Sugar Cookie Recipe

Scroll down below for the recipe video.

Making homemade sugar cookies takes me back. The smell of vanilla fills the kitchen. I remember making them with my mom. It was a fun childhood tradition.

We loved waiting to eat the soft, chewy cookies. They were just sweet enough. Whether for the holidays or summer, this recipe is perfect. We even make sugar cookie ice cream sandwiches.

This recipe is easy and fast. No need to chill the dough. It makes baking joyful. Inspired by a bakery, I crafted this recipe. I wanted each bite to be comforting and delicious.

Ingredients Needed for Sugar Cookie Recipe

To make perfect sugar cookies, you must have certain essential ingredients:

• All-purpose flour: The main part of the recipe. It gives cookies their shape. Make sure you measure it right to avoid hard cookies or those that don’t spread right.
• Baking powder: It helps the dough rise but not too much. This way, your sugar cookies will be even and keep their shape.
• Fine sea salt: It makes the cookies taste just right by balancing the sweetness and bringing out other flavors.
• Unsalted butter: Use butter that’s cool room temperature. It stops the cookies from spreading too much. Butter also makes the cookies soft and tender.
• Granulated sugar: Essential for sweetness. It gives sugar cookies their perfect soft and chewy texture.
• Eggs: Adding an extra yolk makes the cookies richer and chewier.
• Vanilla extract: It gives sugar cookies their classic taste. Every bite will be delightful.
• Room-temperature ingredients: It’s important to have all ingredients at room temperature. This helps everything mix together well and avoids issues like uneven spreading.

If you use these ingredients correctly, you’ll get the best sugar cookie dough. The key is to measure everything precisely. This is especially true for the flour. This will give you the soft, chewy cookies everyone loves.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Soft Sugar Cookies

To start off, set your oven to 350°F. Then, cover your baking sheets with parchment paper. This step is to make sure the cookies don’t stick and cook well.

Next, mix the dry ingredients in a bowl. In another bowl, mix butter and sugar till it’s fluffy. This adds air, making your cookies softer.

After that, put in the egg, yolk, and vanilla to the fluffy mix. Blend it well. Slowly mix in the dry stuff to make the dough. Don’t mix too much or your cookies will be tough.

Mold the dough into small balls. Then, roll them in sugar. Place them on the baking sheets. This makes the outside crispy and the inside soft.

Don’t bake them for too long. Take the cookies out when the center looks a bit ‘wet’. This makes them soft later.

If you like extra soft cookies, chill the dough. Make sure your baking powder is not old. Also, roll the balls in sugar for the perfect soft cookie top.

Tips for Perfect Sugar Cookies

To make perfect sugar cookies, be very careful with how you measure. Using the right amount of flour is key. Too much makes cookies heavy. Too little makes them flat. Making sure your butter is just soft is also a big help. This way, your cookies keep their crunch, yet are soft inside.

Chilling the dough makes a big difference if you have the time. It helps cookies keep their shape and taste better. Before baking, roll cookie dough balls in sugar. This gives them a shiny look and the crackly top we love. A baking sheet that’s light in color and made of aluminum is best. It keeps cookies from getting too brown on the bottom.

A cookie scoop helps keep all cookies the same size. This means they bake evenly. Bake them until they’re slightly golden around the edges. This keeps the middle soft. If you want to make your cookies look special, try colorful sugar or sprinkles. It makes them pretty without much extra work.

FAQ

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter in the sugar cookie recipe?

Yes, you can use salted butter. But, lower the added salt to match. Using unsalted butter lets you control the salt better.

Do I need to chill the dough before baking?

Chilling dough is good for chewy cookies that keep their shape. If time is short, skipping this step is okay.

How do I prevent my sugar cookies from spreading too much?

Use cool, not soft, butter. Measure flour right to avoid too much spreading. Chilling the dough also helps.

Can I roll the cookie dough in colored sugar or sprinkles before baking?

Yes, rolling dough in colored sugar or sprinkles is fun. It’s great for Christmas or Valentine’s Day cookies.

Why should I weigh my ingredients, particularly the flour, for this recipe?

Weighing ingredients is key to getting the texture right. Too much or too little flour changes the cookies.

How can I tell when my sugar cookies are done baking?

Cookies should just start to brown on the edges. They may look ‘wet’ but soft in the middle. Don’t overbake them.

Can I use this sugar cookie recipe to make ice cream sandwiches?

Yes, these sugar cookies make great ice cream sandwiches. Their soft, chewy texture pairs well with ice cream.

What type of baking sheet should I use for best results?

Use a light-colored aluminum baking sheet. It helps the cookies bake evenly and avoid browning too much.

How important is the freshness of baking powder in this recipe?

Fresh baking powder is key for nice, light cookies. Old baking powder might not give the lift the cookies need.

Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts to this sugar cookie recipe?

Yes, you can add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit to this recipe. Just adjust the dough if you add a lot.

Source Links

• https://handletheheat.com/soft-chewy-sugar-cookies/
• https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/best-sugar-cookies/
• https://www.brownedbutterblondie.com/soft-and-chewy-sugar-cookies/