Easy Sugar Cookies

These Easy Sugar Cookies are soft, buttery, and perfect for any occasion. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can make a batch of delicious cookies that are sure to please everyone. Whether you’re baking for a holiday or just a sweet treat, this recipe is a simple and delightful choice.

Ingredients

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 1 egg
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 3 cups all-purpose flour

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until smooth and fluffy.
3. Beat in the vanilla extract, almond extract, and egg until fully combined.
4. Gradually mix in the baking powder and flour, stirring until the dough forms.
5. Roll rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls and place them onto ungreased cookie sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
6. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
7. Allow the cookies to cool on wire racks before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 24 cookies
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Cinnamon Sugar: Roll the dough balls in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar before baking for a warm, spiced twist on the classic.
• Decorated Sugar Cookies: After baking, you can decorate the cookies with frosting, sprinkles, or colored sugar for a festive touch.
• Lemon Sugar Cookies: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the dough for a citrusy flavor.
• Chocolate Chip Sugar Cookies: Stir in some chocolate chips to make these cookies even more irresistible.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They can also be kept in the fridge for up to 1 week for extra freshness.
• Freezing: You can freeze the dough before baking. Roll the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet, freeze them until firm, and then store them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. To bake, simply place the frozen dough balls on a cookie sheet and bake as directed, adding an extra 1-2 minutes of baking time.
• Reheating: These cookies are best enjoyed fresh, but if needed, you can microwave them for a few seconds to soften them before serving.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use margarine instead of butter? Yes, margarine can be used, but the texture and flavor may vary slightly.
2. Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours before baking. Just let it soften a bit before rolling it into balls.
3. Can I use only vanilla extract instead of both vanilla and almond extracts? Yes, you can use just vanilla extract if you prefer. The almond extract adds a subtle flavor, but the cookies will still be delicious with vanilla alone.
4. Why are my cookies spreading too much? This could be due to the dough being too warm. Try chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent excessive spreading.
5. Can I use a hand mixer or stand mixer? Yes, either a hand mixer or stand mixer can be used to cream the butter and sugar, as well as mix in the other ingredients.
6. How can I make these cookies more chewy? For a chewier texture, reduce the baking time slightly and add an extra tablespoon of butter to the dough.
7. What can I substitute for the egg? If you need an egg substitute, try using 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water).
8. Can I freeze sugar cookie dough? Yes, the dough can be frozen. Roll it into balls and freeze them on a tray before storing in a freezer bag.
9. How do I know when my cookies are done? The cookies should be golden brown at the edges. They will continue to cook slightly after being removed from the oven, so be careful not to overbake.
10. Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can easily double or halve the recipe to adjust the number of servings.

Conclusion

These Easy Sugar Cookies are the perfect treat for any occasion. With their simple ingredients and straightforward directions, you can whip up a batch in no time. Whether you enjoy them plain, with sprinkles, or as part of a larger holiday spread, these cookies will always be a hit. Keep this recipe on hand for quick and delicious baking whenever the craving strikes!

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