The Best Sugar Cookies
The Best Sugar Cookies are a delightful treat that brings joy to any occasion. These cookies are not only perfect for festive gatherings but also ideal for everyday baking with family. With their chewy texture, crispy edges, and gooey center, they truly stand out as the best cut-out sugar cookies. Whether you’re looking to decorate them for a holiday or enjoy them plain, these cookies will satisfy your sweet tooth and create lasting memories.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward, making it perfect for both beginners and experienced bakers.
- Versatile: Customize your sugar cookies with different shapes and decorations for any occasion.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of vanilla and almond extracts creates a unique and mouthwatering taste.
- Perfect Texture: Enjoy the balance of chewy centers with crispy edges—every bite is a delight!
- Family-Friendly: Get the kids involved in rolling, cutting, and decorating these fun cookies!
Tools and Preparation
Before you dive into making The Best Sugar Cookies, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer
- Rolling pin
- Parchment paper
- Baking sheets
- Cookie cutters
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer: This tool ensures that your butter and sugar are perfectly combined without effort.
- Rolling pin: It helps roll out the dough evenly, ensuring uniform cookie thickness for even baking.
- Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze when transferring baked cookies.
Ingredients
To prepare The Best Sugar Cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Cookie Dough
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
How to Make The Best Sugar Cookies
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the butter and sugar. Beat until just combined, about 45 seconds. Next, add in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Continue beating well for about 1 minute.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
Scrape down the sides of the bowl. Add in the all-purpose flour and salt. Mix until fully combined with no streaks of flour remaining. Form a flat oval disk with the dough and wrap it in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least one hour or overnight.
Step 3: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you prepare your baking sheets. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 4: Roll Out the Dough
On a floured surface, roll out the cookie dough using a rolling pin to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut out shapes using cookie cutters and carefully transfer them to the prepared baking sheets. If desired, sprinkle colored sugar on top now!
Step 5: Bake Your Cookies
Depending on their size, bake your cookies for 8 to 12 minutes or until the edges are just golden brown. Mini cookies usually take about 8 minutes, medium-sized cookies about 10 minutes, and larger ones around 12 minutes.
Step 6: Cool Before Decorating
Allow your cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting or enjoying them plain!
How to Serve The Best Sugar Cookies
Serving sugar cookies can be a delightful experience, especially when you consider various ways to enhance their appeal. Whether it’s for a party, holiday, or just a cozy afternoon at home, here are some creative serving suggestions.
With Frosting
- Use buttercream or royal icing to add color and flavor. Frosted cookies make for an eye-catching display on any dessert table.
For Special Occasions
- Decorate cookies with themed designs for holidays or birthdays. Custom shapes and colors can make your cookies stand out even more.
Accompanied by Beverages
- Pair your cookies with warm beverages like coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. This combination is perfect for a relaxing treat.
As Gifts
- Package the cookies in decorative boxes or bags. They make lovely homemade gifts for friends and family during the holiday season.
For Cookie Decorating Parties
- Set up a decorating station with sprinkles, edible glitter, and various toppings. Invite friends over for a fun cookie decorating session!
On Dessert Platters
- Combine sugar cookies with other treats like brownies and fruit bars on a dessert platter. This variety will appeal to different tastes.
How to Perfect The Best Sugar Cookies
To achieve the best texture and flavor in your sugar cookies, follow these helpful tips that ensure baking success.
- Chill the Dough: Refrigerating the dough helps maintain its shape when baking. It prevents spreading and results in thicker cookies.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for easier mixing and better texture.
- Measure Flour Correctly: Use the spoon-and-level method to avoid dense cookies. Too much flour can lead to dry results.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies while they bake. Remove them from the oven when edges are golden but centers are still soft for that chewy texture.
- Cool Completely Before Frosting: Allow cookies to cool fully before adding frosting. This prevents melting and maintains decoration integrity.
