Sugar cookies are a classic that never fail to delight. With a buttery, tender texture and just the right amount of sweetness, these cookies are perfect for any occasion. They can be enjoyed plain, decorated with icing, or simply sprinkled with sugar. This award winning recipe is straightforward and easy to follow, making it ideal for beginners.
1. Award Winning Sugar Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using a hand or stand mixer until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes). This step incorporates air into the mixture, giving the cookies a tender texture.
Add Wet Ingredients
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is evenly mixed.
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
Chill the Dough
Divide the dough into two portions, flatten them into discs, and wrap them in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until firm. Chilling prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
Preheat and Roll
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness.
Cut and Bake
Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden.
Cool and Decorate
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, decorate as desired with icing or sprinkles, or leave plain for a classic look.
2. Tips For Perfect Sugar Cookies
Soften the Butter Properly
Use room-temperature butter for easier creaming with sugar. Cold butter won’t mix well, and melted butter can make the dough too soft and sticky.
Measure Flour Correctly
Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife. Too much flour can make the cookies dense and dry.
Chill the Dough
Chilling is essential for shaping and prevents spreading during baking. If the dough becomes sticky while rolling, return it to the fridge for a few minutes.
Don’t Overmix the Dough
Overmixing can develop too much gluten in the flour, leading to tough cookies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
Keep an Eye on Baking Time
Sugar cookies should be lightly golden around the edges but not overly browned. They may look slightly soft when you take them out, but they’ll firm up as they cool.
Use Parchment Paper
Lining your baking sheets with parchment paper helps prevent sticking and ensures even baking.
3. Recipe Variations
Lemon Sugar Cookies: Add 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon zest and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice to the dough for a bright citrus flavor.
Almond Sugar Cookies: Replace the vanilla extract with almond extract for a nutty twist.
Spiced Sugar Cookies: Add 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warm, spiced flavor.
Chocolate-Dipped Sugar Cookies: Once cooled, dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate and sprinkle with crushed nuts or coconut.
Holiday Sugar Cookies: Add food coloring to the dough or sprinkle with festive colored sugar before baking for a seasonal touch.
4. How To Store & Freeze Sugar Cookies
Storing
Baked Cookies: Store fully cooled sugar cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Decorated Cookies: If decorated with icing, let the icing set completely before stacking the cookies. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Freezing
Unbaked Dough:
Wrap the dough discs tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before rolling and baking as usual.
Baked Cookies:
Place the cooled cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe container. Use parchment paper to separate layers.
Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before decorating or serving.
Sugar cookies are a versatile treat that can be prepared ahead of time and customized easily. By following these tips and storage methods, you’ll always have delicious cookies ready to enjoy or share with loved ones.
