The smell of freshly baked sugar cookies wafting through your home is nothing short of pure bliss. The golden edges, soft center, and just the right amount of sweetness create an irresistible allure that beckons family and friends into the kitchen. As you take that first bite, the rich buttery flavor dances on your palate, reminding you of cozy holiday gatherings and joyful celebrations. These sugar cookies are not just a treat; they’re a warm embrace in cookie form.
What Makes This Recipe Shine
What sets this sugar cookie recipe apart is its perfect balance of flavors and textures, alongside its straightforward approach. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create cookies that are buttery, soft, and slightly crisp on the edges. The addition of almond extract adds an unexpected loveliness that elevates the traditional flavor profile, making these cookies a true standout. As one happy baker shared,
“These cookies remind me of my grandmother’s kitchen so comforting and familiar!”
How This Dish Comes Together
Creating the best sugar cookies is a delightful endeavor! The process is relatively simple, combining a few key ingredients to whip up a dough that will yield soft, mouthwatering cookies. Start with room-temperature butter and eggs for easy mixing, and remember to refrigerate the dough; this step is essential for achieving the right texture. Plus, who doesn’t love rolling out dough and cutting it into fun shapes? It’s a process that invites creativity and fun into your kitchen!
Here’s What You’ll Need
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
When selecting your ingredients, opt for high-quality butter and pure extracts for the best flavor. If you have dietary restrictions, feel free to experiment with gluten-free all-purpose flour or a vegan butter substitute although results may vary.
Step-By-Step Cooking Instructions
- In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the softened butter and sugar. Beat on medium speed until just combined, about 45 seconds. The mixture should be light and puffed slightly, inviting the rest of the ingredients.
- Next, add in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Beat well for about 1 minute until everything is fully incorporated and smooth, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Now it’s time to incorporate the dry ingredients! Scrape down the bowl once again, and add the all-purpose flour and salt. Mix on low speed until no streaks of flour remain be careful not to overmix, or your cookies may lose their soft texture.
- Shape the dough into a flat, oval disk and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or overnight if you can wait that long. This step helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. The aroma of the preheating oven is already enticing!
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out your chilled cookie dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out fun shapes, transferring them carefully to the prepared baking sheets. If you want to sprinkle your cookies with colorful sugar, now’s your chance!
- Depending on the size of your cookies, bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 12 minutes or until the edges turn a lovely golden brown. Mini cookies typically bake in about 8 minutes, while larger ones may take closer to 12. Keep an eye on them, as the edge colors will guide your timing.
- Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. They can be frosted or enjoyed just as they are!
Serving Ideas
These delightful sugar cookies are perfect on their own, but they also serve as a fantastic canvas for creativity. Consider frosting them with pastel buttercream, drizzling with chocolate, or decorating with sprinkles for a festive touch. Pair them with a glass of milk or a cup of tea for a lovely afternoon treat. They also make great gifts; stack them in a decorative tin for a sweet surprise!
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
To maintain that soft, delectable texture, store your sugar cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for about a week. If you want to enjoy them longer, consider freezing them: simply place the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, and then transfer to a freezer-safe container. They’ll be good for up to three months!
Helpful Cooking Tips
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Always use room-temperature butter and eggs; this helps create a smooth batter and ensures even mixing.
- Don’t Rush Chilling: Refrigerating the dough is key to keeping the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
- Watch the Edges: Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake. Pull them out as soon as the edges are golden for the best soft-in-the-middle results.
Ways to Customize It
Feel free to get creative with this sugar cookie base! Add in sprinkles to the dough for a fun twist or infuse with flavors like lemon or orange zest for a refreshing burst. You can even swap out the almond extract for other flavors, such as coconut or peppermint, to match the season or occasion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! The dough can be made in advance and refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the refrigerator before rolling it out.
What if I don’t have a stand mixer?
No worries! You can use a hand mixer or simply mix the ingredients by hand with a wooden spoon. It may take a bit more elbow grease, but will work just fine.
Can I decorate these cookies?
Of course! Once cooled, feel free to decorate with icing, colored sugar, or even edible glitter for a special touch.
Now, gather your ingredients and get ready to experience the joy of baking these scrumptious sugar cookies! The aroma of cookies fresh from the oven is sure to fill your home with warmth and nostalgia. Enjoy!
Print
Classic Sugar Cookies
Delightful and soft sugar cookies with a hint of almond extract, perfect for any occasion.
- Total Time: 1 hour 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine softened butter and sugar. Beat on medium speed until just combined, about 45 seconds.
- Add egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Beat well for about 1 minute until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Incorporate the dry ingredients by adding the all-purpose flour and salt. Mix on low speed until no streaks of flour remain.
- Shape the dough into a flat, oval disk and wrap tightly in plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled cookie dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes and transfer them to prepared baking sheets.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 12 minutes until edges are golden brown.
- Allow cookies to cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They can also be frozen for up to three months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
