Are you craving a delicious, melt-in-your-mouth sugar cookie but intimidated by complicated recipes? Fear not! This easy sugar cookie recipe uses self-rising flour, making it a breeze to whip up, even for beginner bakers. Perfect for holiday baking, a cozy afternoon treat, or a fun family activity, these cookies are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Get ready to enjoy the sweet taste of homemade goodness without the fuss! This recipe is a perfect example of quick dinner ideas if you have a sweet tooth.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups self-rising flour
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional, for extra flavor)
- Sprinkles, colored sugar, or other desired toppings
Instructions:
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Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. This simple step prevents sticking and makes cleanup a snap.
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Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. A stand mixer or hand mixer works wonderfully for this step, but you can also do it by hand—just be prepared for a little arm workout!
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Add Eggs and Extracts: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla and almond extracts (if using). Make sure everything is well combined before moving on to the next step.
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Incorporate Flour: Gradually add the self-rising flour to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough cookies.
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Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. This spacing is crucial to prevent them from spreading too much while baking.
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Bake to Perfection: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on them as ovens can vary.
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Cool and Decorate: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, decorate with your favorite sprinkles, colored sugar, or icing.
Tips for the Best Sugar Cookies:
- Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is truly softened; this ensures a smooth and creamy dough. You can soften it quickly by microwaving it in short bursts, or leaving it out at room temperature for a while.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the dough will develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): For thicker, chewier cookies, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This step also helps prevent spreading.
- Baking Time Varies: Oven temperatures can vary, so keep a close eye on your cookies and adjust the baking time as needed.
Variations:
- Chocolate Sugar Cookies: Add ½ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for a delicious chocolate twist.
- Spiced Sugar Cookies: Add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg, and a pinch of cloves for warm, comforting spices.
- Citrus Sugar Cookies: Add the zest of one lemon or orange for a bright and refreshing flavor.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
This information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion size.
- Calories: Approximately 150-200
- Fat: 8-10g
- Sugar: 15-20g
- Protein: 2-3g
These easy sugar cookies are a perfect example of delicious dishes and healthy meals you can make at home. Enjoy the process of homemade cooking and the delightful results! They're sure to become a new family favorite.