Classic Sugar Cookie Recipe

Introduction

Sugar cookies are a classic favorite in the world of baking, cherished for their simplicity and versatility. Whether you’re decorating them for a festive holiday, a special occasion, or just enjoying a sweet treat with a cup of tea, this classic sugar cookie recipe is your go-to for creating soft, buttery, and perfectly sweet cookies. Easy to make and even easier to love, these cookies are sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire.

Ingredients

To create these delightful sugar cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Optional: Additional granulated sugar for rolling

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to ensure your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer on medium speed.
3. Add the Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.
5. Shape the Cookies: Scoop tablespoons of dough and roll them into balls. If desired, roll the balls in granulated sugar before placing them on the prepared baking sheets. Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass or your fingers to help the cookies spread evenly.
6. Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may still look a bit soft, but they will firm up as they cool.
7. Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

Tips for Perfect Sugar Cookies

• Chill the Dough: For more uniform cookies, chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before baking. This step can help prevent spreading and make the dough easier to handle.
• Decorating: Once cooled, these sugar cookies are perfect for decorating with royal icing, sprinkles, or colored sugar. They make excellent canvas for creative designs!
• Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This classic sugar cookie recipe is incredibly versatile and forgiving. Its simplicity makes it a great base for various add-ins and decorations. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a birthday, or just because, these cookies are sure to please everyone. Plus, the soft and buttery texture combined with just the right amount of sweetness will have your taste buds singing.

Conclusion

There’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked sugar cookies filling your kitchen. With this classic sugar cookie recipe, you’ll have delicious, homemade cookies that are perfect for any occasion. Enjoy them with friends and family or give them as gifts—the possibilities are endless with these timeless treats!

Serving and Storage Tips for Classic Sugar Cookies

Serving Tips:

1. Presentation: Arrange your sugar cookies on a decorative platter or in a festive tin to make them look as delightful as they taste. For special occasions, consider adding a few decorative elements, like edible glitter or colorful sprinkles, to enhance their appeal.
2. Pairings: Serve these cookies with a variety of beverages, such as milk, tea, or coffee. They also pair wonderfully with fruit juices or hot cocoa, making them a versatile treat for any time of day.
3. Temperature: For the best flavor and texture, serve sugar cookies at room temperature. They can be enjoyed as-is or slightly warmed in the microwave for a few seconds to recreate that fresh-baked feel.
4. Decorating Ideas: If you’re serving these cookies at a party or gathering, consider offering a selection of toppings and icings. Provide guests with options like colored icing, sprinkles, or edible markers so they can personalize their own cookies.

Storage Tips:

1. Room Temperature: Store your cooled sugar cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and soft for up to a week. Layer the cookies between sheets of parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together.
2. Freezing: For longer storage, sugar cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze, place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer the frozen cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container, layering between parchment paper if needed. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
3. Icing and Decorations: If your cookies are decorated with icing or other toppings, allow the decorations to dry completely before storing to prevent smudging. Store decorated cookies in a single layer or with parchment paper between layers to protect the designs.
4. Avoid Humidity: Keep your cookies in a cool, dry place. Excessive humidity can make them soft and cause the icing to become sticky or runny.

By following these serving and storage tips, you’ll ensure your classic sugar cookies remain fresh and delicious, ready to enjoy whenever you crave a sweet treat!

1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter? Yes, you can use salted butter if that’s what you have on hand. Just be sure to omit the additional salt in the recipe to avoid making the cookies too salty. If you prefer to use unsalted butter for a more controlled flavor, it’s often recommended for baking.
2. How can I prevent my sugar cookies from spreading too much during baking? To prevent spreading, you can chill the cookie dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps solidify the fat in the dough and reduces spreading. Additionally, make sure not to overmix the dough, as this can also contribute to spreading.
3. Can I make the dough ahead of time and freeze it? Absolutely! You can freeze sugar cookie dough for up to 3 months. Simply shape the dough into a log or flatten it into a disc, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and freeze. When you’re ready to bake, thaw the dough in the refrigerator overnight, then roll out and cut into shapes as desired.
4. What’s the best way to store decorated sugar cookies? After decorating, let the icing dry completely before storing the cookies. Place them in an airtight container at room temperature. If you need to stack them, use parchment paper between layers to prevent the decorations from smudging. For longer storage, you can freeze decorated cookies, but ensure they are fully dry before freezing to keep the decorations intact.