Tired of the same old desserts? Craving something sweet, but quick and easy? Then look no further! These adorable sugar cookie shooters are the perfect solution. They're incredibly simple to make, bursting with flavor, and guaranteed to impress your friends and family. Whether you're looking for easy recipes, healthy meals, or quick dinner ideas to complement a meal, these little treats are a fantastic addition to any occasion. Get ready for homemade cooking at its most delightful!
Ingredients:
- 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
- ¼ cup milk (optional, for softer cookies)
- Sprinkles or other decorations of your choice
Instructions:
Step 1: Prep the Dough
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This is easily done with a stand mixer or a hand mixer. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 2: 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. If the dough seems too dry, add the milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach a smooth, workable consistency.
Step 3: Shape the Shooters
Line a mini muffin tin with paper liners. Using a small cookie scoop or a spoon, fill each liner about halfway with the cookie dough.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Let the cookies cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 5: Decorate and Enjoy!
Once cooled, get creative with your decorations! Sprinkles are always a classic choice, but you can also use frosting, melted chocolate, or even mini candies. These adorable sugar cookie shooters are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days.
Cooking Tips for Success:
- Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is truly softened but not melted. This ensures a smooth and creamy dough.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): For even better results, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent spreading and creates a more tender cookie.
- Adjust Baking Time: Oven temperatures vary, so keep an eye on your cookies and adjust the baking time as needed.
Delicious Variations:
- Chocolate Chip Sugar Cookie Shooters: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the dough for a delightful twist.
- Spiced Sugar Cookie Shooters: Add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg, and a pinch of cloves to the dough for a warm, comforting flavor.
- Citrus Sugar Cookie Shooters: Add the zest of one lemon or orange to the dough for a bright, refreshing flavor.
Nutritional Information (per shooter, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 80-100
- Fat: 5-7g
- Sugar: 8-10g
These values are approximate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used and the size of the shooters. These delicious sugar cookie shooters are a fantastic addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and healthy meals, perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the simple pleasure of homemade cooking and the delightful taste of these bite-sized treats!