There’s just something magical about baking sugar cookies, isn’t there? I remember the first time I made them with my grandma—her kitchen was filled with the warm, sweet aroma that made my heart smile. This simple sugar cookie recipe brings back those delightful memories. It’s all about achieving that perfect balance of soft and chewy in every bite, and trust me, you won’t be able to eat just one! The best part? It’s so straightforward! With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a batch that’s perfect for holidays, parties, or just a cozy night in. The joy of sharing these cookies with friends and family is truly what baking is all about! So, let’s dive in and get started on this delicious journey together!
Ingredients List
To make these delightful sugar cookies, you’ll need some simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll gather:
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (make sure it’s nice and creamy!)
- 1 1/2 cups white sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (this adds a lovely depth of flavor)
- 3/4 cup white sugar for rolling and decoration
These simple ingredients come together to create that soft, chewy texture we all crave. Let’s get baking!
How to Prepare Instructions
Now that we’ve got our ingredients ready, let’s jump into the fun part—making these delicious sugar cookies! Just follow these straightforward steps, and you’ll have a batch of soft and chewy cookies in no time. Don’t worry; I’ll guide you through it all!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This way, your cookies will bake evenly and come out perfectly!
- In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Just give it a good whisk to combine everything nicely.
- In a separate, larger bowl, cream together the softened butter and white sugar until it’s smooth and fluffy. This step is key to getting that nice texture, so take your time!
- Beat in the egg along with the vanilla and almond extracts. The mixture should look creamy and delicious.
- Gradually blend the dry ingredients you mixed earlier into the wet mixture. Don’t rush this step—mix it just until everything is incorporated!
- Now comes the fun part! Roll rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into small balls; they should fit nicely in your palm.
- Roll each dough ball in the extra 3/4 cup of white sugar. This gives them that beautiful, sparkling finish!
- Place the cookies on ungreased cookie sheets, leaving a bit of space between each one for spreading.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 8 to 10 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are lightly golden, and the centers look set but still soft.
- Let them cool on wire racks. This is the hardest part—waiting for them to cool before you dive in!
And there you have it! A simple method to create mouthwatering sugar cookies that will bring smiles to everyone who tries them. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This sugar cookie recipe is a total game changer for anyone who loves sweet treats! Here’s why you’re going to adore it:
- Quick and easy preparation—perfect for when you need cookies in a hurry!
- Soft and chewy texture that melts in your mouth.
- Versatile flavor options with various extracts to play with.
- Great for any occasion—holidays, parties, or just because!
- Yields a generous batch, so there’s plenty to share (or not!).
Tips for Success
To make sure your sugar cookies turn out perfectly every time, here are some handy tips I’ve learned along the way:
- Chill the dough: If you want thicker cookies, pop the dough in the fridge for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps them hold their shape and not spread too much.
- Storage: Keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for up to a week—if they last that long!
- Flavor variations: Don’t shy away from experimenting! Try different extracts like lemon or coconut for a unique twist. You can even fold in some mini chocolate chips for an extra treat!
- Baking time: Keep an eye on them while they bake. Ovens can vary, so take them out when the edges are just golden, and the centers look slightly soft.
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to baking the best sugar cookies ever!
Nutritional Information
Each sugar cookie is not just a treat but also packed with flavor! Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for one cookie:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 7g
- Protein: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Sugar: 8g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on ingredients and portion sizes. Enjoy your sweet indulgence!
FAQ Section
Got questions about this sugar cookie recipe? No problem! Here are some common queries I hear, along with my answers to help you out:
- Can I make these cookies gluten-free? Absolutely! Just substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, and you’ll still get delicious results.
- What if I don’t have almond extract? No worries! You can skip it or replace it with an extra splash of vanilla extract for a different flavor.
- How do I know when my cookies are done baking? Look for lightly golden edges and soft centers. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool, so don’t overbake!
- Can I freeze the cookie dough? Yes! You can freeze the rolled dough balls for up to three months. Just thaw in the fridge before baking!
Hopefully, these tips set you up for sugar cookie success! Happy baking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your sugar cookies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft for about a week—if they last that long! If you want to save some for later, you can freeze them. Just wrap each cookie tightly in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them thaw at room temperature. No need to reheat—just take a bite and savor that soft, chewy goodness!
Print
Sugar Cookie Recipe: 5 Steps to Pure Baking Bliss
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 36 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Simple sugar cookie recipe that yields soft and chewy cookies.
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups white sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 3/4 cup white sugar for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
- In another bowl, cream together butter and sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract.
- Gradually blend the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
- Roll rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls, then roll in sugar.
- Place cookies on ungreased cookie sheets.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven.
- Cool on wire racks.
Notes
- For thicker cookies, chill the dough before baking.
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- Experiment with different extracts for flavor variations.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: sugar cookie recipe, easy sugar cookies, chewy sugar cookies
