Are you craving the warm, comforting taste of a freshly baked sugar cookie, but intimidated by complicated recipes? Then look no further! This sugar cookie recipe uses oil instead of butter, making it incredibly easy to whip up, even for beginner bakers. These cookies are deliciously soft, perfectly sweet, and incredibly versatile – perfect for holiday baking or any time you need a quick and delicious treat. Get ready to enjoy the best of homemade cooking with minimal fuss!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil (or other neutral-flavored oil)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Optional: Sprinkles, colored sugars, or other decorations
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined. This simple step forms the base of our delicious cookies. Make sure there are no lumps of sugar remaining.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents, leading to perfectly soft cookies.
Step 3: Gently Combine Wet and Dry
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
Step 4: Chill the Dough (Optional but Recommended)
For best results, cover the bowl and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax, resulting in chewier, more tender cookies. If you're short on time, you can skip this step, but chilling is highly recommended for optimal texture.
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Roll out the dough to about ¼ inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out your desired shapes. Place cookies onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between each cookie.
Step 6: Decorate and Bake
If desired, sprinkle your cookies with sprinkles, colored sugar, or other decorations before baking. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy!
Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, enjoy your delicious homemade sugar cookies!
Cooking Tips for Perfect Sugar Cookies:
- Oil Type: Vegetable oil is a great choice for its neutral flavor. You can experiment with other neutral oils like canola or sunflower oil.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Chilling Time: Chilling the dough is optional but significantly improves the texture.
- Baking Time: Ovens vary, so keep an eye on your cookies to avoid over-baking.
Variations:
- Chocolate Chip Sugar Cookies: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the dough.
- Spiced Sugar Cookies: Add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg, and ¼ teaspoon of cloves to the dry ingredients.
- Glazed Sugar Cookies: Once cooled, drizzle your cookies with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 100-120 calories (depending on size and added ingredients)
- Fat: Approximately 5-7 grams
- Sugar: Approximately 10-12 grams
This recipe provides delicious, easy, and quick dinner ideas perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the process of homemade cooking and the satisfaction of creating these tasty treats! These healthy meals are a perfect example of simple food recipes that anyone can master. They are among the best recipes for those seeking quick and easy ways to create delicious dishes.