Best Sugar Cookie Recipe

Soft and delicious, this Best Sugar Cookie Recipe is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating Christmas, hosting a birthday party, or simply craving a sweet treat, these cookies are sure to impress. The unique feature of this recipe is that the dough does not need to be chilled before baking, allowing you to enjoy perfectly shaped cookies with minimal wait time. With their soft texture and delightful flavor, these cookies are a must-try!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: No chilling required means you can whip up a batch in no time.
• Perfectly Shaped Cookies: This dough holds its shape beautifully during baking.
• Versatile Flavor: The combination of vanilla and almond extracts adds a unique twist.
• Great for Decorating: Ideal for frosting or adding festive decorations for special occasions.
• Large Batch: Makes 36 cookies, perfect for sharing with family and friends.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into your baking adventure, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups
• Rolling pin
• Cookie cutters
• Baking sheets

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or hand mixer: Helps cream butter and sugar quickly for a light texture.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients efficiently.
• Rolling pin: Ensures even thickness when rolling out the dough.
• Cookie cutters: Allows you to create fun shapes for different occasions.

Ingredients

Soft cut out sugar cookie recipe that keeps its shape and dough does not need to be chilled before baking – perfect edges every time!

For the Dough

• 1 Cup unsalted butter (226 grams)
• 1 Cup granulated white sugar (200 grams)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 1 egg
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3 cups all purpose flour (360 grams)

How to Make Best Sugar Cookie Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350° F. This ensures that your cookies bake evenly.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In the bowl of your mixer, cream together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar. Mix until smooth, which should take at least 3 minutes.

Step 3: Add Extracts and Egg

Beat in the vanilla extract, almond extract, and egg. Ensure everything is well combined.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine the baking powder, salt, and all-purpose flour. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture.

Step 5: Check Dough Consistency

If the dough looks crumbly after mixing, keep mixing for an additional 30 seconds to 1 minute. Proper dough should start pulling away from the sides of the mixer.

Step 6: Knead if Necessary

If the dough remains too dry or stiff, turn it out onto a floured countertop. Wet your hands slightly and knead until smooth.

Step 7: Roll Out Dough

Do not chill the dough! Divide it into manageable batches (2-3 chunks), roll out on a floured surface, aiming for about 1/4 inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to create shapes.

Step 8: Bake Cookies

Place cut-out shapes on baking sheets. Bake at 350° F for about 6-8 minutes. Allow them to cool on the sheet until they are firm enough to transfer them onto a cooling rack.

Enjoy your delicious creations!

How to Serve Best Sugar Cookie Recipe

Serving your homemade Best Sugar Cookie Recipe can enhance the experience for everyone. These cookies are versatile and can be enjoyed in various delightful ways.

For a Classic Touch

• Milk or Hot Chocolate: Pair these cookies with a glass of cold milk or a warm mug of hot chocolate for a comforting treat.
• Decorative Platter: Arrange cookies on a decorative platter for parties or gatherings. Add some festive sprinkles for a pop of color.

Creative Themes

• Holiday Decor: Use icing and sprinkles to decorate the cookies according to different holidays like Christmas or Halloween, making them festive treats.
• Cookie Sandwiches: Spread frosting between two cookies to create delicious cookie sandwiches that are fun to eat.

Extra Flavor Options

• Flavored Frostings: Top your sugar cookies with flavored frostings such as vanilla, chocolate, or lemon for an added twist.
• Fruit Pairings: Serve alongside fresh fruit slices like strawberries or apples for a refreshing contrast.

Gift Ideas

• Cookie Jars: Pack the cookies in jars tied with ribbons as gifts for friends and family during the holidays.
• Party Favors: Wrap individual cookies in cellophane bags as party favors for guests at your celebrations.

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How to Perfect Best Sugar Cookie Recipe

To achieve the best results with your Best Sugar Cookie Recipe, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and egg are at room temperature. This helps in achieving a smooth dough that bakes evenly.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of soft ones.
• Thickness Matters: Keep your cookie dough about 1/4 inch thick when rolling out. Thicker cookies maintain their shape better and have a delightful texture.
• Check Baking Time Carefully: Start checking your cookies at 6 minutes. They should be lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center when done.
• Cool Completely Before Decorating: Allow the cookies to cool completely before adding any frosting or decorations to prevent melting and sliding.
• Experiment with Flavors: Don’t hesitate to try different extracts or add zest from citrus fruits for unique flavors in your sugar cookies.

Best Side Dishes for Best Sugar Cookie Recipe

While the Best Sugar Cookie Recipe is delightful on its own, pairing it with side dishes can elevate your dessert experience.

1. Ice Cream Sundae Bar: Set up an ice cream bar where guests can create their sundaes topped with cookie crumbles.
2. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad complements the sweetness of sugar cookies, providing a fresh contrast.
3. Cheese Platter: Offer assorted cheeses that balance out the sweetness, creating an interesting flavor profile.
4. Coffee Station: Provide various coffee options so guests can enjoy their sugar cookies with a rich cup of coffee.
5. Chocolate Fondue: Set up chocolate fondue for dipping, making it a fun interactive dessert option alongside sugar cookies.
6. Pudding Cups: Serve small cups of flavored pudding; vanilla or chocolate pairs nicely with sugar cookies for extra indulgence.
7. Nut Mixes: A bowl of mixed nuts offers a savory crunch that balances out the sweet flavors of the cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making the Best Sugar Cookie Recipe, some common mistakes can lead to disappointing results. Here are a few to watch out for:

• Skipping the Creaming Step: Not creaming butter and sugar thoroughly can result in cookies that are dense rather than fluffy. Make sure to cream them for at least 3 minutes until smooth.

• Chilling the Dough: This recipe is designed to be made without chilling the dough. Chilling can alter the texture and shape of your cookies, so roll and cut right away.

• Not Measuring Flour Accurately: Using too much flour can make your cookies dry and crumbly. Always spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off for accuracy.

• Overbaking Cookies: Baking too long will result in hard cookies. Keep an eye on them; they should just be set but not browned, typically around 6-8 minutes.

• Ignoring Dough Consistency: If your dough looks crumbly, continue mixing until it pulls away from the sides of the mixer. Adjust with a little water or flour as needed.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to one week.
• Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing Best Sugar Cookie Recipe

• Freeze baked cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to three months.
• For unbaked dough, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months.

Reheating Best Sugar Cookie Recipe

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake cookies for about 5 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies on a microwave-safe plate for about 10-15 seconds.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, warming each cookie briefly until soft.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions regarding the Best Sugar Cookie Recipe:

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

You can use margarine, but butter gives the best flavor and texture. Margarine may alter the richness slightly.

How do I get perfect shapes for my cookies?

To achieve perfect shapes, roll your dough thick (around 1/4 inch) and use sharp cookie cutters. Avoid chilling the dough which may warp shapes during baking.

Can I add frosting to these sugar cookies?

Absolutely! These cookies are perfect for frosting. Consider using royal icing or buttercream for decoration.

What is the best way to decorate sugar cookies?

Use a piping bag for precision or spread frosting with a knife for a simple finish. Sprinkles can add a fun touch!

How long do these sugar cookies last?

When stored properly in an airtight container, they last about one week at room temperature or longer if frozen.

Final Thoughts

The Best Sugar Cookie Recipe is not only easy but also incredibly versatile! You can customize it with various flavors or decorations for any occasion. Whether you enjoy them plain or adorned with frosting, these cookies will surely delight friends and family alike. Give this recipe a try and enjoy baking!