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Sugar Cookie Recipe





Perfect Sugar Cookie Recipe

Description

Create the perfect Sugar Cookie Recipe. Soft, buttery, and perfect for decorating, these cookies are a hit for any occasion. Sugar cookies are a timeless treat known for their soft, chewy texture and sweet, buttery flavor. Whether you’re baking for holidays, special occasions, or just to satisfy a sweet craving, this sugar cookie recipe is versatile and easy to follow. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create cookies that are perfect for decorating or enjoying plain.

Ingredients

For the Sugar Cookie Recipe:

  • 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
  • 3 tablespoons buttermilk

For the Decoration:

  • Colored sugar, sprinkles, or royal icing

Instructions

Step-by-Step Instructions – Sugar Cookie Recipe

  1. Preheat and Prepare:
    • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
    • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
    • In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
  4. Add Egg and Extracts:
    • Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) until well combined.
  5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
    • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Add the buttermilk and mix until the dough is smooth.
  6. Roll the Dough:
    • Roll dough into tablespoon-sized balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart. For a classic sugar cookie look, flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass dipped in sugar.
  7. Bake the Cookies:
    • Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Be careful not to overbake; the cookies will continue to cook slightly on the baking sheet after being removed from the oven.
  8. Cool and Decorate:
    • Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Decorate with colored sugar, sprinkles, or royal icing as desired.

Tips and Variations – Sugar Cookie Recipe

Flavor Enhancements

  • Citrus Twist: Add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the dough for a refreshing citrus flavor.
  • Spice It Up: Incorporate a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spiced variation.

Decoration Ideas

  • Holiday Themes: Use different colored sugars and sprinkles to match holiday themes like red and green for Christmas or pastel colors for Easter.
  • Royal Icing: Mix powdered sugar, meringue powder, and water to create royal icing for detailed decorations and designs.

Ingredient Substitutions – Sugar Cookie Recipe

  • Dairy-Free: Substitute butter with a plant-based alternative and use almond milk instead of buttermilk.
  • Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour, ensuring the blend contains xanthan gum or another binding agent.

Storage Tips

  • Room Temperature: Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
  • Freezing: Freeze the dough balls on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Preparation Time: 20 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 10 minutes per batch
  • Total Time: Approximately 1 hour, including cooling and decorating

Nutritional Information (Per Cookie)

  • Calories: 120
  • Protein: 1g
  • Fat: 6g
  • Carbohydrates: 16g
  • Fiber: 0.5g
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Sodium: 60mg

Historical Facts about Sugar Cookie Recipe

Origins

The origin of sugar cookies can be traced back to the 1700s in Pennsylvania, where German settlers baked similar treats known as “Nazareth Cookies,” named after the town of Nazareth. These early cookies were simple and made from basic ingredients like sugar, butter, eggs, and flour, much like the modern sugar cookie recipe.

Evolution

Over the centuries, sugar cookies have evolved from their humble beginnings into a beloved dessert enjoyed worldwide. In America, they became particularly popular during the 1930s and 1940s, often being associated with holiday traditions such as Christmas, where they are commonly decorated with frosting and sprinkles.

Cultural Significance – Sugar Cookie Recipe

Sugar cookies hold a special place in many cultural celebrations. In the United States, they are a staple at holiday gatherings, where families come together to bake and decorate cookies. The tradition of leaving decorated sugar cookies out for Santa Claus on Christmas Eve is a cherished custom for many children.

Modern Variations

Today, sugar cookies are not only enjoyed during holidays but year-round. They come in various shapes, sizes, and flavors, with endless possibilities for decoration. From simple, unadorned cookies to intricately designed works of art, sugar cookies have remained a versatile and enduring treat.