If you're on the hunt for a cookie that's both comforting and a bit different, these Wholesome Honey Sugar Cookies are just what you need. The sweetness of honey gives these cookies a cozy warmth, making them perfect for any season.
Butter is the base of any good cookie, providing richness and tenderness. Here, we use unsalted butter to control the salt levels ourselves. The granulated sugar adds sweetness and helps the cookies spread just right. Honey is the star here, contributing not only sweetness but also a lovely, floral note and moisture. A single egg binds everything together, while vanilla extract enhances all the flavors with its warm aroma.
The all-purpose flour forms the dough's structure. A touch of baking soda and baking powder ensures the cookies rise perfectly, while a pinch of salt balances the sweetness.
These cookies pair beautifully with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of herbal tea. For a dessert twist, sandwich a scoop of vanilla ice cream between two cookies. They're also delightful crumbled over yogurt or oatmeal for a sweet breakfast treat.
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This gives it time to reach the perfect temperature while you prepare the dough. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, sugar, and honey until they're light and fluffy. This step is key to getting that soft texture, so don't rush it.
Next, beat in the egg and vanilla extract until they're fully incorporated. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This ensures the leavening agents are evenly distributed, which helps the cookies bake uniformly.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a dough forms. It should be soft but not sticky. Using your hands, roll the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This makes clean-up a breeze and prevents sticking.
Gently flatten each ball with a fork or your fingers. This step is where you can have a bit of fun—make them as thick or thin as you like! Bake them in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them set up nicely.