Sugar Cookies

There’s something incredibly nostalgic about baking Sugar Cookies in my kitchen. I remember the first time I made them with my grandmother, who always insisted that a pinch of love was the secret ingredient. The aroma of the cookies baking would fill the house, creating an inviting warmth that seemed to wrap around you like a cozy blanket. Each cookie would emerge from the oven, golden and slightly soft, just waiting to be frosted with vibrant colors and topped with sprinkles. I still cherish those moments spent together, and now I get to pass on that tradition to my family. Every holiday, every birthday, and even those just-because days, Sugar Cookies are a must-have. They’re a canvas for creativity, and each batch tells a story of fun, laughter, and deliciousness.

What Goes Into Sugar Cookies

The ingredients for Sugar Cookies are classic staples that come together to create a deliciously sweet treat. The combination of butter, sugar, and flour forms the base of the dough, while eggs add richness and structure. Baking powder ensures they rise just right, and the almond extract gives a delightful hint of flavor. Every ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving that perfect balance of sweetness and texture.

• Butter or Vegetable Shortening: This is the fat that creates a tender and rich cookie. It can be all butter for a richer flavor or a mix for a softer texture.
• Granulated Sugar: The sweetener that provides the cookie’s signature sweetness, making each bite irresistible.
• Large Eggs: They add moisture and help bind the ingredients together, giving the cookies structure.
• Milk: This adds moisture to the dough, helping to create a softer cookie that’s not too dry.
• Almond Extract: While optional, it adds a lovely flavor that complements the sweetness of the cookies.
• All-Purpose Flour: The base of the cookie dough, providing the necessary structure and texture.
• Baking Powder: This leavening agent helps the cookies rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
• Cream Cheese: It gives a lovely richness and helps keep the cookies soft.
• Powdered Sugar: Used for frosting, it creates a smooth and sweet topping for your cookies.

How to Assemble Sugar Cookies

Making Sugar Cookies is a delightful process that brings your kitchen to life. Follow these steps to create the perfect cookies that are sure to impress. Remember, patience is key—let the dough chill for the best results!

1. Start by mixing the butter and granulated sugar together in a mixing bowl. You want to cream them until the mixture is light and fluffy, which takes about three to five minutes. This step is crucial as it incorporates air into the dough, leading to a lighter cookie. Add in the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract and mix until everything is well combined.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add this mixture to the wet ingredients, combining gently until a dough starts to form. Be careful not to overmix as this can lead to tough cookies.
3. Once combined, if the dough seems too sticky, add a bit more flour until it reaches a manageable consistency. The goal is to form a large dough ball. Wrap it in plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least thirty minutes. Chilling the dough helps to firm it up, making it easier to roll out later.
4. After chilling, dust your countertop with flour. Roll the dough out to about half an inch thick. Be generous with the flour to prevent sticking. Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out shapes. You can also use a round drinking cup if you don’t have specific cookie cutters.
5. Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. This will help prevent the cookies from sticking. Place the cut-out cookies on the sheet, giving them some space as they will spread a little while baking.
6. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Bake the cookies for about seven to ten minutes. You want them to be light in color and just set. They will firm up as they cool, so be careful not to overbake.
7. While the cookies are baking, make the frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese and more butter until it’s smooth and creamy. Gradually add in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until you reach your desired thickness. You can add more powdered sugar if you like it thicker.
8. Once the cookies are baked, let them cool completely on a wire rack before frosting. This is important as hot cookies can melt the frosting. Once cool, spread the frosting generously over each cookie and top with colorful sprinkles if desired.
9. Finally, enjoy your homemade Sugar Cookies with a glass of milk or share them with friends and family!

How to Switch It Up

While the classic Sugar Cookies are delicious on their own, there are plenty of ways to add some fun twists. Here are some ideas to switch things up and make your cookie baking even more exciting!

• Flavor Variations: Try adding different extracts such as peppermint or lemon zest for a unique twist on classic cookies.
• Colorful Frosting: Use food coloring to tint your frosting for special occasions. Bright colors can make your cookies even more festive!
• Mix-In Options: Add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits to the dough for added texture and flavor.
• Different Shapes: Instead of the usual circles, use seasonal cookie cutters for holidays—think hearts for Valentine’s Day or stars for Christmas.
• Cookie Sandwiches: Create cookie sandwiches by putting frosting between two cookies. It’s a fun and delicious way to enjoy them!
• Sprinkles Galore: Experiment with different types of sprinkles or edible glitter to decorate your cookies. It adds a fun touch!

