Sugar Cookies Recipe

There is something truly magical about baking sugar cookies, especially as the holidays approach or when there’s a cause for celebration. Whether it’s an afternoon activity with the kids, preparing for a festive family gathering, or simply enjoying a quiet moment to yourself, sugar cookies are the perfect canvas for creativity. Decorated with colorful icing and a sprinkle of festive joy, each cookie tells a story. This sugar cookies recipe combines simplicity with a touch of whimsy, making it an absolute must-try for budding bakers and seasoned cookie decorators alike. Let your kitchen be filled with the sweet aroma of freshly baked cookies and experience the pure delight of making something beautiful with those you love.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• Assorted food coloring and sprinkles for decoration

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3 minutes using an electric mixer.
3. Add the egg and vanilla extract to the mixture, and beat until well combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tougher cookies.
6. Divide the dough into manageable portions. Roll each portion to about ¼ inch thickness on a lightly floured surface.
7. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each cookie.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden. Watch closely to prevent overbaking.
9. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Once the cookies are completely cool, decorate with your favorite icing and sprinkles. Let your imagination run wild!

Helpful Tips

• For an even dough thickness, use rolling pin rings or guides.
• If you find the dough too sticky, chill it for about 30 minutes in the fridge.
• Keep an eye on the cookies while baking as they can brown quickly.

Storage Instructions

Store your beautifully decorated sugar cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze undecorated cookies in a single layer before transferring them to a freezer-safe container.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you’re out of vanilla extract, almond extract makes a wonderful alternative. For a dairy-free version, you can substitute the butter with a vegan butter alternative.

Pairings

These festive sugar cookies pair wonderfully with a hot cup of cocoa, spiced tea, or a refreshing glass of cold milk.

At Zynahz, our aim is to sprinkle a bit of joy and creativity into your kitchen, making each cooking and baking experience a cherished memory. We encourage you to dive into this sugar cookies recipe, share your delightful creations with friends and family, and capture those moments by sharing your photos with us on social media. Don’t forget to explore more of our delicious recipes on Zynahz, follow us for daily inspiration, and sign up for our newsletter to never miss a tasty update. Let’s make every baking adventure a little more special together!