Are you craving those soft, melt-in-your-mouth sugar cookies that remind you of childhood? Forget store-bought! This copycat recipe for Pillsbury sugar cookies delivers all the buttery goodness and classic sweetness you love, made entirely from scratch in your own kitchen. It’s a surprisingly easy recipe, perfect for beginner bakers and seasoned pros alike, making it an ideal addition to your collection of easy recipes and quick dinner ideas. Get ready to unleash your inner baker and create a batch of these delicious dishes!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
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 perfect tender crumb. Use an electric mixer for best results; it significantly reduces the effort required for this homemade cooking project.
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 on to the dry ingredients.
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; overmixing can result in tough cookies.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
This is an important step for preventing the cookies from spreading too thin during baking. Cover the dough and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling allows the gluten to relax, resulting in chewier, more tender cookies.
Step 5: Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 6: Shape and Bake the Cookies
Roll the chilled dough into 1-inch balls and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. You can use a fork to create a criss-cross pattern on top, adding a classic touch to your homemade sugar cookies. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy!
Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, you can decorate them with your favorite frosting, sprinkles, or simply enjoy them plain.
Tips for Perfect Pillsbury Copycat Cookies:
- Softened Butter is Key: Ensure your butter is truly softened, not melted. This is essential for proper creaming.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to tough cookies. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined.
- Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough is crucial for preventing spreading and achieving the perfect texture.
- Baking Time May Vary: Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on your cookies and adjust baking time as needed.
Variations:
- Chocolate Chip Sugar Cookies: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the dough for a delicious twist.
- Sprinkled Delight: Sprinkle the tops of the cookies with colored sugar before baking.
- Glazed Perfection: Drizzle a simple glaze (powdered sugar and milk) over the cooled cookies.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
Calories: 150-200, Fat: 8-10g, Carbohydrates: 20-25g, Sugar: 10-15g
These homemade sugar cookies are a delightful treat for any occasion. They're perfect for holiday baking, parties, or simply satisfying a sweet craving. Enjoy the process of making these easy recipes and the delicious results!