted butter in this recipe to have better control over the amount of salt in the cookies.
How long can I store the dough in the fridge before baking?
You can store the dough in the fridge for up to 3 days before baking. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
While you can use margarine instead of butter, we recommend using butter for a richer flavor.
Can I freeze the baked cookies?
Yes, you can freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months. Just make sure to store them in an airtight container or freezer bag.
Can I add food coloring to the dough?
Yes, you can add food coloring to the dough to create colorful cookies. Gel food coloring is recommended as it won’t affect the consistency of the dough.
Can I use a cookie scoop to portion the dough?
Yes, using a cookie scoop is a great way to portion the dough and ensure that all the cookies are the same size.
How can I make the cookies softer?
To make the cookies softer, you can reduce the amount of flour in the recipe or add a little bit of cornstarch.
Can I substitute the vanilla extract with almond extract?
Yes, you can substitute the vanilla extract with almond extract for a different flavor profile.
Can I add sprinkles to the cookies before baking?
Yes, you can add sprinkles to the cookies before baking for a fun and colorful touch.
Can I use a hand mixer instead of a stand mixer?
Yes, you can use a hand mixer instead of a stand mixer to mix the dough. Just make sure to not overmix the dough.
