Baking is more than just a culinary task; it is a way to spread joy and create memorable experiences. Sugar cookies, in particular, are a timeless favorite. Whether you’re planning a birthday party, celebrating a holiday, or simply indulging on a cozy afternoon, this Easiest Sugar Cookie Recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.
Sugar cookies are incredibly versatile. You can decorate them with colorful icing, coat them in sprinkles, or enjoy them plain alongside a warm cup of tea. In this blog post, you will find a detailed guide to create sugar cookies that will delight family and friends alike. Get your ingredients ready, roll up your sleeves, and let’s get started!
Understanding the Ingredients
Before we jump into the recipe, it’s worthwhile to appreciate the role each ingredient plays.
Dry Ingredients
Flour: The backbone of any cookie recipe, all-purpose flour provides structure and texture. Using about 6 cups ensures that your cookies are neither too dry nor too crumbly.
Baking Powder: This leavening agent helps cookies rise, making them light and fluffy. A proper measurement of 4 teaspoons is crucial for achieving the perfect texture.
Salt: Surprisingly, salt enhances sweetness and balances flavors. Using 2 teaspoons can elevate the overall taste of your cookies.
Wet Ingredients
Butter: Softened butter is essential for a rich and creamy texture. Opt for high-quality butter to enhance the flavor of your cookies.
Sugar: The star ingredient! Using 2 ¾ cups of granulated sugar not only adds sweetness but also contributes to the cookies' golden color as they bake.
Vanilla Extract: Just a splash of real vanilla extract adds warmth and aroma, making your cookies truly memorable.
Eggs: Two whole eggs and two egg yolks bring moisture and help bind all the ingredients together, resulting in perfect cookie dough.
The Easiest Sugar Cookie Recipe
Now that we’re familiar with the ingredients, let’s dive into the recipe!
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 6 cups all-purpose flour, divided
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 teaspoons salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 4 sticks of softened butter
- 2 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 eggs
- 2 egg yolks
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine 5 cups of flour, baking powder, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients ensures that the salt and leavening agent are well distributed, which is key for consistent baking.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients
Using a stand mixer, cream the softened butter with granulated sugar on medium speed for about 3 minutes until you achieve a light and fluffy texture.
Next, add the vanilla extract, eggs, and egg yolks. Mix for another 3 minutes. The result should be a creamy, almost fluffy mixture — this is what will make your cookies soft and delicious!
3. Combine Mixtures
Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, one cup at a time. Mix until completely integrated before adding the next cup. Once you've added the first five cups, stir in the final cup. Stop mixing once a soft dough forms to ensure tender cookies.
4. Chill the Dough
Cover your dough and place it in the fridge for at least one hour. Chilling solidifies the butter, which prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
5. Roll Out the Dough
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
On a floured surface, roll out the dough to your desired thickness. Use cookie cutters to make fun shapes and transfer them onto a parchment-lined cookie sheet.
6. Bake
Bake the cookies for about 10 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly browned. During baking, your kitchen will fill with the delightful aroma of homemade cookies.
After removing them from the oven, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Frost and Enjoy
Once cooled, it’s time for the finishing touch! You can top your cookies with white chocolate or festive icing. Decorate them however you like and enjoy your delicious sugar cookies straight from the oven.
Tips for Perfect Sugar Cookies
Use Quality Ingredients: Quality ingredients significantly affect flavor. Choose rich butter and authentic vanilla extract for the best results.
Measure Ingredients Accurately: Precision is key in baking. Use appropriate measuring tools to ensure correct proportions. For even better results, consider weighing your ingredients.
Don’t Overmix: When combining your ingredients, avoid overmixing. It can lead to tough cookies instead of light, tender treats.
Why Sugar Cookies Are a Must-Try
Sugar cookies have a unique charm. They are easy to make and can be customized for any occasion. Here’s why you should give them a try:
Family-Friendly Activity: Baking sugar cookies is a fantastic way to spend quality time with your family. Kids can help measure ingredients, roll out dough, and decorate the cookies!
Endless Customization Options: You can easily adjust this recipe to suit your preferences. Add sprinkles for excitement, or shape them into festive designs for special events.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Sugar cookies shine during celebrations. From festive cookie shapes during the holidays to colorful sprinkles for birthdays, they fit any occasion.
Gifting Cookies: Homemade sugar cookies are lovely gifts. Package them in decorative boxes to share joy during special celebrations or holidays.
Start Baking Today!
Baking sugar cookies is a delightful experience that anyone can successfully master. With straightforward ingredients and clear steps, you can create delicious treats that will impress anyone who tastes them.
So, why not gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and experience the joy of baking? Enjoy your fresh creations with family and friends. Happy baking!
Easiest Sugar Cookie Recipe
Ingredients
- Dry Ingredients:
- 6 cups all-purpose flour, divided
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 teaspoons salt
- Wet Ingredients:
- 4 sticks of butter (softened)
- 2 3/4 cups white granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 eggs
- 2 egg yolks
Instructions
1. Prepare Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, mix together 5 cups of flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients:
- In a stand mixer, combine the softened butter and sugar.
- Beat together on medium speed for about 3 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Add the vanilla extract, eggs, and egg yolks. Beat for an additional 3 minutes until well combined.
3. Combine Mixtures:
- Gradually incorporate the flour mixture, one cup at a time, into the wet mixture.
- Once fully incorporated, add the remaining 1 cup of flour and mix until well combined.
4. Chill the Dough:
- Cover the dough and place it in the refrigerator to chill for a minimum of one hour.
5. Roll Out the Dough:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- On a floured piece of parchment paper, roll out the dough to your desired thickness.
- Place the rolled dough on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes, removing any excess dough.
6. Bake:
- Bake the cookies for about 10 minutes or until lightly browned on the bottom.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool on the cookie sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
7. Frost and Enjoy:
- Top your cooled cookies with white chocolate sugar cookie frosting and enjoy your delicious sugar cookies!
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