Are you craving the sweet, melt-in-your-mouth goodness of a homemade sugar cookie but intimidated by complicated recipes? Fear not! This recipe uses just one stick of butter, making it incredibly easy and perfect for both beginner bakers and seasoned pros looking for a quick and delicious dessert. These cookies are delightfully simple, yet deliver maximum flavor and texture. Get ready to enjoy the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked cookies in your kitchen!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened (we'll only use 1 stick/1/2 cup for this recipe!)
- 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
- Optional: Sprinkles, colored sugar, or other decorations
Instructions:
Step 1: Cream Together Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together ½ cup (one stick) of softened butter and 1 ½ cups of granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This is easily done with an electric mixer, but you can achieve a similar result with a good old-fashioned hand mixer or even a sturdy wooden spoon and some elbow grease!
Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the two large eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract until well combined. The batter will start to come together nicely.
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. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
Step 4: Chill the Dough (Important!)
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step is crucial. It prevents the cookies from spreading too thin during baking and allows the flavors to meld.
Step 5: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 6: Shape and Bake
Roll the chilled dough to about ¼ inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out your desired shapes. 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. Keep a close eye on them as ovens vary!
Step 7: Cool and Decorate
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 cool, decorate with sprinkles, colored sugar, or your favorite frosting.
Tips for Perfect Sugar Cookies:
- Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is truly softened, not melted. This will ensure a smooth and creamy cookie dough.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined.
- Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough is essential for preventing the cookies from spreading too thin during baking.
- Baking Time Varies: Ovens can vary, so keep a close eye on your cookies to avoid burning.
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 ginger to the dry ingredients.
- Lemon Sugar Cookies: Add the zest of one lemon to the dough along with a teaspoon of lemon extract.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 100-120 calories (depending on size and added decorations). This is a rough estimate and will vary based on the specific ingredients and portion size. For precise nutritional information, use a nutrition calculator with your exact ingredients.
Enjoy these easy-to-make, delicious sugar cookies! They're perfect for any occasion and a great way to enjoy some homemade sweetness. These quick dinner ideas and easy recipes are perfect for busy weeknights, too! These homemade cooking recipes are sure to become a family favorite. These delicious dishes are always a crowd-pleaser. These are some of the best recipes out there for sugar cookies.