The Best Sugar Cookies Recipe
Okay, flavor adventurers, buckle up! I’m about to share my ride-or-die recipe for Sugar Cookies.
I still remember the first time I tasted a truly perfect Sugar Cookies. It was at a holiday market, nestled between steaming cups of Cuban coffee and the vibrant sounds of salsa music. One bite, and I was hooked! What set it apart was the delicate balance: a crisp edge giving way to a soft, chewy center, all infused with a subtle vanilla aroma. It wasn’t just a Sugar Cookies; it was a moment of pure joy.
My version of Sugar Cookies represents everything Cuba Queen stands for: bold flavors, simple ingredients, and a whole lotta love.
I’ve tinkered, tasted, and perfected this recipe over countless batches. Now, I’m practically bursting to share it with you.
Get ready to transform your kitchen into a Sugar Cookies wonderland!
INGREDIENTS You Need for This:
This Sugar Cookies ingredient list is short but mighty!
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (trust me on this one!)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
The secret to epic Sugar Cookies is using high-quality butter. Splurge on European-style butter if you can; it makes a HUGE difference!
You’ll find the best Vanilla extract for this Sugar Cookies at your local spice shop. Trust me; the real stuff is worth it.
Don’t skimp on the almond extract. It’s the game-changer that’ll blow your mind and sets this Sugar Cookies apart from the rest.
For a budget-friendly alternative, you can use regular butter. However, the flavor won’t be quite as rich.
To keep your ingredients fresh, store the butter in the fridge and the flour in an airtight container. It makes a HUGE difference in the end product.
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:
Here’s where most people mess up their Sugar Cookies – but not you!
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Don’t rush this step; it’s crucial for the texture of your Sugar Cookies.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the Vanilla extract and almond extract. This is where the magic starts to happen!
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Don’t skip the whisking; it helps distribute the baking powder evenly.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; overmixing will result in tough Sugar Cookies.
- Divide the dough in half, flatten each half into a disc, and wrap in plastic wrap. Chill for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. Pro tip for Sugar Cookies perfection: the longer you chill the dough, the less the cookies will spread while baking.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and ensures even baking for your Sugar Cookies.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use your favorite Cookie cutters to cut out shapes. Now your Sugar Cookies are beginning to shine!
- Place the cut-out Sugar Cookies onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch between each cookie. This ensures even baking and prevents the Sugar Cookies from sticking together.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. In my kitchen, this Sugar Cookies takes exactly 9 minutes to achieve that perfect golden hue.
- Let the Sugar Cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Here’s where your Sugar Cookies transforms into pure magic.
While your Sugar Cookies is working its magic, grab your camera – this is Instagram gold!
Don’t stress – your Sugar Cookies is going to be incredible! Remember to chill that dough!
PRESENTATION:
People absolutely lose their minds when I serve this Sugar Cookies at holiday parties!
For maximum impact, decorate your Sugar Cookies with Royal icing. I love using different colors and sprinkles to make them festive and fun.
Pair these Sugar Cookies with a glass of cold milk or a cup of Cuban coffee for the ultimate treat. The richness of these Oatmeal Sugar Cookies complements the coffee perfectly.
This Sugar Cookies absolutely slays at Christmas parties or any special occasion. They’re always a crowd-pleaser.
For an Instagram-worthy plating technique, arrange the decorated Sugar Cookies on a tiered dessert stand. It looks elegant and inviting.
Creative leftover transformations include crumbling the Sugar Cookies over ice cream or using them as a base for a mini cheesecake. Talk about a dessert upgrade!
For seasonal Sugar Cookies variations, try adding citrus zest in the spring or pumpkin spice in the fall. Check out my pumpkin Sugar Cookies recipe for more fall-inspired deliciousness.
FAQs:
Can I make this Sugar Cookies recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum for binding. I’ve tested this, and the results are fantastic!
What if I don’t have almond extract for my Sugar Cookies?
No problem! You can omit it or substitute with an equal amount of Vanilla extract. However, I highly recommend trying it with the almond extract; it adds a unique depth of flavor.
How do I know when my Sugar Cookies are perfectly done?
The edges should be lightly golden brown, and the centers should be set but still slightly soft. They will continue to firm up as they cool.
Can I freeze the Sugar Cookies dough?
Yes! Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before rolling and baking.
How do I prevent the Sugar Cookies from spreading too much while baking?
Chilling the dough is key! Also, make sure your oven temperature is accurate, and avoid over-greasing your baking sheets.
Can I make this Sugar Cookies spicier?
For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dough!
What kind of Royal icing do you recommend for decorating these Sugar Cookies?
I prefer a simple Royal icing made with powdered sugar, meringue powder, and water. You can find meringue powder at most craft stores or online. The key is to get the consistency right so it pipes smoothly. For more ideas, check out Christmas Cookie Baking and Decorating with Buttercream Frosting.
CONCLUSION:
This Sugar Cookies recipe represents everything Cuba Queen stands for: bold flavors, simple ingredients, and a whole lotta love. It’s a recipe that brings joy and creates lasting memories. And they will pair perfectly with these Brown Sugar Cookies.
My Sugar Cookies Power Tips:
- Chill the dough! This is the most important step for preventing spreading.
- Use high-quality butter! It makes a HUGE difference in the flavor and texture.
- Don’t overmix the dough! Overmixing leads to tough cookies.
Here are a few Sugar Cookies variations I’ve created and loved:
- Lemon Sugar Cookies: Add lemon zest to the dough for a bright and citrusy flavor.
- Chocolate Sugar Cookies: Add cocoa powder to the dough for a rich and decadent treat.
- Oatmeal Sugar Cookies: Fold in rolled oats for a chewy and hearty texture. Speaking of oatmeal, you have to try my Oatmeal Raisin Cookies.
The Lemon Sugar Cookies always get the biggest reactions! I also like referring to this recipe for inspiration: Cut Out Sugar Cookies — Apt. 2B Baking Co.
I have complete confidence in your Sugar Cookies cooking success. Go ahead and make this Sugar Cookies your signature dish!
Remember, the most important ingredient is love. Bake with passion, share with joy, and create Sugar Cookies memories that will last a lifetime! For other sugar cookie alternative ideas, check out: Alternative to sugar cookies for Christmas baking.
Now go forth and conquer the Sugar Cookies world! Don’t forget to share your results with me; I can’t wait to see your masterpieces! ✨
Sugar Cookies
These classic sugar cookies are soft, chewy, and perfect for any occasion. Decorate them with your favorite frosting and sprinkles for a festive treat!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.
- Use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes.
- Place cookies on prepared baking sheets and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.
- Let cookies cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Frost and decorate as desired.
Notes
For a softer cookie, don’t overbake. You can also add a pinch of almond extract for a different flavor.