Soft Sugar Cookies
🎉 Introduction
✨ These Soft Sugar Cookies are a delightful treat that brings joy to any occasion, especially during the holidays! With their tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture and sweet icing, they are sure to become a family favorite. Plus, this no-chill dough recipe makes it super easy for you to whip up a batch quickly. They also freeze beautifully, making them the perfect choice for holiday baking in advance. Let’s dive into this simple yet delicious recipe!
🧰 Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Cookie cutter
- Cooling rack
🛒 Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for icing)
- 2 tablespoons milk (for icing)
- Food coloring (optional)
- Sprinkles (optional)
👩🍳 Directions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: In another large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
Step 4: Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the butter mixture, mixing until well combined.
Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
Step 6: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden.
Step 8: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 9: To make the icing, whisk together powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Add food coloring if desired.
Step 10: Once the cookies are completely cool, drizzle the icing over them and top with sprinkles if desired.
🍽️ Servings & Timing
This recipe yields about 24 cookies. Prep time is 15 minutes, cook time is 12 minutes, and total time is approximately 30 minutes.
🧊 Storage & Reheating
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
🥄 Variations
- Add lemon zest to the dough for a citrus twist.
- Sprinkle the cookies with colored sugar before baking for a festive look.
- Use different extracts like coconut or peppermint for unique flavors.
- Make sandwich cookies by filling them with icing or frosting.
❓ FAQs
Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
Q: What if I don’t have almond extract?
A: You can replace almond extract with additional vanilla extract or simply omit it.
Q: Can I use gluten-free flour?
A: Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend if needed.
Q: How do I know when the cookies are done?
A: The cookies should be lightly golden at the edges but still soft in the center.
Q: Can I freeze the decorated cookies?
A: It’s best to freeze undecorated cookies and add icing after thawing for optimal texture.
Q: What type of icing works best?
A: A simple icing made from powdered sugar and milk works perfectly for these cookies.
Q: How long do these cookies last?
A: These cookies can be stored at room temperature for up to one week in an airtight container.
Q: Can I add chocolate chips?
A: Yes, feel free to fold in chocolate chips for a delicious variation!
Q: What is the best way to store cookies?
A: Keep them in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent them from drying out.
Q: Are these cookies suitable for shipping?
A: Yes, they ship well! Just make sure they are packed securely in a container.
🏁 Conclusion
🎉 These Soft Sugar Cookies are a must-have for any holiday gathering or special occasion! With their soft texture and delightful icing, they are not only easy to make but also a joy to share with family and friends. Whether you’re looking to prepare a batch in advance or bake them fresh for an event, these cookies are sure to bring smiles to everyone’s faces. Get baking and enjoy the sweet moments!
