Are you craving the melt-in-your-mouth goodness of sugar cookies but don't have eggs on hand? Or perhaps you're looking for a delicious eggless treat for friends with dietary restrictions? Look no further! This easy eggless sugar cookie recipe delivers all the classic buttery sweetness and delightful crunch you expect, without compromising on flavor or texture. Perfect for holidays, baking with kids, or simply satisfying a sweet tooth, these cookies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Get ready to experience the joy of homemade cooking with this simple and delicious recipe!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions:
Step 1: Cream Together Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving a tender cookie texture. Use an electric mixer for best results, but a good old-fashioned hand mixer will work too!
Step 2: Add Vanilla Extract
Stir in the vanilla extract. This enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agent.
Step 4: Gradually Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Cover the dough and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking and helps develop the flavor.
Step 6: Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. This will prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 7: Roll and Cut Cookies
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about ¼ inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out your desired shapes. Get creative!
Step 8: Bake the Cookies
Place the cut 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.
Step 9: Cool and Decorate (Optional)
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 your favorite frosting, sprinkles, or other fun toppings.
Tips for the Best Eggless Sugar Cookies:
- Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is truly softened but not melted. This will help create a smooth and creamy dough.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing develops gluten, 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: Ovens vary, so keep a close eye on your cookies. Start checking for doneness around 8 minutes.
Variations:
- Chocolate Sugar Cookies: Add ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder to the dry ingredients.
- Spiced Sugar Cookies: Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, ½ teaspoon of ginger, and ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warm and inviting flavor.
- Lemon Sugar Cookies: Add the zest of one lemon along with the vanilla extract.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 100-120 calories (depending on size and added decorations)
This information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion size.
Enjoy your delicious homemade eggless sugar cookies! They're perfect for any occasion and a great way to showcase your baking skills, even for beginner bakers. These quick dinner ideas or healthy meals are a great option for a sweet treat. Let us know how your baking adventure turns out!