Easy Sugar Cookie Recipe: A Simple Guide to Delicious Homemade Treats
Are you craving the sweet, buttery goodness of homemade sugar cookies? Look no further! This easy sugar cookie recipe is perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike. It's simple, delicious, and guaranteed to become a family favorite. Get ready to roll up your sleeves and create a batch of delightful cookies!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe uses simple, readily available ingredients, making it perfect for a spontaneous baking session.
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened: Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easy mixing.
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar: This provides the perfect sweetness for these delightful cookies.
- 2 large eggs: These bind the ingredients together and add richness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor and adds a touch of warmth.
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure for your cookies.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cookies rise beautifully.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
This recipe is designed to be straightforward and easy to follow, even for novice bakers.
1. Cream Together the Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This is best done with an electric mixer, but you can also do it by hand (it will just take a little more elbow grease!).
2. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. Gradually Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
5. Chill the Dough:
Cover the dough and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
6. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
7. Roll Out the Dough:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about ¼ inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out your desired shapes.
8. Bake the Cookies:
Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
9. Cool and Decorate:
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, decorate with your favorite frosting, sprinkles, or other toppings!
Tips for the Perfect Sugar Cookies:
- Don't overmix the dough: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
- Chill the dough: Chilling the dough is crucial for preventing spreading.
- Use parchment paper: This prevents the cookies from sticking to the baking sheets.
- Don't overcrowd the baking sheets: Leave some space between the cookies for even baking.
- Let the cookies cool completely before decorating: This prevents the frosting from melting.
Variations and Ideas:
- Add flavor: Experiment with different extracts like almond, peppermint, or lemon.
- Use different sugars: Try brown sugar for a richer flavor.
- Add mix-ins: Incorporate chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit into the dough.
- Get creative with decorations: Use different frostings, sprinkles, candies, and more!
This easy sugar cookie recipe is a fantastic starting point for your baking adventures. With its simple steps and endless possibilities for customization, you'll be creating delicious cookies in no time! Enjoy!
