Timeless Sugar Cookie

🕒 Prep: 20 min
🔥 Cook: 10 min
🍽 Serves: 24
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This timeless sugar cookie recipe is a classic that never goes out of style. With its buttery, tender crumb and just the right amount of sweetness, this cookie is perfect for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to a simple afternoon treat.

Ingredients for Timeless Sugar Cookie

Butter: Unsalted and softened, this is the backbone of your cookie, bringing richness and flavor. Make sure it’s soft, but not melted, for the best texture.

Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness and helps create that classic sugar cookie texture.

Egg: The egg adds moisture and binds everything together, ensuring your cookies don't crumble apart.

Vanilla Extract: This gives your cookies that lovely, warm aroma and enhances the overall flavor.

All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure to the cookies, giving them the right amount of chewiness.

Baking Powder: Acts as a leavening agent, ensuring your cookies are light and fluffy.

Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and enhance the other flavors.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use room temperature ingredients for the best mixing results.
  • If your dough is too sticky to handle, chill it in the fridge for 15-20 minutes before rolling.
  • For evenly sized cookies, use a cookie scoop.
  • To keep cookies soft, store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies are delightful on their own, but you can also decorate them with icing or sprinkles for festive occasions. Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a simple dessert, or enjoy them with a glass of cold milk.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to three months. Just be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container.
How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Check the packaging to ensure it includes xanthan gum for structure.
What if I don't have baking powder?
If you're out of baking powder, you can make a substitute using 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda and 1/2 teaspoon of cream of tartar.

Timeless Sugar Cookie Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking. Trust me, this small step makes a big difference.

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer if you have one. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, usually about 3-4 minutes. This process creates tiny air pockets that help the cookies rise perfectly.

Next, add the egg and vanilla extract. Beat again until everything is well combined. You want a smooth, cohesive mixture with no visible egg streaks.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures the baking powder is evenly distributed, preventing any surprises in texture or taste.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; otherwise, you’ll end up with tough cookies.

Scoop the dough and roll it into 1-inch balls. Place them on your prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading.

Gently flatten each ball with the bottom of a glass or your hand. This helps them bake evenly.

Pop the cookies into your preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes. You'll want to remove them when the edges are just starting to turn golden. Overbaking can result in a crunchy rather than a soft texture.

Once out of the oven, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. This allows them to firm up a bit before you transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Simple, straightforward ingredients you likely already have at home.
  • Quick to prepare with minimal cleanup.
  • Perfect for decorating, gifting, or indulging straight from the oven.
  • Great for baking with kids due to its easy, forgiving nature.

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
7. Flatten each ball gently with the bottom of a glass or your hand.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
9. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

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