Why Make This Recipe
Sugar cookies are a delightful treat that everyone loves. They are soft, sweet, and can be decorated for any occasion. Making the best sugar cookies is simple and rewarding. With just a few ingredients, you can create cookies that are perfect for sharing or enjoying at home.
How to Make The Best Sugar Cookies
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Directions
- In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the butter and sugar. Beat until just combined, about 45 seconds.
- Add in the egg, vanilla, and almond extract. Beat well for about 1 minute.
- Scrape down the sides of the bowl. Add the flour and salt, mixing until combined and no streaks of flour remain.
- Form the dough into a flat, oval disk and wrap it in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least an hour or overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
- On a floured surface, roll out the cookie dough with a rolling pin to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut out shapes and carefully transfer them to the prepared baking sheets.
- If you want to sprinkle the cookies with colored sugar, do it now!
- Bake for 8 to 12 minutes or until the edges are just golden brown. The baking time depends on the size of your cookies: about 8 minutes for mini cookies, 10 minutes for medium cookies, and 12 minutes for larger cookies.
- Allow the cookies to cool completely before transferring them to a wire rack. Enjoy them plain or frost them once they are cooled!
How to Serve The Best Sugar Cookies
These sugar cookies are best enjoyed with a glass of milk or a cup of tea. Serve them plain or decorate them with your favorite icing for parties and special occasions. They also make great gifts when packaged nicely.
How to Store The Best Sugar Cookies
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay good for about a week. If you want them to last longer, you can freeze the cookies. Just make sure they are in a sealed bag or container.
Tips to Make The Best Sugar Cookies
- Ensure your butter is at room temperature for easier mixing.
- Chill the dough; this helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
- Use a light hand when rolling out the dough to avoid tough cookies.
- Experiment with different cookie shapes and sprinkles for added fun!
Variation
For a fun twist, you can add chocolate chips or nuts to the dough. You can also use different extracts like lemon or orange for a unique flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, but the flavor and texture may be different. Butter gives the best results for flavor.
2. How do I make my cookies thicker?
To make thicker cookies, don’t roll the dough too thin and bake them a bit longer.
3. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, whole wheat flour can be used, but it may change the texture and flavor slightly. You might want to mix it with all-purpose flour for better results.
Sugar Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the butter and sugar. Beat until just combined, about 45 seconds.
- Add in the egg, vanilla, and almond extract. Beat well for about 1 minute.
- Scrape down the sides of the bowl. Add the flour and salt, mixing until combined and no streaks of flour remain.
- Form the dough into a flat, oval disk and wrap it in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least an hour or overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
- On a floured surface, roll out the cookie dough with a rolling pin to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut out shapes and carefully transfer them to the prepared baking sheets.
- If you want to sprinkle the cookies with colored sugar, do it now!
- Bake for 8 to 12 minutes or until the edges are just golden brown. The baking time depends on the size of your cookies: about 8 minutes for mini cookies, 10 minutes for medium cookies, and 12 minutes for larger cookies.
- Allow the cookies to cool completely before transferring them to a wire rack.