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Sugar Cookies

Sugar Cookies
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Soft and chewy Sugar Cookies that melt in your mouth with the perfect balance of softness and chewiness. Made with simple pantry ingredients, this versatile recipe is ideal for festive celebrations, everyday treats, or decorating. Follow easy steps and expert tips to achieve consistent, delicious cookies every time.

Ingredients

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Basic Ingredients

  • 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Optional Variations

  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest (for Classic Lemon Zest variation)
  • ½ cup mini chocolate chips (for Chocolate Chip Sugar Cookies)
  • Use gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour (for Gluten-Free Version)
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon or ½ teaspoon nutmeg (for Spiced Sugar Cookies)
  • Royal icing and sprinkles (for Decorated Royal Icing Cookies)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Ensure butter is at room temperature and eggs are ready. Pre-measure all ingredients to streamline the process and reduce stress.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugar: Using a mixer, beat the softened butter with granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy to aerate and tenderize the cookies.
  3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Mix in the egg one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, beating until fully combined and smooth.
  4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute leavening agents.
  5. Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently just until combined to avoid overworking the dough and producing tough cookies.
  6. Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour to firm it up and control spreading during baking.
  7. Shape and Bake: Roll the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface and cut into desired shapes. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8 to 10 minutes until edges are lightly golden but centers remain soft.

Notes

  • Use room temperature butter for easier creaming with sugar and lighter cookies.
  • Do not overmix the dough; mix just until ingredients are combined to keep cookies tender.
  • Chilling the dough is essential for perfect texture and to prevent excessive spreading.
  • Measure flour accurately by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off to avoid dry cookies.
  • Watch bake time closely and remove cookies when edges barely brown to keep centers soft and chewy.

Nutrition

Keywords: Sugar Cookies, soft cookies, chewy cookies, holiday cookies, vanilla cookies, easy cookies, decorated cookies, gluten-free option

Find it online: https://ninagourmet.com/sugar-cookies/