Description
Sweet magic happens when classic Sugar Cookies meet simple ingredients and effortless technique. Crisp edges, tender centers, and pure buttery comfort invite bakers of all skill levels to create delightful treats you’ll savor with every delicious bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Primary Ingredients:
- 2 3/4 cups (330 grams) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (227 grams) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups (300 grams) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
Leavening Agents:
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Flavor and Seasoning:
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Finishing:
- Extra sugar for rolling
Instructions
- Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 350°F and lining baking sheets with parchment paper for optimal cookie performance.
- Sift together the dry ingredients – flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt – ensuring a smooth, lump-free mixture that will contribute to the cookie’s delicate texture.
- In a separate spacious mixing bowl, transform butter and granulated sugar into a creamy, aerated mixture by vigorously beating until the consistency becomes light and voluminous.
- Incorporate the egg, pure vanilla extract, and optional almond extract into the butter-sugar blend, mixing until the liquid ingredients are fully integrated and the mixture appears silky and uniform.
- Gently fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring minimally to prevent overworking the dough, which could result in tough cookies.
- Shape the cookie dough into uniform 1-inch spheres, then generously coat each ball with a layer of granulated sugar for a sparkling, crisp exterior.
- Arrange the sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, maintaining sufficient spacing to allow for slight spreading during baking, and delicately flatten each ball using the bottom of a glass.
- Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, watching for a subtle golden rim that indicates perfect doneness, then allow them to rest briefly on the baking sheet before transferring to a cooling rack to achieve a complete crisp texture.
Notes
- Ensure butter is softened at room temperature for smoother creaming and better cookie texture.
- Avoid overmixing the dough to prevent tough, dense cookies that lack tenderness.
- For gluten-free variation, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to maintain similar texture and taste.
- Experiment with different extracts like orange or lemon to create unique flavor profiles that complement the classic sugar cookie.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24
- Calories: 132
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 60 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 1.5 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg