Sugar Cookie Recipe: Indulge in the sweetness of homemade delights. Looking for a delectable treat that perfectly combines simplicity and sweetness? Look no further than the beloved classic—sugar cookie recipe.
With their buttery texture, delicate crumb, and irresistible flavour, sugar cookies have remained a beloved favourite for generations.
Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion, holiday festivities, or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth, this article presents an easy-to-follow sugar cookie recipe that will have you creating mouthwatering treats in no time.
Prepare to embark on a delightful baking adventure and discover the joy of homemade sugar cookies that will leave everyone craving for more.
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Sugar Cookie Recipe
Ingredients for Sugar Cookie Recipe
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups white sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions for Sugar Cookie Recipe
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
- Stir flour, baking soda, and baking powder together in a small bowl.
- Beat sugar and butter in a large bowl with an electric mixer until smooth.
- Beat in egg and vanilla. Gradually blend in the flour mixture. Roll dough into walnut-sized balls and place 2 inches apart onto ungreased baking sheets.
- Bake in the preheated oven until edges are golden, 8 to 10 minutes. Cool on the baking sheets briefly before removing them to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to make Sugar Cookies with Icing
Ingredients
- 2 and ¼ cups (281g) all-purpose flour (spooned & levelled), plus more as needed for rolling and work surface
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- ¼ or ½ teaspoon almond extract For Decorating
- Royal Icing or Easy Glaze Icing (royal icing is pictured)
- Assorted sprinkles
Sugar Cookie Recipe tools
- Electric Mixer (Handheld or Stand Mixer)
- Baking Sheets
- Silicone Baking Mats or Parchment Sheets
- Rolling Pin or this Adjustable Rolling Pin
- Food Coloring: Liquid food colouring can alter the consistency of the icing,
Instructions for Making Sugar Cookies with Icing
- Whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt together in a medium bowl. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, using a handheld or a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the butter and sugar together on high speed until completely smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes.
- Add the egg, vanilla, and almond extract (if using) and beat on high speed until combined, about 1 minute. Scrape down the sides and up the bottom of the bowl and beat again as needed to combine.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix on low until combined. The dough will be a bit soft. If the dough seems too soft and sticky for rolling, add 1 more Tablespoon of flour.
- Divide the dough into 2 equal parts. Place each portion onto a piece of lightly floured parchment paper or a lightly floured silicone baking mat. Roll the dough out to about ¼ inch thick with a lightly floured rolling pin. Use more flour if the dough seems too sticky. The rolled-out dough can be any shape, as long as it is evenly ¼ -inch thick.
- Lightly dust one of the rolled-out doughs with flour. Place a piece of parchment on top. Place the 2nd rolled-out dough on top. Cover with plastic wrap or aluminium foil, then refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours and up to 2 days.
- Once chilled, preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Line 2-3 large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Carefully remove the top dough piece from the refrigerator. If it’s sticking to the bottom, run your hand under it to help remove it.
- Using a cookie cutter, cut the dough into shapes. Re-roll the remaining dough and continue cutting until all is used. Repeat with 2nd piece of dough.
- Arrange cookies on baking sheets 3 inches apart. Bake for 11-12 minutes or until lightly browned around the edges. If your oven has hot spots, rotate the baking sheet halfway through bake time. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before decorating.
- Decorate the cooled cookies with royal icing or easy cookie icing. Feel free to tint either icing with gel food colouring. You can decorate the cookies directly on a baking sheet so you can stick the entire baking sheet in the refrigerator to help speed up the icing setting.
- Enjoy cookies right away, or wait until the icing sets to serve them. Once the icing has been set, these cookies are great for gifting or for sending. Plain or decorated cookies stay soft for about 5 days when covered tightly at room temperature. For longer storage, cover and refrigerate for up to 10 days.
Tips for Making Sugar Cookie Recipe
Use room temperature ingredients
Ensure that your butter, eggs, and other ingredients are at room temperature before starting. Room-temperature ingredients blend more efficiently and result in a smoother dough.
Cream the butter and sugar properly
Creaming the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy is crucial in sugar cookie making. This process incorporates air into the dough, resulting in a softer and more tender cookie.
Measure accurately
Baking is a science, so measuring your ingredients accurately is important. Use measuring cups and spoons specifically designed for baking and level off dry ingredients with a straight edge for precise measurements.
Chill the dough
After mixing the dough, wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour or as specified in your recipe. Chilling the dough helps the cookies retain their shape while baking and prevents spreading.
Roll the dough evenly
When rolling out the dough, use rolling pin rings or rolling pin guides to ensure an even thickness throughout. This helps cookies bake evenly and maintain a consistent texture.
Use parchment paper or silicone baking mats
Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent the cookies from sticking to the pan and to ease cleanup.
Avoid overbaking
Keep a close eye on your cookies while they bake, as they can quickly go from perfectly baked to overbaked and crispy. Sugar cookies are typically made when the edges start turning golden.
Store properly
Store your sugar cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh. If you’ve frosted them, separate the layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Sugar Cookie Frosting Recipe
Ingredients for Sugar Cookie Frosting Recipe
- ⅓ cup softened butter
- 4 ½ cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup milk
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp almond extract
- food colouring
Instructions for Sugar Cookie Frosting Recipe
- Mix all the ingredients with a hand mixer. Add more milk until it’s the desired consistency. Add food colouring (optional).
- Spread on top of cookies with a knife or piping bag. Top it with delicious Jimmy sprinkles, and enjoy!!
Types of sugar cookie frosting
- Buttercream Frosting
This is a classic frosting made with butter, powdered sugar, milk or cream, and vanilla extract. It has a smooth and creamy texture and is easy to spread or pipe onto sugar cookies.
