Easy Sugar Cookie Recipe: Perfect Every Time

I love baking and the joy it brings. Making homemade sugar cookies is especially special. The smell of butter and sugar fills the kitchen. The edges are crunchy, and the center is soft.

Today, I'm excited to share an easy sugar cookie recipe. It's from "The Ultimate Cookie Handbook" and is perfect every time. These sugar cookie recipe are great for holidays, special occasions, or just because.

The Best Homemade Sugar Cookie Recipe

Baking cookie ingredients at home is a joy that never gets old. It's perfect for family gatherings or when you just want a sweet treat. This baking desserts sugar cookie recipe is a favorite for many. It's especially loved during holiday baking.

Ingredients for the Ultimate Sugar Cookies

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 3 sticks unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Baking

To make these cookie ingredients, first whisk together the dry ingredients. This includes flour, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, mix the butter and sugar until it's light and fluffy.

Then, add the eggs and vanilla extract and mix well. Next, add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. This will create a smooth dough. Shape the dough into balls and roll them in sugar.

Bake the cookies at 375°F for 10-12 minutes. They should start to lightly brown at the edges. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before moving them to a wire rack.

"These sugar cookies are perfectly soft, chewy, and absolutely delicious. The recipe is a keeper!"

Tips for Making Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies

Making the perfect soft and chewy sugar cookies is an art. With the right techniques, you can get the texture right every time. The key is to focus on a few important details during baking.

Achieving the Ideal Texture

The extra egg yolk in this recipe makes the cookies soft and chewy. Rolling the dough balls in sugar before baking adds to the texture. It makes the outside slightly crisp and the inside soft and chewy.

Preventing Spreading and Ensuring Even Baking

To stop the cookies from spreading too much and bake evenly, use cool butter. Avoid baking them for too long. Chilling the dough for 30 minutes helps keep the shapes during baking.

Stick to the recipe's measurements and steps. Bake at 350°F for 11 to 12 minutes. The edges should be set and start to turn golden. Space the dough balls 2 to 3 inches apart on the baking sheet.

By focusing on these details, you can make soft and chewy sugar cookies that everyone will love. They'll have your family and friends asking for more.

sugar cookie recipe Decorating Ideas

These soft and chewy sugar cookies are tasty on their own. But decorating them is where the real fun starts. You can use different frostings, icings, toppings, and sprinkles to make them your own.

Frosting and Icing Options

A classic buttercream frosting is always a hit. Make it with 1 cup (226 g) of unsalted butter, 3 cups (375 g) of powdered sugar, 3-4 Tablespoons of milk, and ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract. For something tangy, add 2 Tablespoons of light corn syrup to make a cream cheese frosting.

Fun Toppings and Sprinkles

After frosting, let your creativity run wild with toppings and sprinkles. Coat the 1 cup (200 g) of granulated sugar-coated dough balls in colored sugar for a sparkly look. Add holiday sprinkles or jimmies for color and texture. Drizzle melted chocolate or caramel for an extra treat.

"The sugar cookie dough was smooth and cooperative to work with, turning out soft and moist when baked." - Home cook CRYSTALJJP

With so many choices, decorating these cookies is limitless. Be creative and make them special for any occasion or just for fun.

Storing and Freezing Sugar Cookies

Baked sugar cookies are a delightful treat. Knowing how to store them properly is key to keeping them fresh. With a few simple tips, you can enjoy your homemade cookies for days or even weeks.

For short-term storage, keep baked sugar cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them soft and chewy, preventing them from drying out.

If you want to keep your cookies longer, try cookie freezing. You can freeze unbaked cookie dough in balls in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Just thaw the dough in the fridge overnight or at room temperature before baking.

For cookie storage, use airtight containers, press-and-seal wrap, or freezer bags. This prevents freezer burn and keeps your cookies tasting fresh. Parchment paper or wax paper can also help prevent cookies from sticking together.

With a bit of preparation, you can always have make-ahead cookies ready. Just follow these simple storage and freezing tips. Your homemade sugar cookies will always be perfect.

Conclusion

This easy sugar cookie recipe is a true classic for any occasion. It only needs a few simple ingredients and steps. I can bake soft, chewy, and sweet cookies that everyone will love.

These cookies are great plain or with frosting and toppings. They're sure to become a favorite.

Over 1,000 five-star reviews show this recipe's popularity. It uses just 1 cup of salted butter, 1 ⅓ cups of sugar, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla. Plus, 2 ½ cups of flour. Each cookie has only 108kcal, making it a delicious treat.

I find these cookies easy and versatile. The dough doesn't need chilling, perfect for quick baking. They stay soft for days and freeze well. With these tips, I can make perfect cookies every time.

FAQ

What are the key ingredients for this sugar cookie recipe?

The main ingredients are all-purpose flour, baking powder, and fine sea salt. You'll also need unsalted butter, granulated sugar, an egg plus an extra egg yolk, and vanilla extract.

How do I achieve the ideal soft and chewy texture for the sugar cookies?

Adding an extra egg yolk makes the cookies soft and chewy. Rolling the dough balls in sugar before baking helps too. This step makes the outside slightly crisp while keeping the inside soft and chewy.

How can I prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking?

Use butter at room temperature, around 67°F, for the best results. Avoid overbaking to prevent spreading. Chilling the dough before baking helps keep the cookies' shape.

What are some creative ways to decorate the sugar cookies?

You can use a simple buttercream frosting or a tangy cream cheese frosting. Add fun toppings and sprinkles, like colored sugar, for a festive look.

How can I store and freeze the sugar cookies?

Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the unbaked dough. Portion the dough into balls and freeze in a container for up to 2 months. Thaw the dough in the fridge or at room temperature before baking.