Easy Sugar Cookies

The BEST Easy Sugar Cookies are a delightful treat that everyone loves, whether it’s for a holiday, a birthday, or just because! They have a charming simplicity, with a soft, fluffy texture that makes each bite melt in your mouth. Baking sugar cookies is all about bringing joy into your kitchen and creating something that sparks happiness. With this recipe, you’ll find that making these cookies is not only straightforward but also fun, especially if you invite family or friends to join you in the process. Get ready to whip up some deliciousness that fills your home with warmth and sweet scents. Let’s gather those ingredients and crank up the oven because you’re about to create the BEST Easy Sugar Cookies!

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Why This Recipe Works

This easy sugar cookie recipe strikes the perfect balance between soft, fluffy texture and rich flavor. By incorporating a mix of butter and cream cheese, the cookies get an irresistible melt-in-your-mouth quality. The high ratio of flour ensures that every bite has that classic sugar cookie feel without being overly sweet, making them ideal for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This BEST Easy Sugar Cookies

These sugar cookies are not just simple to make; they’re a delight for the senses! With the option to customize with colorful icing or sprinkles, they’re perfect for decorating with kids or serving at events. Their versatility means you can enjoy them plain or dressed up, catering to every taste and preference, making them a favorite in any household.

Ingredients

• 2 cups unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, or 1 teaspoon vanilla + 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 4 large egg yolks
• 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup (8 tablespoons) butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon almond extract, or vanilla extract
• ⅛ teaspoon salt
• 6 cups powdered sugar
• ⅓ cup milk, or as needed
• Food coloring, optional

Making the BEST Easy Sugar Cookies

Preparing the Dough

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, cream together 2 cups of softened butter and 1 ½ cups of granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Then, stir in ½ teaspoon salt and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (or the mix of vanilla and almond extract). After that, add the 4 egg yolks and mix until fully blended.

Incorporating the Flour

Gradually add 4 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, one cup at a time, mixing after each addition until just combined. After that, divide the dough in half. Shape each half into a ball, and roll out each ball on parchment paper or a nonstick baking mat to a thickness of about ¼ inch.

Chilling the Dough

Next, chill the rolled dough in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes. This step is important because it helps the cookies hold their shape while baking, giving you those perfect sugar cookies.

Cutting the Cookies

Once the dough is chilled, use cookie cutters to cut out shapes from it. Make sure to place the cookie shapes on a baking sheet with at least 1 inch apart to allow for spreading during baking.

Baking the Cookies

Bake in the preheated oven for about 8-9 minutes, depending on the thickness of your cookies. Thinner cookies should be checked at 8 minutes, while thicker ones may need an extra minute. Once they’re done, allow them to cool on the baking sheet for at least 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Preparing the Frosting

While the cookies cool, it’s time to make the frosting. In a large bowl, cream together 2 ounces of softened cream cheese and ½ cup of softened butter until everything is smooth. Then, add 1 teaspoon of extract and ⅛ teaspoon salt. Mix well until incorporated.

Adding the Powdered Sugar

Gradually mix in 6 cups of powdered sugar, one cup at a time. Alongside, add 1 tablespoon of milk. Continue this process until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. If it’s too thick, adjust the consistency with more milk if needed, and feel free to add food coloring if you want to get creative!

Decorating the Cookies

Once the cookies have completely cooled, spread the icing over each cookie and top with sprinkles or any other decorations you like. Store the decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge for up to one week to keep them fresh.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these delightful cookies at birthday parties, holiday gatherings, or simply as a sweet treat any day of the week. Pair them with milk, coffee, or tea for the perfect afternoon snack, creating moments of joy and sweetness.

Tips for Success

• Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for easy mixing, which will help blend everything smoothly.
• Chill the dough adequately. This step is key to preventing the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
• Experiment with different extracts and food colorings for personalized flavors and aesthetics to make your cookies truly unique.

Variations

• For chocolate sugar cookies, swap some of the all-purpose flour for cocoa powder. This will give a rich flavor that chocolate lovers will adore.
• Create holiday-themed cookies using themed cookie cutters and festive icing colors to reflect the season.
• Add sprinkles or chocolate chips to the dough for an extra touch that adds texture and bursts of sweetness.

Storage Tips

Keep unfrosted cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week to maintain their freshness. For longer storage options, consider freezing the dough before baking. That way, you can enjoy fresh cookies anytime!

FAQs

1. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
While butter offers the best flavor, you can use margarine as a substitute. Bear in mind it might affect the final texture slightly.

2. How can I make my cookies softer?
To achieve softer cookies, slightly underbake them and ensure you don’t overmix the dough, which can lead to tougher cookies.

3. Can I freeze the sugar cookies?
Absolutely! You can freeze both the dough and the baked cookies. Just make sure to store them in airtight containers or freezer bags.

4. What’s the best way to decorate sugar cookies?
You can go for royal icing, buttercream, or even store-bought frosting, depending on how simple or elaborate you want the decorations to be.

5. How long do sugar cookies last?
When stored properly, frosted sugar cookies can last about a week at room temperature, or even longer if refrigerated or frozen.

These BEST Easy Sugar Cookies will not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also become a cherished recipe in your family. Gather your loved ones and make lasting memories baking and decorating together! Enjoy the process of creating and sharing, as these delightful cookies are sure to bring smiles all around.

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