Classic Sugar Cookies

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Classic Sugar Cookies

Yield: 12

Author: Jennifer Cartier

Prep time: 1 HourCook time: 10 MinTotal time: 1 H & 10 M

These soft, chewy sugar cookies are perfect for any occasion! With a light, buttery flavor and just the right amount of sweetness, they’re a great base for decorating or simply enjoying on their own. Whether you're baking for a holiday or just want a simple, delicious treat, this sugar cookie recipe is sure to be a hit!

Ingredients

• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar, divided
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional, but adds great flavour)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For Rolling

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for coating)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
2. Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and 1 1/4 cups of the granulated sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes). This will create a nice, soft base for your cookies.
4. Add Wet Ingredients: Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) to the butter-sugar mixture and beat until combined.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, 1/2 cup at a time, mixing on low speed to avoid a flour explosion! Mix until the dough just comes together.
6. Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Once rolled, roll each dough ball in the remaining 1/4 cup of granulated sugar to coat them evenly. This will give the cookies a sparkly, sweet crunch on the outside.
7. Flatten the Cookies: Place the sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Use the bottom of a glass or your fingers to gently flatten each cookie ball. If you like thicker cookies, leave them a little more rounded.
8. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just golden. The centres may still look soft, but they will firm up as they cool. For softer cookies, remove them from the oven at the 8-minute mark; for crisper cookies, leave them for the full 10 minutes.
9. Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Tips for Perfect Sugar Cookies:



• Chill the Dough (Optional): If you prefer thicker, chewier cookies, or if the dough feels too sticky, chill it for 30 minutes to an hour before rolling it into balls. Chilling helps the cookies hold their shape better during baking.
• Use Softened Butter: Make sure your butter is at room temperature before creaming it with the sugar. This helps create a smooth, light dough.
• Don’t Over-Bake: Keep a close eye on the cookies while baking. They should just start to turn golden around the edges. If they get too brown, they may become too crispy.
• Decorate (Optional): You can also decorate your sugar cookies with royal icing, sprinkles, or coloured sugar for a festive touch. To make them more personalized, add food colouring to the dough or icing.
• Storage: These sugar cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Enjoy!

Whether you're decorating for a special event or just enjoying a homemade treat, these sugar cookies are the perfect balance of sweetness and simplicity. Enjoy with a glass of milk, or pack them up as a gift for someone special!

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