Are you dreaming of soft, melt-in-your-mouth sugar cookies? Forget store-bought; this recipe will guide you through making utterly delicious, homemade sugar cookies, perfectly complemented by a cloud of delicate powdered sugar. It's easier than you think to achieve that bakery-quality taste and texture from the comfort of your own kitchen! This recipe is perfect for beginner bakers and experienced cooks alike, offering a quick and easy way to create a truly delightful treat. Prepare for compliments galore!
Ingredients:
For the Cookies:
- 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
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Powdered Sugar Coating:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2-4 tablespoons milk (or more, as needed)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions:
Making the Cookies:
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and ensures even baking.
- Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. An electric mixer makes this step a breeze!
- Add Eggs & Vanilla: 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, and salt.
- Gradually Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; this can lead to tough cookies.
- Shape & Bake: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Gently flatten each ball with a fork, creating a criss-cross pattern.
- Bake: 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.
Making the Powdered Sugar Glaze:
- Whisk it Up: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and optional vanilla extract until smooth. Add more milk, one tablespoon at a time, if needed to reach your desired consistency. You want it thick enough to coat the cookies nicely.
- Drizzle or Dip: Once the cookies are completely cool, drizzle the powdered sugar glaze over them or dip the tops in the glaze for a more even coating.
Tips for Perfect Sugar Cookies:
- Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is properly softened but not melted. This ensures proper creaming and a tender cookie.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in 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 tender crumb.
- Adjust Baking Time: Oven temperatures can vary, so keep an eye on your cookies. Start checking for doneness around the 8-minute mark.
Variations:
- Add Flavor: Experiment with different extracts like almond, lemon, or peppermint.
- Sprinkles: Add sprinkles to the dough before baking for extra fun!
- Colored Glaze: Use food coloring to tint your powdered sugar glaze.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Melt some chocolate and drizzle it over the cookies after the powdered sugar glaze has set.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 100-120 calories
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
Enjoy your homemade sugar cookie powdered sugar perfection! These easy recipes make delightful healthy meals or quick dinner ideas, perfect for any occasion. Homemade cooking doesn't get much better than this, offering a delicious dish that's hard to beat among the best recipes out there. Share them with friends and family – they’ll be asking for more!