Are you ready to bake some unbelievably tender and flavorful sugar cookies? Forget everything you think you know about dry, crumbly cookies because this buttermilk sugar cookie recipe is about to change your baking game. The secret ingredient? Buttermilk! This simple addition adds a delightful tang and incredible moisture, resulting in cookies that are soft, chewy, and utterly irresistible. Perfect for holiday baking, afternoon treats, or any occasion that calls for a little sweetness, these cookies are easy to make, even for beginner bakers. Let's get started on this delicious journey!
Ingredients: You'll Need These Simple Staples
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 5 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Optional: ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions: Baking Bliss in Simple Steps
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Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This is best done with an electric mixer, but you can certainly use a hand mixer or even do it by hand for a good arm workout! The key is to incorporate plenty of air for a lighter cookie.
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Add Eggs and Buttermilk: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the buttermilk until just combined. Don't overmix!
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. If using, stir in the vanilla extract. Again, avoid overmixing to prevent tough cookies.
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Chill the Dough (Important!): Cover the dough and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial for preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking and helps develop the flavor.
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Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
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Roll and Cut: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about ¼ inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out your desired shapes.
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Bake to Perfection: Place the cookies onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between each cookie. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
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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, you can decorate them with frosting, sprinkles, or simply enjoy their delicious simplicity.
Tips for Sugar Cookie Success
- Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is truly softened, not melted. This ensures proper creaming and a smooth dough.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough is essential for preventing spreading and enhancing flavor.
- Baking Time Varies: Oven temperatures can vary, so keep an eye on your cookies and adjust baking time as needed.
Variations to Delight Your Taste Buds
- Chocolate Chip Delight: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the dough for a delightful twist.
- Citrus Zest: Add the zest of one lemon or orange for a refreshing citrus flavor.
- Spiced Cookies: Incorporate ½ teaspoon of cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger for a warm, spiced cookie.
- Glaze or Frosting Fun: Get creative with your decorating! Use a simple glaze, royal icing, or even melted chocolate.
Nutritional Information (Per Cookie - Approximate)
This will vary based on cookie size and added ingredients. Consider using a nutritional calculator for a more precise measurement based on your specific recipe adaptations.
- Calories: Approximately 100-150 calories
- Fat: 5-7g
- Sugar: 10-15g
These buttermilk sugar cookies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for sharing with family and friends. Their tender texture and delightful flavor make them a truly special treat. Enjoy baking, and happy eating!