Are you craving a sweet treat that's both easy to make and utterly delicious? Look no further! These drop sugar cookies are the perfect answer for satisfying your sweet tooth without spending hours in the kitchen. This simple recipe is perfect for beginners, quick enough for a weeknight baking session, and adaptable to your favorite flavor combinations. Get ready to enjoy the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked cookies – the ultimate homemade comfort food!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Optional: ½ cup chocolate chips, sprinkles, chopped nuts, or dried fruit
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 is best done with an electric mixer, but you can achieve similar results with a good amount of elbow grease and a sturdy spoon.
Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure everything is well combined before moving to the next step.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
Step 4: Add Mix-ins (Optional)
If you're adding chocolate chips, nuts, or other mix-ins, now is the time to gently fold them into the dough.
Step 5: Drop onto Baking Sheet
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie.
Step 6: Bake
Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on them as ovens can vary.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy!
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, enjoy your delicious homemade drop sugar cookies!
Tips for the Best Drop Sugar Cookies:
- Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is truly softened; this will help create a smooth and creamy dough. You can soften it quickly by microwaving it in short bursts, but be careful not to melt it.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the dough can result in tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): For thicker cookies, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This also helps prevent spreading.
- Baking Time: Ovens vary, so keep an eye on your cookies and adjust baking time as needed.
Variations:
- Spice it up: Add cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger for a warm, comforting flavor.
- Citrus Zest: Incorporate lemon or orange zest for a bright, refreshing twist.
- Brown Butter: For a nutty flavor, brown the butter before adding it to the sugar.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
This will vary depending on the size of your cookies and added ingredients. A general estimate for a medium-sized cookie is approximately:
- Calories: 150-200
- Fat: 8-10g
- Sugar: 15-20g
These drop sugar cookies are a simple pleasure – perfect for sharing with friends and family, or enjoying a quiet moment with a cup of tea or milk. They’re a delicious addition to any occasion, from casual gatherings to holiday celebrations. Enjoy the baking process and the sweet rewards!