Description
Homemade Sugar Cookies bring classic comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen, blending simple ingredients with sweet memories. Crisp edges and delicate centers invite bakers of all skill levels to create delightful treats that spark joy with each delicious bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Primary Ingredients:
- 2.25 cups (510 grams) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (226 grams/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1.5 cups (300 grams) granulated sugar
Binding and Flavoring Ingredients:
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Leavening and Seasoning Ingredients:
- 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
- 0.5 teaspoon baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper for optimal cookie performance.
- Create a creamy base by vigorously whipping softened butter and sugar together using a hand mixer until the mixture becomes light, airy, and forms a smooth texture.
- Enhance the flavor profile by gently incorporating the egg and vanilla extract, stirring until the ingredients are seamlessly blended and create a uniform mixture.
- In a separate mixing vessel, thoroughly combine the dry ingredients – flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt – using a whisk to ensure even distribution of leavening agents.
- Gradually introduce the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, folding carefully to prevent overmixing and maintain the cookies’ delicate texture.
- Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, carefully deposit rounded portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, maintaining approximately 2 inches of spacing between each cookie.
- Place the cookie-laden sheets into the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, watching for a delicate golden hue along the edges while allowing the centers to remain slightly soft.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to rest on the baking sheet for a brief 2-minute period to stabilize their structure.
- Transfer the cookies to a wire cooling rack, permitting them to cool completely and develop their final texture and flavor characteristics.
Notes
- Soften butter at room temperature for 30-45 minutes to ensure smooth, even creaming without over-mixing.
- Use room temperature egg to help ingredients blend more uniformly and create a smoother cookie texture.
- Avoid overmixing the dough after adding flour to prevent tough, dense cookies; stop mixing as soon as ingredients are just combined.
- For gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend, ensuring cookies remain tender and light.
- Chill dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent excessive spreading and maintain a perfect round shape.
- Customize by adding sprinkles, rolling in colored sugar, or pressing a light imprint on top before baking for visual appeal.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg