During the holiday season, one of the most popular cookie recipes is for true sugar cookies that do not spread when baked. It has been a long-standing custom for the family to get together once a year to prepare these simple cut-out cookies and then decorate them in festive fashion.
The Absolute Best Recipe for Sugar Cookies
Sugar cookies are an essential part of the holiday season. Because I get to listen to Christmas music, see a ton of Christmas movies, and bake all of the cookies that I adore, this time of year is without a doubt my very favorite time of the year. Sugar cookies are often considered to be the best type of Christmas cookie since not only is everyone a fan of them, but it’s also a lot of fun to decorate them with your kids.
These cookies are incredibly buttery, sugary, and sweet. They have a lovely soft center with a slightly crisp edge, and they are an absolute delight to eat. You are going to have a great time preparing these because they do not spread or puff out when baking and just require a short amount of time to be chilled.
What Components You’ll Need to Get Started
Sugar.
The cookies are made using sugar, so I suppose you could argue that this is the most important component of the recipe. I use granulated sugar that is pure white in color.
Butter.
In order to keep the sodium content of the cookies under control, use butter that is unsalted and bring it to room temperature before using it. If you only have salted butter, you can use it instead; however, you will need to leave out the salt.
Vanilla.
The addition of vanilla extract will result in an overall improvement of the flavors. This is a sugar cookie flavored with vanilla.
Egg.
You can use either a brown or white egg.
Flour.
In order to make the cookie dough, you will require some all-purpose white flour.
Baking Powder.
Baking powder is added to baked foods in order to make them more airy and fluffy while also increasing their volume. Because we don’t want these cookies to spread too much, we only need a small amount.
Salt.
Believe me when I say that a little bit of salt goes a long way, so don’t skip this step!
Instructions for Making Sugar Cookies
MAKE COOKIE DOUGH
Combine the butter and sugar and cream them together:
Put the sugar and the butter in the bowl of your mixer and start mixing. Mix on medium until the mixture is velvety smooth, airy, and fluffy. After that, add the egg and vanilla extract and continue to mix until everything is incorporated. When necessary, use a scraper to clean the inside of the bowl, including the sides and the bottom.
Mix together the items that are dry:
Flour, baking powder, and salt should be mixed together in a separate bowl.
Prepare the cookie dough as follows:
Reduce the speed of the mixer to low, then add approximately half of the flour mixture to the bowl of the mixer and continue beating until everything is just incorporated. Continue mixing after adding the remaining amount of flour until it is well incorporated. If the dough is a little bit too soft, add another tablespoon of flour to it; doing so should make rolling the dough out easier.
Chill:
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap, place it in the refrigerator, and let it chill for between one and two hours, or even overnight.
ROLL, CUT, AND BAKE are the steps involved.
Prepare the oven: Set the temperature in the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
Roll and divide the dough as follows:
On a surface that has been lightly floured, spread out the dough to a thickness of one quarter of an inch using a rolling pin. Use the cookie cutter of your choice to cut the dough into the desired shapes. Reroll any dough scraps and cut them into desired shapes.
Bake cookies:
Bake the cookies for 9 to 11 minutes after placing them an inch apart on a cookie sheet that has not been oiled. Before icing the cookies, you should let them 5 minutes to cool on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack for the remainder of the cooling process.
Storing Sugar Cookies
These cookies can be kept in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 10 days, depending on which method of storage you choose.
Whether you choose to leave these sugar cookies simple or decorate them, they can be stored in the freezer for up to three months if they are placed in a container that is airtight. You have the option of defrosting them in the refrigerator or at room temperature.
You may also freeze the dough for up to three months if it is securely covered in plastic wrap before freezing.