Are you a fan of those incredibly soft, subtly sweet, and perfectly spiced Starbucks sugar cookies? Do you dream of that melt-in-your-mouth texture and irresistible aroma? Well, dream no more! This recipe lets you recreate the magic of those famous cookies right in your own kitchen. Forget expensive coffee shop treats – you'll be whipping up a batch of these delicious homemade sugar cookies in no time. This recipe is perfect for those seeking easy recipes, healthy meals (with some adjustments!), quick dinner ideas (though these are better suited for dessert!), or simply delicious dishes to share with friends and family. Let's get baking!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for a warm spice note)
Instructions:
Get started:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze!
Cream the butter and sugar:
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. A stand mixer makes this step easy, but a hand mixer works just fine too. This is crucial for achieving a tender cookie.
Add wet ingredients:
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Combine dry ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using).
Combine wet and dry:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Don't overmix; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour and results in tough cookies.
Shape and bake:
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Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Slightly flatten each ball with a fork, creating a classic criss-cross pattern.
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Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on them as ovens can vary.
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 Perfect Starbucks-Style Sugar Cookies:
- Softened butter is key: Make sure your butter is truly softened but not melted. This ensures proper creaming and a tender crumb.
- Don't overmix the dough: Overmixing leads to 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 more manageable texture.
- Adjust baking time: Ovens vary, so keep an eye on your cookies and adjust the baking time as needed.
Variations:
- Add chocolate chips: Fold in ½ cup of your favorite chocolate chips for a delicious twist.
- Sprinkle with colored sugar: For a festive touch, sprinkle the cookies with colored sugar before baking.
- Make them festive: Use cookie cutters to create fun shapes for holidays or special occasions.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 150-180 Fat: 8-10g Saturated Fat: 5-7g Carbohydrates: 20-25g Sugar: 10-12g Protein: 2-3g
(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)
This recipe provides a delicious and relatively healthy alternative to store-bought cookies, allowing you to indulge in a sweet treat without excessive guilt. Enjoy baking and the delicious results of your homemade Starbucks-inspired sugar cookies! They're perfect for any occasion, from casual get-togethers to holiday celebrations. These best recipes are easily adaptable to your preferences and dietary needs, offering endless possibilities for customization.