What to Serve With Sugar Cookies

When it comes to serving Sugar Cookies, the options are endless! Here are some delightful ideas to pair with your sweet treats:

• Milk: A classic pairing, nothing beats a tall glass of cold milk with your cookies. It’s a timeless combo that kids and adults alike enjoy.
• Coffee or Tea: For an adult touch, serve your cookies with a warm cup of coffee or tea. The flavors complement each other beautifully.
• Fruit Salads: A fresh fruit salad can balance the sweetness of the cookies, making for a refreshing side dish.
• Ice Cream: Serve your cookies with a scoop of ice cream. You can even crumble the cookies on top for added texture!
• Party Platters: Include Sugar Cookies on dessert platters for parties. They are perfect alongside other baked goods and treats.
• Seasonal Occasions: Use them as a festive treat during holidays or special occasions, making them a highlight of your celebrations.

FAQ

Conclusion

Sugar Cookies are truly a timeless treat, loved by many for their sweetness and versatility. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in something sweet, these cookies never fail to please. Don’t hesitate to try your hand at making them—your family and friends will be delighted with every delicious bite!

Sugar Cookies

The ultimate comfort food, Sugar Cookies are sweet and soft with a nostalgic flavor that brings smiles. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies are easy to make and a fantastic treat to share with family and friends. Don't miss the chance to whip up a batch today!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Course Desserts

Cuisine American

Servings 12 servings

Calories 150 kcal

Equipment

• Cut and Serve Turner
• Hand Mixer
• Stand Mixer
• Rolling Pin
• Cookie Cutters
• Biscuit Cutter

Ingredients

  

• 2/3 cup Butter or Vegetable Shortening
• 1 cup Granulated Sugar
• 2 large Eggs
• 1/3 cup Milk
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
• 1/4 teaspoon Almond Extract
• 3 cups All-Purpose Flour
• 2 teaspoons Baking Powder
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 8 ounces Cream Cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup Butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
• 3-4 cups Powdered Sugar

Instructions

 

• Start by mixing the butter and granulated sugar together in a mixing bowl. You want to cream them until the mixture is light and fluffy, which takes about three to five minutes. This step is crucial as it incorporates air into the dough, leading to a lighter cookie. Add in the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract and mix until everything is well combined.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add this mixture to the wet ingredients, combining gently until a dough starts to form. Be careful not to overmix as this can lead to tough cookies.
• Once combined, if the dough seems too sticky, add a bit more flour until it reaches a manageable consistency. The goal is to form a large dough ball. Wrap it in plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least thirty minutes. Chilling the dough helps to firm it up, making it easier to roll out later.
• After chilling, dust your countertop with flour. Roll the dough out to about half an inch thick. Be generous with the flour to prevent sticking. Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out shapes. You can also use a round drinking cup if you don’t have specific cookie cutters.
• Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. This will help prevent the cookies from sticking. Place the cut-out cookies on the sheet, giving them some space as they will spread a little while baking.
• Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Bake the cookies for about seven to ten minutes. You want them to be light in color and just set. They will firm up as they cool, so be careful not to overbake.
• While the cookies are baking, make the frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese and more butter until it's smooth and creamy. Gradually add in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until you reach your desired thickness. You can add more powdered sugar if you like it thicker.
• Once the cookies are baked, let them cool completely on a wire rack before frosting. This is important as hot cookies can melt the frosting. Once cool, spread the frosting generously over each cookie and top with colorful sprinkles if desired.
• Finally, enjoy your homemade Sugar Cookies with a glass of milk or share them with friends and family!

Notes

• Yield: This recipe makes about 12-15 cookies, depending on how thick you roll the dough and the size of the cookie cutter used.
• Serving Size: 1 cookie (1/15th of recipe).
• Make Ahead Instructions: Bake classic sugar cookies as instructed and allow to cool completely. Store in an airtight container for 3-5 days unfrosted, or in the fridge if frosted.
• Freezing Instructions: Stack baked, unfrosted sugar cookies in an airtight container with parchment paper between the layers.
• To freeze frosted sugar cookies: Flash freeze them first on a parchment lined baking sheet for 30 minutes, then transfer to a freezer-safe airtight container with parchment paper between each layer. Freezer sugar cookies for up to 3 months.
• Freeze sugar cookie dough: in a freezer safe airtight container for up to 3 months. Remove dough from freezer and let sit at room temp for 2 hours, or until soft enough to roll out.

Keyword Easy Sugar Cookies, soft sugar cookies, sugar cookie frosting, sugar cookies recipe

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Meet Lydia James

I’m Lydia! I love the challenge of experimenting with new ingredients and finding creative, delicious ways to use up leftovers. My goal is to make your weeknight cooking feel stress-free, exciting, and full of flavor. I loved the creative process behind this dish, and I really hope it becomes a new favorite in your weekly rotation. I can't wait to hear what you think!