Bake your way to joy with Easy Sugar Cookies, a simple yet delightful recipe featuring a buttery and vanilla-infused dough. Perfectly customizable with optional sprinkles and a quick, colourful icing, these cookies are an effortlessly sweet perfect for any occasion. Ideal for both novice and experienced bakers, these Easy Sugar Cookies promise to satisfy sweet cravings and add a touch of homemade charm to your celebrations.
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MY INSPIRATION BEHIND THIS RECIPE
I always remembered making sugar cookies with my mom as a child. During the Christmas time, she would whip up a simple sugar cookies recipe and then allow me to help decorate them. A simple icing sugar glaze was used, and I would go nuts with the sprinkles LOL so I guess not much has changed- I still love using lots of sprinkles when making these cookies. These sugar cookies are so easy, lightly sweetened, and super customizable- perfect to make for any holiday!
WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS
- Effortless Preparation: With only a handful of ingredients and straightforward instructions, even novice bakers can confidently whip up a batch of these delightful treats.
- Versatile and Creative Decorating Options: Whether you choose to add colourful sprinkles for a playful touch or opt for the simple icing with customizable colours, these sugar cookies become a canvas for your culinary creativity.
- Efficiency without Sacrificing Quality: The relatively short prep time of 20 minutes, plus chilling for the dough, means you can quickly satisfy your sweet tooth without compromising on taste or presentation.
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INGREDIENTS NEEDED
- Unsalted Butter: The foundation of richness and moisture, softened unsalted butter is the key ingredient, creating a luscious texture and contributing a buttery flavour to the sugar cookies.
- Granulated Sugar: Functioning as the primary sweetener, granulated sugar not only sweetens the dough but also plays a crucial role in creating the cookies’ golden edges, adding a delightful crispness.
- Large Egg: A binding agent and a source of moisture, the large egg brings the sugar cookie dough together while providing structure and richness.
- Vanilla Extract: Infusing a warm and inviting aroma, vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile of the sugar cookies, imparting a classic and comforting taste.
- All-Purpose Flour: Serving as the main structural component, all-purpose flour forms the base of the dough, providing the necessary structure for the cookies while contributing to their soft yet sturdy texture.
- Baking Powder: Acting as a leavening agent, baking powder helps the sugar cookies rise, resulting in a light and fluffy texture, while also contributing to the cookies’ tenderness.
- Salt: Balancing the sweetness and intensifying the flavors, salt adds a subtle savory element, enhancing the overall taste of the sugar cookies.
- Sprinkles (Optional): Offering a burst of color and a playful texture, sprinkles provide a customizable and whimsical touch to the sugar cookies, making them visually appealing.
- Powdered Sugar: The main component of the simple icing, powdered sugar sweetens and thickens the icing, creating a smooth and glossy finish on top of the cookies.
- Milk: Acting as a liquid component in the simple icing, milk helps achieve the desired consistency, allowing you to control the thickness of the icing to suit your preference.
- Food Colouring (Optional): A creative element, food coloring allows you to personalize the icing, adding vibrant and eye-catching hues to enhance the visual appeal of the sugar cookies.
HOW TO MAKE CACIO E PEPE GREEN BEAN CASSEROLE
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix until well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Divide the dough in half, shape each half into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes. If you want to add sprinkles, gently press them onto the cookies before placing them on the baking sheet.
Place the cut cookies on the prepared baking sheets and bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Icing Sugar Glaze:
In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more sugar for thickness or more milk for thinning.
If you want coloured icing, divide the icing into bowls and add food colouring of your choice to each bowl.
Once the cookies are completely cooled, use a spoon or piping bag to drizzle or spread the icing onto the cookies. Top with sprinkles of choice if you prefer.
Allow the icing to set before storing or serving the cookies. Enjoy! 🙂
VIC'S QUICK TIPS FOR EASY SUGAR COOKIES
- Optimal Baking Conditions for Sugar Cookies: Ensure a perfectly baked batch by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining baking sheets with parchment paper, promoting even heat distribution and preventing sticking.
- Perfecting Dough Consistency: Achieve a light and fluffy texture by thoroughly creaming the softened butter and granulated sugar, creating the ideal foundation for the sugar cookie dough.
- Chilled Dough for Easy Handling:Enhance the dough’s manageability by refrigerating it for at least 1 hour after shaping into disks, facilitating easy rolling and cutting while maintaining the cookies’ shape during baking.
