Best Sugar Cookies
There’s something incredibly nostalgic about the aroma of freshly baked sugar cookies wafting through your kitchen. With their sweet, buttery flavor and soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture, these cookies are a classic treat that everyone loves. Whether you’re planning a holiday gathering, a birthday party, or just a cozy afternoon at home, the Best Sugar Cookies will surely bring smiles to faces of all ages. So, let’s get baking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These sugar cookies are not just any ordinary cookies; they are soft, chewy, and incredibly versatile. Here’s why this recipe stands out:
– **Easy to Make**: The steps are straightforward, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
– **Customizable**: You can add sprinkles, chocolate chips, or icing to personalize your cookies for any occasion.
– **Perfect for Decorating**: Their flat surface is ideal for decorating with royal icing or fondant for festive occasions.
– **Soft and Chewy**: The combination of butter and oil gives these cookies an irresistible soft texture that will keep you coming back for more.
Your Shopping Guide
Before you dive into baking, here’s a handy shopping list to ensure you have everything you need:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated white sugar
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- ½ cup vegetable or canola oil
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Additional granulated white sugar, for rolling
Equipment at a Glance
Make sure you have these essential tools ready to go:
- Mixing bowls for combining ingredients.
- Measuring cups and spoons for accurate measurements.
- Electric mixer or whisk for creaming butter and sugars.
- Baking sheets lined with parchment paper.
- Cookie cutter (optional) for shaping the cookies.
- Cooling rack for letting cookies cool down.
Best Sugar Cookies, Made Easy
Now, let’s get into the heart of this baking adventure! Follow these simple steps to create your very own Best Sugar Cookies.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cookies bake evenly and achieve that perfect golden color.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt. This step helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents and salt throughout the flour.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In another large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the mixture, which helps create a soft texture.
Step 4: Add Oil and Vanilla
Add the vegetable or canola oil and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Mix until combined.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix, as this can lead to tough cookies.
Step 6: Chill the Dough
Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking.
Step 7: Shape the Cookies
Once chilled, scoop tablespoon-sized amounts of dough and roll them into balls. Then roll each ball in additional granulated sugar before placing them on a prepared baking sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart.
Step 8: Bake the Cookies
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look slightly underbaked, but they will continue to cook as they cool.
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy!
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. Once cooled, enjoy your delicious Best Sugar Cookies!
Substitutions by Diet
If you have dietary restrictions or preferences, here are some substitutions you can consider:
- For a dairy-free version, use vegan butter instead of unsalted butter.
- For gluten-free cookies, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- For a lower sugar option, you can reduce the granulated sugar by half without affecting the texture too much.
- For a nut-free option, ensure your butter and any additional ingredients are free from cross-contamination.
Frequent Missteps to Avoid
Baking can sometimes come with challenges. Here are a few common missteps to avoid when making your Best Sugar Cookies:
- Skipping the chilling step: This is crucial for maintaining shape and preventing spread.
- Overmixing the dough: This can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately: Baking is a science, so be precise with your measurements.
- Not preheating the oven: Always ensure your oven is at the correct temperature before baking.
Make-Ahead & Storage
Want to prepare ahead of time? Here’s how to store your cookies:
- The dough can be made and chilled in advance. It can stay in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Baked cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- If you want to freeze baked cookies, place them in a single layer in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Helpful Q&A
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
Yes, you can use salted butter, but you may want to reduce the added salt in the recipe to avoid overly salty cookies.
What can I add to the dough for extra flavor?
Consider adding lemon zest, almond extract, or spices like cinnamon for a unique twist on the traditional sugar cookie flavor.
Can I decorate these cookies?
Absolutely! These cookies are perfect for decorating with icing or sprinkles. Wait until they are completely cool before decorating.
Why are my cookies spreading too much?
This can happen if the dough is too warm or if there isn’t enough flour. Make sure to chill the dough and measure your flour accurately.
Try These Next
If you enjoyed these Best Sugar Cookies, here are some other recipes you might love:
- Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
- Lemon Sugar Cookies
- Peanut Butter Blossoms
Ready, Set, Cook
Now that you have the ultimate guide to making the Best Sugar Cookies, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get baking! Each bite will transport you to cookie paradise, and you might just find yourself making batch after batch. Happy baking!
Best Sugar Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt.
- In another large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add the vegetable or canola oil and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Mix until combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed until just combined.
- Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Once chilled, scoop tablespoon-sized amounts of dough and roll them into balls. Roll each ball in additional granulated sugar before placing them on a prepared baking sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
Notes
- Chill the dough to maintain shape and prevent spreading.
- Consider using different extracts for unique flavors.
- Store baked cookies in an airtight container for freshness.
