Sugar cookies are a classic and versatile treat that should be a staple in every home baker’s repertoire. Sugar cookies are made with basic ingredients that are likely already in your pantry – flour, sugar, butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. This makes them easy and affordable to bake at home. The dough for sugar cookies comes together quickly and doesn’t require any special equipment. You can mix it by hand or use a stand mixer, and there’s no need for chilling or complex techniques. These are incredibly versatile and can be shaped into any form you desire. Whether you use cookie cutters to make fun shapes or simply roll them into balls and flatten them with a fork, the possibilities are endless. Sugar cookies can be customized in various ways to suit different tastes and occasions. You can add sprinkles, icing, or other decorations to make them festive and fun. Sugar cookies are a hit with people of all ages. Kids love to help make and decorate them, making them a great family baking project. Homemade sugar cookies make wonderful gifts for friends and loved ones. They can be packaged in cute boxes or bags and are always appreciated. Sugar cookies have been enjoyed for generations and have a timeless appeal that never goes out of style. They’re perfect for any time of year and can be enjoyed on their own or as part of a larger dessert spread. Overall, sugar cookies are a must-have recipe for all home bakers because of their simplicity, versatility, and universal appeal. They’re the perfect treat for any occasion and are sure to bring joy to everyone who tries them.
Step-by-step: Best Sugar Cookies Recipe
Dry ingredients – In a medium bowl, sift together the flour and salt. Set aside. Or use a whisk to combine. Creaming – In a large bowl of a stand mixer with the paddle attachment on medium speed cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.Pro tip – Do not skip on this creaming step for the butter/sugar. Creaming works best when the butter is at firm room temperature, not soft room temperature. Wet ingredients – Add the vanilla extract followed by the eggs one at a time making sure each is well incorporated.Pro tip – I combined the vanilla extract with the eggs in the video. But, you don’t necessarily have to do that.
Wet to dry – Next, add the flour mixture. Combine well but do not over-mix at this time.Pro tip – We do not want to activate the gluten in the dough so do avoid overmixing the flour. Chill – Transfer the dough onto a work surface and divide the dough into two discs. Wrap each in plastic wrap and chill in the fridge until firm enough to roll About 30 minutes to an hour at least.Pro tip – you can keep the dough chilled in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can even freeze the dough in the freezer for up to a month.
Roll – Once the dough is chilled; roll the dough on a lightly floured surface evenly.Pro tip – I roll my cookies to about 1/4-inch or 6 mm thickness using a rolling pin with spacers. Read – 10 Tips – how to roll and cut sugar cookies Cut – Using your favorite cookie cutter cut out desired shaped cookies and place them on a cookie sheet one inch apart lined with parchment paper. I’ve used some 3-inch round and square cookie cutters for these cookies.
Oven – Preheat the oven to 350°F/ 177°C/ Gas Mark 4Pro tip – It is best to keep the cookies chilled in the refrigerator while the oven is preheating. Chilled cookies will prevent spreading. Bake – Transfer the chilled cookies to the oven and bake on the middle rack for about 8 to 10 minutes depending on the thickness of the cookies. Pro tip – The cookies must not be dark around the edges. As soon as they get a slight color on the bottom they are ready. They will continue to cook with the residue heat on the baking tray. Cool – When baked let cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes then transfer to a wire rack to cool further before you transfer to an airtight container.Pro tip – always frost cold cookies otherwise the icing will melt.
Creative ways to use homemade sugar cookie dough
Cookie Cutouts: Roll out the sugar cookie dough and use cookie cutters to create fun and festive shapes. Bake the cookies until golden and decorate them with icing, sprinkles, or colored sugars for a delightful treat. Sandwich Cookies: Roll out the sugar cookie dough and cut out shapes. Bake the cookies and let them cool. Spread a layer of frosting, jam, or Nutella between two cookies to create delicious sandwich cookies. Cookie Cups: Press small portions of sugar cookie dough into a muffin tin to form cups. Bake until golden and let them cool. Fill the cookie cups with your choice of fillings such as chocolate ganache, fruit compote, or cheesecake filling for bite-sized treats. Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches: Bake small rounds of sugar cookie dough and let them cool. Sandwich a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two cookies and roll the edges in sprinkles or chopped nuts for a delightful frozen treat. Cookie Truffles: Crumble baked sugar cookies and mix them with cream cheese or frosting until well combined. Roll the mixture into small balls and dip them in melted chocolate. Chill until set for delicious cookie truffles. Cookie Parfait: Layer crumbled baked sugar cookies with yogurt, fresh berries, and a drizzle of honey or maple syrup in a glass or jar. Repeat the layers and top with a dollop of whipped cream for a delightful and easy dessert. Cookie Milkshake: Blend crumbled baked sugar cookies with vanilla ice cream, milk, and a touch of vanilla extract to create a creamy and delicious sugar cookie milkshake. Top with whipped cream and crumbled cookies for added indulgence. Cookie Crust Cheesecake: Press crumbled baked sugar cookies into the base of a springform pan to create a flavorful cookie crust for your favorite cheesecake recipe. Bake according to the cheesecake recipe instructions for a delightful twist on a classic dessert. Cookie Dough Bark: Melt chocolate and spread it in a thin layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. While the chocolate is still melted, sprinkle crumbled raw sugar cookie dough over it. Let it cool and break into pieces for a delicious and crunchy cookie dough bark. Cookie Pops: Insert a lollipop stick into unbaked sugar cookie dough rounds and bake until golden. Let them cool and decorate them with colorful icing, sprinkles, or edible glitter for fun and festive cookie pops.
Frequently asked questions
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