Growing up in Chicago, the holidays were always a magical time in our bustling Polish-American household. The kitchen was the heart of our home, with my babcia and mother orchestrating a symphony of scents and flavors that wafted through every room. One of my fondest memories is making sugar cookies with my mom, a tradition that has since become a beloved ritual in my own family. There’s something so comforting about the simplicity of sugar cookies, their buttery aroma filling the house, promising sweet delights to come. These cookies are more than just a treat; they’re a canvas for creativity, a way to bring family together, and a nod to the past with a sprinkle of modern flair.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Sugar cookies are the quintessential treat that everyone loves. They’re easy to make, require simple ingredients, and can be customized with a variety of toppings and decorations. Whether you’re baking with kids or preparing for a festive gathering, these cookies are a delightful addition to any occasion. Plus, they’re perfect for those with dietary restrictions because they can easily be made gluten-free or vegan with a few substitutions.
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups white sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 3 tablespoons heavy cream
- Colored sugar or sprinkles for decoration
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract.
- Gradually blend in the dry ingredients, then add the heavy cream until the dough comes together.
- Roll rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls, and roll in colored sugar or sprinkles. Place onto the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until golden. Let cool on wire racks.
What Makes This Recipe Special
- Quick and easy to prepare
- Packed with flavor and nutrition
- Perfect for any occasion
- Customizable to your taste preferences
- Budget-friendly ingredients
Expert Tips for Success
For the perfect sugar cookies, make sure your butter is at room temperature before you start. This ensures it creams properly with the sugar, creating a light and fluffy texture. If you want to avoid spreading, chill the dough for at least an hour before baking. And remember, don’t overbake! The cookies should be just golden around the edges.
Cooking Tools
When I make sugar cookies, a few simple tools always make prep faster and cleaner. My go-to tool is a Silicone Utensils Set for mixing the dough without overworking it. A MOSFiATA 8″ Professional Chef’s Knife is perfect for slicing butter into manageable pieces, and a Electric Knife Sharpener ensures it stays in top shape. These tools make baking a breeze!
Variations and Substitutions
To make these sugar cookies gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. For a vegan version, replace the butter with a plant-based alternative and use a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water) instead of the egg. You can also add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spiced twist.
Serving Suggestions
Sugar cookies are delightful on their own, but they pair wonderfully with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of tea. For a festive touch, serve them alongside a platter of fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They’re also perfect for gifting, wrapped in a decorative tin or box.
FAQs
Why are my sugar cookies spreading too much?
Ensure your butter isn’t too warm; it should be just soft enough to cream with the sugar. Chilling the dough before baking can also help prevent spreading.
Can I freeze the dough?
Absolutely! Roll the dough into a log, wrap it in plastic wrap, and freeze. Slice and bake as needed, adding a minute or two to the bake time.
Final Thoughts
Baking sugar cookies is more than just making a sweet treat; it’s about creating memories and sharing love through food. I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your home as it does to mine. Remember to have fun with it, and don’t worry about making them perfect—it’s the imperfections that make them special.
👉 I hope you loved making these sugar cookies—they’re like a warm hug from the oven. If you’re in the mood for more sweet delights, why not try my Blueberry Muffins, Chocolate Chip Cookies, or Lemon Bars? Join us on our Facebook Page and Facebook Group — and don’t forget to follow on Pinterest for daily inspiration!
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Sugar Cookies: 10 Easy Recipes for Everyone in 15 minutes
These classic sugar cookies are a buttery, sweet treat perfect for any occasion.
Keep the screen of your device on while you follow the steps.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Whisk together flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside.
- Cream butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in egg, vanilla, and almond extract.
- Gradually blend in dry ingredients, then add heavy cream until dough forms.
- Roll dough into balls, coat with sugar or sprinkles, and place on baking sheets.
- Bake 8-10 minutes until golden. Cool on wire racks.