Are you tired of sugar cookies that are either too hard, too soft, or just plain bland? Then get ready to experience a revelation! This isn't your grandma's sugar cookie recipe (unless your grandma is a culinary genius). This is Alton Brown's foolproof method, designed for perfectly crisp edges, a tender center, and a flavor that sings. It's the perfect recipe for holiday baking, but honestly? These delicious dishes are so good, you'll be making them all year round. This easy recipe is perfect for quick dinner ideas or a special occasion. It's homemade cooking at its finest! Let's get baking!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened (not melted!)
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Cream Together:
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This is crucial for a tender cookie! Use an electric mixer for best results – it saves time and ensures even mixing.
Add Wet Ingredients:
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Combine Wet and Dry:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Don't overmix; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in tough cookies.
Chill Out:
- Cover the dough and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step is important! Chilling prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
Roll and Cut:
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about ¼ inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out your favorite shapes.
Bake to Perfection:
- Place the cookies onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between each one. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
Cool and Enjoy:
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Sugar Cookie Success:
- Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is truly softened, but not melted. Room temperature is ideal.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing leads to tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough is essential for preventing spreading.
- Baking Time Varies: Ovens vary, so keep a close eye on your cookies. Start checking for doneness around 8 minutes.
Variations:
- Add Flavor: Incorporate extracts like almond, peppermint, or lemon for extra deliciousness.
- Sprinkles: Sprinkle your cookies with colorful sprinkles before baking.
- Glaze it Up: Once cooled, decorate your cookies with a simple glaze or frosting.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 100-120
- Fat: Approximately 5-7g
- Sugar: Approximately 10-12g
These delicious sugar cookies are a perfect addition to any occasion. Enjoy the process of homemade cooking and the sweet reward of these perfectly baked treats! They're a wonderful gift, too! Happy baking!