Best Side Dishes for The Best Sugar Cookies
Pairing side dishes with your sugar cookies can enhance your dessert table’s appeal or complement your cookie-eating experience. Here are some great options:
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits provides a sweet contrast to the richness of sugar cookies.
- Cheese Platter: Offer a selection of cheeses that can balance the sweetness of sugar cookies with savory flavors.
- Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream pairs beautifully with warm sugar cookies for a classic dessert combo.
- Milkshake: Blend up a creamy milkshake as an indulgent beverage that goes well with the soft texture of sugar cookies.
- Chocolate Fondue: A chocolate fountain allows guests to dip their sugar cookies into melted chocolate for an extra treat.
- Coffee Bar: Set up a coffee bar with various options such as flavored syrups and whipped cream, enhancing the cookie experience.
- Nut Mix: A crunchy nut mix adds texture and balances sweetness nicely when served alongside sugar cookies.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries as a light option that complements sweet treats without overwhelming them.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When baking The Best Sugar Cookies, it’s essential to avoid common pitfalls that can affect the final result. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:
- Using cold ingredients: Cold butter or eggs can lead to a less fluffy cookie. Always ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before starting.
- Skipping the chilling step: Not refrigerating the dough can result in cookies that spread too much while baking. Make sure to chill your dough for at least an hour.
- Overmixing the dough: Mixing too long can develop gluten, making the cookies tough. Mix just until combined for a tender texture.
- Not measuring flour correctly: Packing flour into your measuring cup can add excess flour, leading to dry cookies. Use the spoon and level method for accurate measurements.
- Ignoring baking times: Each oven is different; relying solely on time can lead to burnt or underbaked cookies. Keep an eye on your cookies and check them a minute or two early.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store The Best Sugar Cookies in an airtight container for up to one week.
- If frosted, allow the frosting to set before stacking layers.
Freezing The Best Sugar Cookies
- Wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
- They can be frozen for up to three months without losing quality.
Reheating The Best Sugar Cookies
- Oven: Preheat to 300°F and warm cookies for about 5 minutes on a baking sheet.
- Microwave: Heat cookies on a microwave-safe plate for 10-15 seconds until warm.
- Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet over low heat for a minute or two until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions about making The Best Sugar Cookies, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries:
How do I make The Best Sugar Cookies soft?
To ensure soft sugar cookies, avoid overbaking them. Take them out of the oven when they are just golden around the edges.
Can I decorate The Best Sugar Cookies?
Absolutely! These cookies are perfect for decorating with icing or sprinkles after they cool completely.
How long do The Best Sugar Cookies last?
When stored properly in an airtight container, these sugar cookies will last up to one week at room temperature.
Can I freeze The Best Sugar Cookies?
Yes! You can freeze both baked and unbaked cookie dough. Just follow proper freezing techniques to maintain freshness.
Final Thoughts
The Best Sugar Cookies are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Whether you enjoy them plain or decorated, they bring joy and comfort with every bite. Don’t hesitate to customize these gems with different flavors or toppings to suit any occasion!
The Best Sugar Cookies
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Indulge in The Best Sugar Cookies, a scrumptious treat that captures the essence of joy for any occasion. With their perfect balance of chewy centers and crispy edges, these cookies are ideal for decorating during festivities or savoring plain on a cozy afternoon. The delightful combination of vanilla and almond extracts creates a mouthwatering flavor that will leave you craving more. This easy-to-follow recipe is perfect for bakers of all levels, making it a wonderful family activity as you roll, cut, and decorate together. Whether you’re looking to impress at a gathering or enjoy a sweet moment at home, these sugar cookies will create lasting memories.
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
- In a stand mixer, cream butter and sugar until combined. Add egg, vanilla, and almond extracts; mix well.
- Gradually add flour and salt until fully incorporated. Shape dough into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least one hour.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll out chilled dough to 1/4-inch thickness on a floured surface. Cut out shapes with cookie cutters and place them on prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 8 to 12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Cool completely before decorating or serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 55mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
