No Butter Sugar Cookies
There’s something magical about the joy of baking, especially when it comes to making No Butter Sugar Cookies. I remember the first time I decided to try this recipe. My family had a sweet tooth, and cookies were a staple in our household. However, one day, I ran out of butter, and a wave of panic washed over me. But rather than abandoning my plans, I embraced the challenge and transformed a classic into something just as delightful without butter. The result? A batch of tender, sweet cookies that filled the kitchen with an irresistible aroma. It’s amazing how a simple substitution can lead to a delightful surprise! Since then, these No Butter Sugar Cookies have become a favorite, perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a casual get-together or a festive gathering, these cookies never fail to impress.
Recipe Snapshot
24 mins
15 mins
9 mins
Medium
120 kcal
1 g
Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP
5 g
Mixing Bowl, Oven, Whisk, Baking Sheet
Why Try This No Butter Sugar Cookies
What makes these No Butter Sugar Cookies so special? Let me share a few reasons why I adore them.
1. A Healthier Option
By eliminating butter, these cookies are a lighter alternative while still being incredibly satisfying. The use of safflower oil keeps them moist without the heaviness of traditional butter. It’s a great way to enjoy a sweet treat without the guilt!
2. Easy to Make
Even if you’re not a seasoned baker, you’ll find that these cookies are simple to whip together. The straightforward steps mean you can have a batch ready in no time, making them perfect for last-minute gatherings or unexpected cravings.
3. Versatile Coatings
One of the most delightful aspects of No Butter Sugar Cookies is their versatility. You can roll the dough in sanding sugar for a classic touch or use colorful sprinkles for a festive look. They can easily be customized to fit any occasion!
4. Perfect Texture
With just the right balance of crisp on the outside and soft on the inside, every bite of these cookies is a textural delight. The secret lies in chilling the dough, which prevents them from spreading too much during baking, ensuring they hold their shape beautifully.
5. Great for Sharing
These cookies are perfect for sharing with friends and family. Whether you’re bringing them to a potluck or gifting them in a jar, they’re sure to be a hit. Plus, their appealing look and taste make them irresistible!
What You Need for No Butter Sugar Cookies
When it comes to making No Butter Sugar Cookies, the ingredients play a crucial role in achieving the perfect balance of sweetness, texture, and flavor. Each component works harmoniously together, creating a delightful cookie that you won’t be able to resist. Let’s take a closer look at these key players:
- 1¼ cups granulated sugar: This is the primary sweetener. It not only adds sweetness but also contributes to the light and fluffy texture of the cookies.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of the cookie, providing structure. All-purpose flour ensures the right consistency for a soft yet sturdy cookie.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: This leavening agent helps the cookies rise and become airy, giving them that delightful texture.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Salt enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors, making the cookies taste even better.
- ¾ cup Oleico Safflower Oil: The oil replaces the butter, keeping the cookies moist and helping them hold together beautifully.
- 1 large egg: Eggs provide moisture and act as a binding agent, ensuring the cookies hold their shape.
- 1 large egg yolk: The extra yolk adds richness and helps create a tender cookie.
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract: This adds a warm, comforting flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the sugar.
- Optional coatings: You can use colored sanding sugar or multi-colored sprinkles for a fun twist!
Making This No Butter Sugar Cookies
Ready to make your own batch of No Butter Sugar Cookies? Let’s dive into the process together. Follow these steps, and you’ll have delicious cookies that are perfect for any occasion!
- Start by lining two large cookie sheets with parchment paper. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup a breeze. In a small bowl, add ¼ cup of granulated sugar. This will be used to roll the cookie dough balls in before baking, giving them a sweet crust.
- Next, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and ¼ teaspoon of salt in a medium mixing bowl. This step is crucial for ensuring that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
- In a larger mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of granulated sugar, ¾ cup of Oleico safflower oil, the large egg, the large egg yolk, and 1½ teaspoons of vanilla extract. Using a handheld mixer, beat the mixture on medium speed for one minute or until it becomes light and fluffy. This aeration will help create a tender cookie.
- Slowly add the dry mixture from the previous step into the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed. Continue until the dough has come together and all the ingredients are evenly incorporated. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl occasionally.
- Using a tablespoon cookie scoop, scoop out a leveled amount of the cookie dough. Gently roll it in the palm of your hand to create a smooth ball.
- Now, take each ball and roll it in the small bowl of granulated sugar, ensuring the entire surface is coated. Place the coated cookie dough balls onto one of the parchment-lined baking sheets. Make sure they are spaced about 1½ to 2 inches apart.