- Creative Decor Options: Elevate the visual appeal and add a playful touch by gently pressing optional sprinkles onto the cookies before baking, ensuring they adhere and become a delightful part of the finished treats.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS & STORING
- Freshness Retention: Store the sugar cookies in an airtight container to maintain their freshness. Placing a piece of parchment paper between layers helps prevent them from sticking together.
- Make-Ahead Convenience: Save time by preparing the cookie dough in advance and refrigerating it. This allows you to roll and cut the cookies as needed, ensuring freshly baked treats whenever desired.
- Store with Care: When storing iced cookies, avoid stacking them until the icing has completely set. This prevents any smudging or sticking between cookies.
- Enhanced Flavor: For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a hint of citrus zest or almond extract to the cookie dough. These subtle additions can elevate the taste and complement the sweetness of the icing.
- Special Occasion Cookies: Customize the cookies for specific celebrations by using themed cookie cutters. Heart-shaped cookies for Valentine’s Day or star-shaped cookies for a birthday add a personal touch to your sweet creations.
- Freezing for Future Enjoyment: To extend the lifespan of your sugar cookies, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or a resealable freezer bag, placing parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. For optimal taste and texture upon thawing, label the container with the date and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw the cookies at room temperature for an hour or in the refrigerator overnight before serving. Adding fresh icing after thawing can restore the cookies’ visual appeal.
INGREDIENT SUBSTITUTIONS & VARIATIONS
- Vegan Sugar Cookies: Replace unsalted butter with vegan butter or coconut oil. Substitute the egg with a flax or chia egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed or chia seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons water).
- Gluten-Free Sugar Cookies: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend as a 1:1 substitute for regular flour. Ensure the baking powder is labeled gluten-free, or replace it with a gluten-free alternative.
- Dairy-Free Icing: Opt for a non-dairy milk, such as almond, soy, or oat milk, in place of regular milk. Choose a dairy-free butter or margarine for the icing.
- Healthier Alternatives: Explore using whole wheat flour or a mixture of all-purpose and whole wheat flour for added fiber. Consider substituting part of the granulated sugar with coconut sugar or a sugar substitute for a lower glycemic option.
- Flavour Enhancement: Infuse unique flavours by replacing the vanilla extract with almond, lemon, or orange extract for a distinctive taste. Experiment with different natural food colourings for vibrant hues without artificial additives.
RECIPE FAQ
Yes, you can. Refrigerating the cookie dough for an extended period can enhance the flavor and texture. Just ensure it’s well-wrapped to prevent drying out, and let it come to a slightly softened state before rolling and cutting.
Store the decorated cookies in a single layer in an airtight container. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. For longer storage, freeze the cookies and thaw at room temperature before serving.
Certainly! You can substitute almond, soy, or any non-dairy milk for the icing. Adjust the quantity as needed to achieve the desired consistency while keeping the flavor profile intact.
Absolutely. The icing is delightful even without food colouring. It will have a classic, creamy appearance. If you prefer a pop of colour, consider natural alternatives like fruit juices or vegetable extracts.
Chilling the cookie dough is crucial. Ensure you refrigerate the shaped dough for at least one hour. This helps solidify the fat in the dough, preventing excessive spreading and resulting in cookies with a perfect texture.
It’s recommended to freeze the cookies before icing if you plan to store them for an extended period. Once iced, let the cookies set, then freeze in a single layer. Thaw at room temperature to preserve the texture and appearance of the icing.
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Ingredients:
- 1 Cup Butter, softned
- 1 Cup Granulated Sugar
- 1 Egg
- 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 3 Cups All Purpose Flour
- 1/2 Teaspoon Baking Powder
- 1/4 Teaspoon Salt
Icing Sugar Glaze (Optional):
- 2 Cups Powdered Sugar
- 2-3 Tablespoons Milk
- 1/2 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- Food Colouring
- Sprinkles
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Divide the dough in half, shape each half into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes. If you want to add sprinkles, gently press them onto the cookies before placing them on the baking sheet.
- Place the cut cookies on the prepared baking sheets and bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Icing Sugar Glaze:
- In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more sugar for thickness or more milk for thinning.
- If you want coloured icing, divide the icing into bowls and add food colouring of your choice to each bowl.
- Once the cookies are completely cooled, use a spoon or piping bag to drizzle or spread the icing onto the cookies. Top with sprinkles of choice if you prefer.
- Allow the icing to set before storing or serving the cookies. Enjoy! 🙂
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