Are you craving a sweet treat that’s both delicious and fun to make? Look no further! This recipe for sugar cookies with sprinkles is perfect for beginner bakers and experienced cooks alike. These simple sugar cookies are incredibly easy to whip up, and the colorful sprinkles add a touch of whimsy that makes them perfect for any occasion – from a casual weeknight dessert to a festive holiday gathering. Get ready to enjoy the delightful aroma of freshly baked cookies and the satisfying crunch of perfectly sweet sugar cookies. 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 salt
- Sprinkles of your choice (various colors and types)
Instructions:
Step 1: Cream Together Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This is easiest with an electric mixer, but you can do it by hand with a bit more elbow grease!
Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract until well combined.
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, as this can lead to tough cookies.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking, resulting in thicker, chewier cookies.
Step 5: Prepare and Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the dough to about ¼ inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out your desired shapes. Place the cookies onto ungreased baking sheets.
Step 6: Add Sprinkles
Generously sprinkle the tops of the cookies with your favorite sprinkles.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on them, as oven temperatures 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. Once cool, enjoy your delicious homemade sugar cookies with sprinkles!
Tips for the Best Sugar Cookies:
- Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is truly softened but not melted. This ensures proper creaming and a smooth cookie dough.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the dough develops the gluten, resulting in tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough is crucial for preventing spreading and achieving thicker cookies.
- Use Parchment Paper: For easy cleanup and even baking, line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
Variations:
- Royal Icing: Decorate your cooled cookies with royal icing for an extra elegant touch.
- Different Sprinkles: Experiment with different types and colors of sprinkles to create unique designs.
- Flavored Cookies: Add extracts like almond, lemon, or peppermint for a delightful twist.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 100-150 (depending on size and sprinkles)
- Fat: 5-7g
- Sugar: 10-15g
These delicious sugar cookies with sprinkles are a perfect addition to your baking repertoire. They’re easy, fun, and customizable to suit any taste and occasion. Enjoy baking and sharing these delightful treats with friends and family! They’re sure to be a hit!