Best Sugar Cookie Recipe

Simple & Delicious Sugar Cookies

The kitchen is alive with the warmth of family and tradition. Growing up in Orlando, I remember sunlit afternoons spent pressing tortillas beside my mama. The sweet scent of sugar cookies baking in the oven reminds me of lazy Sundays when laughter echoed through our home, blending with the rich spices from my abuela’s kitchen. This Best Sugar Cookie Recipe encapsulates those joyful memories, offering a delightful taste that speaks love, laughter, and the essence of shared stories. Join me in creating these sweet treasures that will fill your home with happiness and nostalgia.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6-8 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: About 24 cookies
Difficulty: Easy
Cuisine: American
Best Season: Year-round

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Classic Appeal: These sugar cookies are timeless, with a buttery flavor that everyone loves. They’re perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday celebration or just a sweet treat.
Simple Ingredients: Made with humble ingredients easily found in your pantry, you won’t have to make a special trip to the store. The simplicity of this recipe means you can whip up a batch anytime.
Endless Customization: Decorate these cookies with royal icing, sprinkles, or colored sugar to match any occasion. Let your creativity shine and make these cookies uniquely yours.
Family-Friendly Activity: Baking cookies can be a fun, bonding experience for the whole family. Kids love cutting out shapes and decorating, making it a delightful way to create lasting memories together.
Aromatic Delight: The scent of these cookies baking will fill your home with an irresistible aroma that makes everyone feel welcome and cozy.

Ingredients List

1 Cup unsalted butter (226 grams)
1 Cup granulated white sugar (200 grams)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1 egg
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 cups all-purpose flour (360 grams)

Ingredient Tips

Unsalted Butter: For better control over salt levels in baking, use unsalted butter. It’s also important for achieving the right texture in your cookies.
Granulated Sugar: Using granulated sugar gives your cookies the perfect balance of crisp edges and a chewy center. Avoid using powdered sugar for this recipe; it will change the texture.
Vanilla Extract: Always opt for pure vanilla extract for the most authentic flavor. Imitation vanilla can alter the taste of your cookies.
Almond Extract: This adds a delightful hint of nuttiness. If you prefer, you can swap it out for more vanilla extract.
All-Purpose Flour: For the best texture, make sure to spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level it off, avoiding packing.

Step-by-Step Instructions

PREHEAT your oven to 350° F (180° C).
In the bowl of your mixer, CREAM the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until smooth, for at least 3 minutes. This step is crucial for a fluffy cookie texture.
BEAT IN the extracts and egg until fully combined. For a richer flavor, use room-temperature egg.
In a separate bowl, COMBINE baking powder and salt with the all-purpose flour. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, blending just until combined.
IMPORTANT NOTE: If the dough looks crumbly, keep mixing for 30 seconds to 1 minute longer. The dough should easily pull away from the sides of the mixer.
If the dough is too dry or stiff for your mixer, turn it out onto a lightly floured countertop, wet your hands, and knead the dough until smooth.
DO NOT CHILL THE DOUGH! Divide it into workable batches (2-3 chunks), roll out on a floured surface, and cut into desired shapes. Aim for a thickness closer to 1/4 inch rather than 1/8 for thicker, more satisfying cookies.
BAKE at 350° F (180° C) for 6-8 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
LET COOL on the cookie sheet until they’re firm enough to transfer to a cooling rack. This helps set the cookies without breaking them.

Expert Tips for Success

Check Your Oven Temperature: Always ensure your oven is calibrated correctly; an oven thermometer can help. Cookies can overbake in a hotter oven, leading to a dry texture.
Use Parchment Paper: Lining your baking sheets with parchment creates a non-stick surface, ensuring your cookies come off easily.
Flavor Enhancements: Consider adding citrus zest for a fresh twist or subbing in different extracts for unique flavor profiles.
Cookie Thickness: For a softer texture, roll the dough thicker. For crisper cookies, roll them thinner and keep a close eye on baking time.

Recipe Variations

Chocolate Chip Sugar Cookies: Fold in chocolate chips for a delightful twist that combines sugar cookie softness with chocolate chip cookie richness.
Lemon Sugar Cookies: Incorporate fresh lemon zest and a touch of lemon juice to create a refreshing and bright flavor perfect for spring.
Spiced Sugar Cookies: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or ginger for a warm, comforting flavor that transports you to cozy autumn evenings.
Frosted Sugar Cookies: After baking, cool your cookies and frost with your favorite icing for a fun and colorful treat that’s perfect for any celebration.

Perfect Pairings

Consider pairing these delightful sugar cookies with a chilled glass of milk or a warm cup of tea. For a festive touch, serve them alongside hot cocoa, or consider a scoop of butter pecan ice cream for a sweet dessert experience.

Make Ahead & Freezer Tips

You can prepare the dough a day in advance and refrigerate it. For longer storage, scoop and roll the dough into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer them to an airtight container. When ready to bake, simply add a couple of minutes to the baking time.

Serving Ideas

Serve your cookies on a decorative platter, perhaps with colorful sprinkles or icing to enhance their appeal. For a festive touch, place them in a clear jar tied with a ribbon for beautiful, homemade gifts.

Kitchen Wisdom

Rolling the Dough: Dust both the rolling surface and your rolling pin with flour to prevent sticking.
Cookie Cutter Tips: Dip cookie cutters in flour before each cut to ensure clean edges and easy release.
Cooling Rack Importance: Allowing cookies to cool fully on a rack prevents sogginess and maintains their ideal texture and flavor.
Batch Control: Make a double batch and store some for later; these cookies will stay fresh in an airtight container for up to a week!

Storage & Reheating Tips

To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Reheat them by placing in the microwave for about 10 seconds to restore that just-baked warmth. For best texture, avoid reheating in the oven, as it may dry them out.

FAQs

Can I use gluten-free flour for this recipe? Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix. Ensure it’s a blend that contains xanthan gum for best results.
Why are my cookies spreading too much? Over-creaming the butter can create too much air, causing them to spread. Make sure to mix just until combined.
How can I make these cookies softer? Roll the cookies slightly thicker and bake at the lower end of the time range until edges are golden and centers look slightly underbaked.
Can I freeze baked cookies? Absolutely! Once cooled, place cookies in layers separated by parchment paper in an airtight container and freeze. They’ll keep for up to three months.
What’s the best way to decorate these cookies? Royal icing, fondant, or even sprinkled with colored sugar can all create beautiful effects. Get creative based on the occasion!
How can I tell when the cookies are done? Look for a slight golden color around the edges; the centers may look slightly puffy but should not be wet.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 150
Protein: 1g
Carbs: 21g
Fat: 7g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 10g

Nutrition facts are estimates and may vary. Consult a nutritionist for precise info.

Personal Note

Baking these sugar cookies brings back memories of family gatherings, laughter, and love shared over delicious treats. Every bite is a reminder of the importance of connection and creativity through food. I hope you make your own memories in the kitchen with this recipe.

Final Thoughts

I invite you to try this amazing Best Sugar Cookie Recipe and experience the joy of baking, sharing, and savoring. Be sure to pin this for later, and when you do try it, share your version and how it turned out. Let’s keep the tradition of love and laughter alive, one cookie at a time!