Tired of store-bought cookies that lack that homemade touch? Craving a delicious and easy dessert that's also healthy? Then you've come to the right place! This organic sugar cookie recipe is perfect for beginner bakers and seasoned pros alike. It's quick, easy, and uses simple, wholesome ingredients to create melt-in-your-mouth cookies your whole family will adore. Get ready to experience the joy of homemade baking with this simple recipe for truly delightful cookies.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted organic butter, softened
- ¾ cup organic granulated sugar
- 1 large organic egg
- 1 teaspoon organic vanilla extract
- 2 ¾ cups organic all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon organic baking powder
- ½ teaspoon organic salt
Instructions:
Step 1: Cream Together Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect cookie texture. Use an electric mixer for best results, but a good old-fashioned whisk will work too, if you're feeling ambitious!
Step 2: Add Egg and Vanilla
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. The batter should be smooth and creamy.
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 until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay!
Step 4: Chill the Dough
Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step helps prevent the cookies from spreading too thin during baking, resulting in thicker, chewier cookies.
Step 5: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 6: Shape and Bake
Roll out the chilled dough to about ¼ inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out your desired shapes. Place the cookies onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between them.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on them – ovens can vary!
Step 8: 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 the Best Organic Sugar Cookies:
- Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is truly softened, not melted. This ensures proper mixing and a smooth cookie dough.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Chill Time is Important: Don't skip the chilling step! It prevents flat cookies.
- Adjust Baking Time: Oven temperatures vary, so keep an eye on your cookies and adjust baking time as needed.
Variations:
- Chocolate Chip: Stir in ½ cup of your favorite organic chocolate chips to the dough before chilling.
- Sprinkles: Add colorful sprinkles to the tops of the cookies before baking for a festive touch.
- Glaze: Once cooled, drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
This will vary depending on the size of your cookies and the specific ingredients used. However, a general estimate per medium-sized cookie is approximately:
- Calories: 100-150
- Fat: 5-7g
- Sugar: 5-8g
Enjoy these easy and healthy organic sugar cookies! They are perfect for any occasion, from casual weeknight snacks to holiday celebrations. Remember to share your baking triumphs with us! Let us know in the comments how your cookies turned out and any delicious variations you tried. Happy baking!