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If you’re on the hunt for a classic treat that never goes out of style, look no further than The Best Sugar Cookies Recipe. These simple yet irresistibly tender cookies boast a perfect balance of sweetness and buttery richness, enhanced by subtle hints of vanilla and almond. Whether you’re baking for a festive occasion or just because, this recipe delivers a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture with a crisp edge that will have everyone reaching for seconds. It’s a timeless favorite that’s easy to make and endlessly customizable, ensuring your cookie jar is always stocked with a delicious homemade treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward and pantry-friendly, each playing a crucial role in crafting cookies that are soft, flavorful, and perfectly textured. From the creamy butter that adds moisture and richness to the precise amount of flour that ensures just the right bite, every item matters.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature): Provides the rich, creamy base that makes the cookies tender and flavorful.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps achieve that slight crispiness on the edges.
- 1 large egg (room temperature): Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture for a soft center.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Brings warmth and a classic vanilla aroma that defines sugar cookies.
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract: Adds a subtle, nutty flair that makes this recipe stand out.
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour: Gives structure to the dough, making sure the cookies hold their shape well.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the other flavors in the cookie.
How to Make The Best Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Begin by combining your room temperature butter and granulated sugar in a stand mixer. Cream these together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes. This step is essential as it incorporates air into the dough, setting the stage for tender, delicate cookies.
Step 2: Add the Egg and Extracts
Next, add the large egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the creamed butter and sugar. Beat everything together until fully blended. These extracts don’t just infuse beautiful flavor—they also lend depth and a subtle complexity that make this recipe The Best Sugar Cookies Recipe.
Step 3: Incorporate Flour and Salt
Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt into the wet mixture. Mix on low speed or fold in gently just until everything comes together into a smooth dough. Overmixing here can make your cookies tough, so patience pays off big time.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
Form the dough into a flat disk, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least one hour. Chilling firms up the butter and helps prevent spreading during baking, giving you more control over the cookie shape.
Step 5: Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets
While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and ensures even baking, making cleanup a breeze.
Step 6: Roll and Cut the Cookies
On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use your favorite cookie cutters to create fun shapes—this step is where you can get creative or keep it classic with simple rounds. Transfer the cut shapes onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them slightly apart.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake your cookies for 8 to 12 minutes or until the edges turn a delicate golden brown. Keep an eye on them—baking times can vary slightly depending on your oven. Once baked, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows them to firm up just enough without losing their soft, tender centers.
How to Serve The Best Sugar Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
These sugar cookies are delightfully versatile when it comes to garnishing. Dust them lightly with powdered sugar for a snowy look or add colorful sprinkles before baking for a festive touch. You can also pipe on simple royal icing or dip one half in melted chocolate for an extra special treat.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk for the ultimate nostalgic combo. They also complement a cozy cup of hot tea or coffee beautifully, making them perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up or a holiday gathering.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, consider stacking the cookies with layers of whipped cream or fruit preserves to create cookie sandwiches. Wrapping them individually in cellophane with a pretty ribbon makes a charming homemade gift everyone will appreciate. Displaying them on a tiered platter adds a lovely visual appeal to your dessert table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your sugar cookies have fully cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh and soft for up to a week, making them a great make-ahead treat for busy days.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully. After cutting your dough, place the shapes on a tray lined with parchment paper and freeze until firm. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. You can also freeze baked cookies, layering parchment paper between them. When you’re ready, thaw overnight at room temperature or bake directly from frozen.
Reheating
If you want to enjoy warm cookies, pop a few in the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds or warm them briefly in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes. This softens the cookie and revives that fresh-baked feel and aroma.
FAQs
Can I substitute almond extract if I don’t have it?
Yes! While the almond extract adds a subtly unique flavor, you can simply omit it or replace it with an equal amount of additional vanilla extract for a more straightforward vanilla sugar cookie.
How thick should I roll the dough?
About 1/4 inch thick is ideal for these sugar cookies. This thickness ensures they bake evenly while staying tender on the inside and slightly crisp on the edges.
Why do I need to chill the dough?
Chilling helps solidify the butter, making the dough easier to handle and preventing the cookies from spreading too much in the oven, resulting in perfectly shaped cookies.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend of your choice, but be sure to check that it includes xanthan gum or another binder to keep the texture just right.
How long do these cookies keep fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies stay fresh for up to one week. For longer storage, freezing is your best bet.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly satisfying about baking The Best Sugar Cookies Recipe from scratch and sharing them with loved ones. The simplicity of the ingredients combined with the classic flavors makes this recipe a must-try for anyone who enjoys homemade cookies with a little extra love baked in. Give it a go, and watch your kitchen fill with that irresistible aroma of freshly baked sugar cookies—it’s simply magic!
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The Best Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 22 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These classic sugar cookies are soft, buttery, and perfectly sweet, making them an all-time favorite treat for any occasion. With a simple recipe featuring vanilla and a hint of almond extract, they’re easy to prepare and beautifully versatile for decorating or enjoying plain.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a stand mixer, beat the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is smooth and well combined, creating a light and fluffy base for the cookies.
- Add Egg and Extracts: Incorporate the large egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract into the creamed mixture, mixing thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of flavors.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the wet ingredients, mixing just until the dough comes together and no large flour pockets remain; avoid overmixing to keep cookies tender.
- Chill the Dough: Shape the dough into a flat disk, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least one hour to firm up the dough for easier rolling and better texture.
- Prepare to Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
- Roll and Cut Dough: On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut your desired shapes, then transfer the cookies carefully onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them slightly apart.
- Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8 to 12 minutes or until the edges turn a light golden brown, indicating they are perfectly baked.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the baking sheets from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on a wire rack completely before serving or decorating.
Notes
- Chilling the dough is essential to prevent spreading and achieve a nice texture.
- If you prefer a stronger almond flavor, you can increase almond extract slightly but be cautious—it’s quite potent.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- You can decorate the cookies with icing or sprinkles once fully cooled for festive occasions.
- Use parchment paper or silicone baking mats to ensure cookies don’t stick to the baking sheet.