- After rolling all the cookies, chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This helps firm up the dough and prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the dough has chilled, remove the cookie balls from the refrigerator and place half (12) onto the second parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake the cookies for 9 to 11 minutes or just until the center is set. Be careful not to overbake them, as they will continue to firm up as they cool. The finished cookies should be a very pale color, perfectly golden on the edges.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Enjoy your delicious No Butter Sugar Cookies!
Things Worth Knowing
- Chilling the dough: This is crucial for the perfect cookie texture. Chilling helps solidify the fat in the dough, leading to thicker cookies that hold their shape.
- Don’t overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
- Oven temperature: Make sure your oven is properly preheated to 350°F. An oven thermometer can help ensure accuracy, resulting in evenly baked cookies.
- Storing cookies: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. This keeps them fresh and chewy for days.
Recipe Notes about No Butter Sugar Cookies
Here are some tips to ensure your No Butter Sugar Cookies turn out perfectly every time:
- Storage: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh for up to a week.
- Freezing: You can freeze unbaked cookie dough balls. Just roll them in sugar, then freeze on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag and bake from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the bake time.
- Coating options: Get creative with coatings! Try different types of sprinkles or colored sugars for a fun twist.
- Serving suggestion: These cookies pair wonderfully with a glass of milk or a cup of tea, making them perfect for an afternoon snack.
- Variations: Consider adding citrus zest to the dough for a refreshing twist or chocolate chips for a sweet surprise.
Pairing Suggestions for No Butter Sugar Cookies
If you’re looking for ideas on how to serve your No Butter Sugar Cookies, here are some suggestions:
- With Milk: Nothing beats the classic pairing of cookies and milk. Serve these cookies with a cold glass of milk for a delightful treat.
- Tea Time: These cookies make a lovely addition to your afternoon tea. Their sweet flavor complements various teas beautifully.
- Birthday Parties: With their cheerful appearance, No Butter Sugar Cookies are perfect for birthday celebrations. Decorate them with colorful sprinkles to match the theme!
- Holiday Festivities: These cookies can be easily adapted for different holidays by changing the coatings or adding festive shapes.
- Gift Ideas: Package these cookies in a decorative jar or box for a thoughtful homemade gift that friends and family will appreciate.
- Picnic Treats: Their sturdy texture makes them ideal for a picnic. They’ll hold up well in a basket and are easy to share.
FAQ
Conclusion
The No Butter Sugar Cookies are a delightful twist on a classic favorite, offering a lighter, healthier cookie without compromising on taste. With their simple ingredients and easy preparation, they’re perfect for any occasion. I encourage you to try this recipe for your next gathering or just to satisfy a sweet craving. You won’t be disappointed!
No Butter Sugar Cookies
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Oven
- Whisk
- Baking Sheet
Ingredients
- 1¼ cups granulated sugar divided (1 cup for dough, ¼ cup for rolling)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cups Oleico Safflower Oil
- 1 large egg room temperature
- 1 large egg yolk room temperature
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- Optional coatings Colored sanding sugar or multi-colored jimmies sprinkles (you can use just one of these options or a variety of these coatings for the cookies.)
Instructions
- Line two large cookie sheets with parchment paper. Add ¼ cup of granulated sugar to a small bowl. This will be used to roll the cookie dough balls in before baking. If you are using any of the additional optional sprinkle coatings, you will need to add them to a small bowl at this time as well. Set aside.
- Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium mixing bowl. Set aside.
- Add one cup of granulated sugar, safflower oil, large egg, large egg yolk, and vanilla extract in a large mixing bowl. Beat on medium speed, using a handheld mixer, for one minute or until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add the dry ingredients to the bowl of wet ingredients. Mix on low speed until the dough comes together and all the wet ingredients have been evenly incorporated with the flour. You may need to scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl to ensure that the sugar cookie dough is evenly mixed.
- Using a one-tablespoon cookie scoop, scoop out a leveled amount of sugar cookie dough and gently roll it in the palm of your hand to create a smooth ball. Place the dough ball into the small bowl of granulated sugar and roll around to coat the entire surface of the sugar cookie dough ball. Place the coated sugar cookie dough ball onto one of the parchment-lined baking sheets. Repeat until all the cookies have been rolled and coated in the sugar or optional sprinkles. You can place all the rolled cookies close together on a single cookie sheet, just make sure they are not touching. The second cookie sheet will be used for baking your cookies. Be sure to place the cookies 1½-2 inches apart. You should be able to fit 12 cookies per baking sheet.
- Chill the cookies in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to allow the dough to firm up before baking. This will ensure that the cookies do not spread too much when baked.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Remove the chilled cookie dough balls from the refrigerator and place half (12) the rolled cookie dough balls onto the second parchment lined baking sheet. The cookies should be spaced 1 ½ – 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 9-11 minutes or just until the center is set. You do not want to overbake these cookies as they will harden up slightly as they cool. Your cookies should be a very pale color.
