Do you want to impress your friends and family with homemade cookies that taste like heaven? Look no further than this sugar cookies recipe! With just a few simple ingredients and kitchen tools, you can create delicious cookies that everyone will love. In this article, we'll guide you through every step of the process, from gathering ingredients to baking and decorating the cookies. So put on your apron and let's get started!
Ingredients Needed to Make Sugar Cookies Recipe
To make these delicious cookies, you'll need the following ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Make sure to use high-quality ingredients for the best results.
For the Marinade Sugar Cookies Recipe
Before you start making the cookie dough, it's important to marinade it for at least 30 minutes. Here's how to do it:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Add the flour mixture gradually, stirring until just combined.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes.
Marinading the dough helps it to firm up and makes it easier to roll out and cut into shapes.
Kitchen Tools Needed for Sugar Cookies Recipe
Before you start baking, make sure you have the following kitchen tools:
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutters in various shapes and sizes
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
- Baking sheets
- Cooling rack
Having the right tools on hand will make the process much easier and more enjoyable.
How to Make Sugar Cookies Recipe
Now that you have all your ingredients and tools ready, it's time to make the cookie dough and bake the cookies. Here's how:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Take the dough out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes.
- Lightly flour a work surface and roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness.
- Use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat, leaving about 1 inch between each cookie.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
- Repeat with the remaining dough until all the cookies are baked.
Once the cookies are cool, you can decorate them with icing, sprinkles, or other toppings of your choice.
How to Cook Sugar Cookies Recipe
When it comes to cooking sugar cookies, it's all about finding the right balance between crispy and chewy. Here are some tips to help you get the perfect texture:
- Don't overmix the dough. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
- Don't overbake the cookies. They should be lightly golden brown around the edges but still soft in the center.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. This will help them firm up without getting too crispy.
By following these tips, you'll be able to cook sugar cookies that are perfectly crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
It's best to use unsalted butter so that you can control the amount of salt in the recipe.
2. Can I use a hand mixer instead of a stand mixer?
Yes, a hand mixer will work just fine.
3. Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container.
4. Can I use a different type of flour?
All-purpose flour works best for this recipe, but you can try using a gluten-free flour blend if you prefer.
5. Can I use almond extract instead of vanilla?
Yes, almond extract will work well in this recipe.
6. How long do the cookies last?
The cookies will stay fresh for up to 5 days if stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
7. Can I use cookie dough to make a cookie cake?
Yes, you can press the dough into a cake pan and bake it for 25-30 minutes at 350°F (180°C) to make a delicious cookie cake.
8. Can I use food coloring to dye the dough?
Yes, you can add food coloring to the dough to make it any color you like.
9. Can I use a different type of sugar?
Granulated sugar works best for this recipe, but you can try using brown sugar or powdered sugar if you prefer.
10. Can I add chocolate chips to the dough?
Yes, you can add chocolate chips or any other mix-ins you like to the dough.
11. How many cookies does this recipe make?
This recipe makes about 24-30 cookies, depending on the size of your cookie cutters.
12. How long does it take to make the dough?
The dough takes about 15-20 minutes to make, plus 30 minutes of marinading time.
13. How long does it take to bake the cookies?
The cookies take about 10-12 minutes to bake.
14. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dough up to 2 days ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to bake.
15. Can I use a different type of cookie cutter?
Yes, you can use any type of cookie cutter you like to create fun and unique shapes.
16. How do I know when the cookies are done?
The cookies should be lightly golden brown around the edges but still soft in the center. If they're too crispy, you've baked them for too long.
17. Can I use a convection oven?
Yes, a convection oven will work just fine. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
18. How do I store the cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
19. Can I use a different type of extract?
Yes, you can use any type of extract you like to flavor the cookies.
20. Can I make the cookies without cookie cutters?
Yes, you can roll the dough into balls and then flatten them with a fork to make classic sugar cookies.