- Royal Icing
Royal icing is a popular choice for decorating sugar cookies. It is made from powdered sugar, egg whites or meringue powder, and water. Royal icing dries to a hard, smooth finish, making it perfect for intricate designs, flooding, and creating a glossy sheen.
- Cream Cheese Frosting
Cream cheese frosting adds a tangy and creamy flavour to sugar cookies. It combines cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Cream cheese frosting is soft and slightly tangy, making it a delicious option for those who prefer a more decadent and less sweet frosting.
- Glaze Frosting
Glaze frosting is a simple mixture of powdered sugar and liquid, such as milk or lemon juice. It creates a thin, transparent layer that adds a subtle sweetness and a glossy finish to sugar cookies. Glaze frosting is easy to make and works well for covering cookies or adding a drizzle over the top.
- Fondant:
Fondant is a smooth, pliable icing that can be rolled out and draped over sugar cookies. It provides a clean and polished look and allows for intricate decorations. Fondant is made from powdered sugar, gelatin, water, and flavourings, and it can be coloured and shaped according to your preference.
Sugar Cookie Recipe Frosting Variations
- Citrus Frosting:
Add a burst of citrus flavour to your sugar cookie frosting by incorporating fresh lemon, lime, or orange zest into the mixture. This variation provides a refreshing and tangy twist to the classic frosting.
- Peppermint Frosting
Mix some peppermint extract or crushed candy canes into your frosting for a festive touch. This creates a delightful minty flavour that pairs perfectly with holiday-themed sugar cookies.
- Almond Frosting
Substitute vanilla extract with almond extract in your frosting recipe to infuse a nutty and slightly sweet taste. Almond frosting complements the sugar cookie recipe beautifully and adds a delightful aroma.
- Chocolate Frosting
Incorporate cocoa powder or melted chocolate into your frosting recipe to create a rich and decadent chocolate frosting. This variation pairs exceptionally well with sugar cookies and adds a delightful chocolate flavour.
- Maple Frosting
Replace the vanilla extract with maple syrup or add a hint of maple flavouring to your frosting. The result is a deliciously sweet and slightly caramelized frosting that gives your sugar cookies a warm and comforting taste.
Sugar Cookie Recipe Storing Tips
- Airtight Container: Store sugar cookies in an airtight container to prevent them from becoming stale or absorbing moisture. You can use plastic containers with tight-fitting lids or metal tins.
- Layering: If you’re storing multiple layers of cookies, separate them with parchment paper or wax paper to prevent sticking and preserve their appearance.
- Room Temperature: Sugar cookies can typically be stored at room temperature for several days. However, this can vary depending on the specific recipe. Check the recipe or use your judgment to determine the optimal storage duration.
- Freezing: If you want to store sugar cookies for an extended period, you can freeze them. Place the cookies in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, making sure to remove as much air as possible. Thaw the cookies at room temperature before serving.
Conclusion
In conclusion, making a sugar cookie recipe is a delightful endeavour that brings joy to both the baker and those who enjoy sweet treats. With its simple yet satisfying ingredients, the sugar cookie recipe presented here provides the perfect canvas for your culinary creativity.
From the moment you gather the ingredients to the final bite of a perfectly baked cookie, the process of making sugar cookies is a labour of love.
The buttery aroma that fills your kitchen, the anticipation of watching the cookies turn golden brown in the oven, and the moment of pure bliss as you take that first bite—all contribute to the magic of homemade sugar cookie recipes.
Frequently Asked Questions On Sugar Cookie Recipe
What is the difference between a sugar cookie and a butter cookie?
The main difference between a sugar cookie and a butter cookie lies in their ingredients and textures. Sugar cookies are typically made with flour, sugar, butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and baking powder or baking soda. They have a slightly crispy texture on the edges with a softer and chewier center. On the other hand, butter cookies are made with flour, sugar, butter, and vanilla extract. They tend to have a rich, crumbly, and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
What does it mean to “sugar cookie” someone?
The term “sugar cookie” is often used in online gaming communities, particularly in first-person shooter games. It refers to the act of intentionally killing or targeting a specific player repeatedly, usually for the purpose of harassment or trolling. The term is derived from the idea of adding insult to injury by metaphorically “sugaring” the wound.
What sugar is best for cookies?
When it comes to baking cookies, granulated white sugar is the most commonly used and versatile sugar. It dissolves easily, provides sweetness, and helps in spreading and browning during baking. However, depending on the desired texture and flavor, other sugars like brown sugar or confectioners’ sugar can be used. Brown sugar adds moisture and a slightly caramel flavor, while confectioners’ sugar contributes to a softer and more delicate texture.
What makes sugar cookies puff up?
Sugar cookies puff up during baking primarily due to the leavening agent, such as baking powder or baking soda, present in the recipe. These leavening agents release carbon dioxide gas when exposed to heat, causing the dough to rise and expand. Additionally, the fat content in the dough, usually from butter, contributes to the puffiness by creating steam pockets as it melts during baking. The combination of leavening agents and fat results in the characteristic rise and softness of sugar cookies.
Can I substitute butter with margarine in sugar cookie recipes?
While it is possible to substitute butter with margarine in sugar cookie recipes, it may affect the texture and flavor of the cookies. Butter adds richness and a distinct flavor that contributes to the overall taste of sugar cookies. Margarine, on the other hand, has a higher water content and can result in cookies that spread more and have a slightly different texture. If you decide to use margarine as a substitute, consider using a margarine specifically labeled for baking to maintain better consistency in the dough.
