Are you tired of flat, disappointing sugar cookies that spread all over your baking sheet? Do you dream of those perfectly crisp edges and soft, chewy centers? Then you've come to the right place! This no-spread sugar cookie recipe is your ticket to achieving perfectly shaped, delicious cookies every single time. It's easier than you think, perfect for beginner bakers, and a guaranteed hit with everyone who tries them. Get ready to experience homemade sugar cookies at their finest! This recipe is one of the best recipes for a quick and easy dessert.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened (not melted!)
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Icing (optional):
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Food coloring (optional)
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Cream together the softened butter and sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy. A stand mixer works great, but a hand mixer will do just fine! This step is crucial for creating light and airy cookies.
Add the Wet Ingredients:
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure everything is well combined.
Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Mix Wet and Dry:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing develops the gluten, leading to tough cookies.
Shape and Bake:
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Lightly flatten each ball with a fork, creating a classic criss-cross pattern.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep a close eye on them as ovens can vary.
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, you can decorate them with your favorite icing! For the icing, simply whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add food coloring as desired.
Tips for Success:
- Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is properly softened but not melted. This ensures proper creaming and prevents a greasy texture.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): For even better results, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent spreading and creates a richer flavor.
- Baking Time: Ovens vary, so keep a close eye on your cookies. Start checking for doneness at 8 minutes.
Variations:
- Chocolate Chip Sugar Cookies: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the dough before baking.
- Spiced Sugar Cookies: Add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg, and a pinch of cloves to the dry ingredients.
- Lemon Sugar Cookies: Add the zest of one lemon to the dough for a bright, citrusy flavor.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
- Calories: 100-120
- Fat: 5-7g
- Sugar: 8-10g
- Protein: 1-2g
This no-spread sugar cookie recipe is a great addition to your collection of easy recipes and healthy meals. It's a delicious dish, perfect for any occasion, and a fantastic example of homemade cooking at its best. Enjoy!