Are you dreaming of perfectly soft, melt-in-your-mouth sugar cookies? The kind that evoke cozy afternoons and happy gatherings? Then you've come to the right place! This recipe, inspired by the beloved Barefoot Contessa, delivers on the promise of simple yet spectacular homemade cookies. It's a foolproof method, perfect for both beginner bakers and experienced pros looking for a consistently delicious result. Get ready to roll up your sleeves and create a batch of these delightful, easy recipes that will quickly become a family favorite. This recipe provides a quick dinner idea, a healthy meal alternative to processed snacks, and is perfect for homemade cooking enthusiasts.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
For Decoration (Optional):
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup colored sanding sugar (optional)
- Your favorite frosting or glaze
Instructions:
Step 1: Cream Together Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving that tender crumb. Use an electric mixer for best results – it makes the process much quicker!
Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; slightly lumpy batter is okay.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
This step is vital for preventing the cookies from spreading too thin while baking. Cover the bowl and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours.
Step 5: Roll and Cut
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the chilled dough to about ¼ inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out your desired shapes.
Step 6: Decorate and Bake
Place the cookies onto ungreased baking sheets. For extra sparkle, sprinkle with granulated sugar or colored sanding sugar before baking. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Step 7: 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. Once cool, frost or glaze as desired.
Tips and Variations:
- Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is truly softened, not melted. This ensures proper creaming and a tender cookie.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. Mix only until the ingredients are combined.
- Chill Time Matters: Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading and ensures thicker, chewier cookies.
- Flavor Variations: Add a teaspoon of almond extract or lemon zest for a delightful twist. Consider incorporating chopped nuts or sprinkles into the dough for added texture and flavor.
- Royal Icing: For a truly professional look, decorate your cookies with royal icing. You can find numerous recipes online.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 100-120 calories
- Fat: 5-7g
- Sugar: 8-10g
- Protein: 1-2g
These delightful sugar cookies are perfect for any occasion. They're a delicious treat that is both easy to make and incredibly satisfying to eat. Enjoy the process and the delicious results! These best recipes are a great addition to your repertoire of healthy meals and quick dinner ideas. Remember to share your baking creations with friends and family – these delicious dishes are meant to be shared!