Are you craving the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked sugar cookies? Do you dream of that perfect, melt-in-your-mouth texture? Then look no further! This recipe uses just one stick of butter, making it incredibly easy and perfect for a quick baking project, whether it's a weeknight treat or a fun weekend activity. It's a delicious dish, a perfect addition to your healthy meals, and a great example of homemade cooking at its finest. This simple recipe is one of the best recipes out there for easy, delicious sugar cookies.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened (we'll only use 1 stick!)
- 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
- Sprinkles, sugar, or other desired toppings (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Cream Together Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together ½ cup (1 stick) of softened butter and the granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This is best done with an electric mixer, but a sturdy hand mixer or even vigorous whisking will work! The key is to get that creamy texture.
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 to the next step.
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; a few lumps are okay.
Step 4: Chill the Dough (Important!)
Cover the bowl and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial for preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking and achieving that perfect shape.
Step 5: Roll and Cut
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once the dough is chilled, roll it out on a lightly floured surface to about ¼ inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out your favorite shapes.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place the cookies on ungreased baking sheets. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep a close eye on them as ovens can vary.
Step 7: Cool and Decorate
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, decorate with sprinkles, icing, or simply dust with powdered sugar.
Tips and Variations:
- Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is truly softened; this will ensure proper creaming and a smooth dough.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Chill Time Matters: Chilling the dough is essential for preventing spreading. Don't skip this step!
- Flavor Variations: Add a teaspoon of almond extract or lemon zest for a different flavor profile.
- Chocolate Chip Delight: Stir in ½ cup of chocolate chips for chocolate sugar cookies.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 80-100 (depending on size and toppings)
This recipe provides a quick and easy way to enjoy delicious homemade sugar cookies. It’s a fantastic option for quick dinner ideas or a simple dessert. Perfect for beginner bakers and seasoned pros alike, these cookies are sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!