Baking the sugar cookies to perfection
Ingredients
First, gather all the ingredients you'll need to make these delicious sugar cookies:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Directions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, add the vanilla extract and mix until well combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be sure not to overmix the dough, or your cookies will be tough.
6. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour. This will help the dough firm up and make it easier to roll out.
7. Once chilled, roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
8. Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Be sure not to overbake them, or they will become too crispy and lose their softness.
9. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips and Tricks
- If you want your cookies to be extra soft and chewy, try adding a tablespoon of cornstarch to the dry ingredients.
- For a fun twist, try adding different extracts, such as almond or peppermint, to the dough in place of the vanilla extract.
- To decorate your sugar cookies, use royal icing, buttercream frosting, or sprinkles.
Last Thing
In conclusion, this sugar cookie recipe is a must-try for any baking enthusiast. With its simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you'll have delicious and impressive cookies in no time. Whether you're making them for a holiday gathering, a special occasion, or just because, these sugar cookies are sure to be a hit. So, get your apron on, turn on some music, and let's bake some cookies!
