Are you looking for a thoughtful and delicious homemade gift? Or perhaps you simply crave warm, melt-in-your-mouth sugar cookies but don't want the hassle of measuring ingredients every time? Then look no further! This sugar cookie mix in a jar recipe is your answer. It's easy to make, incredibly customizable, and guaranteed to bring smiles (and happy tummies) to everyone who receives it – or enjoys it themselves! This recipe offers delicious homemade goodness without the fuss, making it a perfect addition to your collection of easy recipes and quick dinner ideas. It's the perfect blend of homemade cooking and convenient baking.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
For the wet ingredients (to be added when baking):
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Preparing the Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents, crucial for perfectly light and fluffy cookies.
- Add the granulated sugar and mix well to combine.
Assembling the Jars:
- Divide the dry ingredients evenly among several clean, half-pint mason jars. Mason jars are ideal because of their sealability, which helps maintain the freshness of the mix.
- Tightly close the lids. You can add a festive ribbon and tag for gifting!
Baking the Sugar Cookies:
- When ready to bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and both sugars until light and fluffy. This step incorporates air into the batter, resulting in tender cookies.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine 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 in the flour, leading to tough cookies.
- Scoop and bake: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between each cookie.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
- Cool: 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 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: 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.
- Creative Variations: Add sprinkles, extracts (almond, peppermint), or chocolate chips to the dry mix before layering it in the jars for extra fun.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 100-120 calories Fat: Approximately 5-7 grams Sugar: Approximately 10-12 grams
This sugar cookie mix in a jar recipe is a perfect gift for holidays, housewarmings, or any occasion. It's also a great way to get kids involved in baking! The easy steps and delicious results make it a wonderful addition to your repertoire of healthy meals and best recipes. Enjoy!