Kick off your baking adventure with these delightful Easy Sugar Cookies! Perfectly sweet, soft, and versatile, they can be enjoyed plain or dressed up with your favorite decorations. Here’s an expanded version of the recipe that includes additional tips, variations, and serving suggestions.

Ingredients:

For the Cookies:

• 1 cup butter or margarine, softened: For a richer flavor, use unsalted butter.
• 1 cup sugar: Granulated sugar works best, but you can experiment with brown sugar for a deeper flavor.
• 1 large egg: This helps bind the ingredients together and adds moisture.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: For a lovely aroma and flavor. Consider using almond extract for a unique twist!
• 2 teaspoons baking powder: This gives the cookies a nice rise and chewy texture.
• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour: This is the base of your cookies, so measure carefully for the best results.

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and turn out perfectly golden.
• Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or lightly grease them. This prevents sticking and makes for easy cleanup.

1. Cream Butter and Sugar:

• In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer or a wooden spoon to cream together the softened butter and sugar. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, which typically takes about 2-3 minutes. This step is critical as it incorporates air, giving your cookies a nice texture.

1. Add Egg and Vanilla:

• Beat in the egg until fully integrated, then add the vanilla extract. Mix until smooth. This is where your cookies start to take on a lovely flavor profile!

1. Combine Dry Ingredients:

• In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. This helps to evenly distribute the baking powder throughout the flour, ensuring an even rise.

1. Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet:

• Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir gently until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.

1. Form Cookies:

• Use your hands to roll the dough into balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Alternatively, you can use cookie cutters to create festive shapes! Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between them as they will spread while baking.

1. Bake:

• Bake in the preheated oven for 6-8 minutes or until the cookies are lightly golden around the edges. Keep an eye on them, as baking times can vary based on your oven and the thickness of the cookies.

1. Cool:

• Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This cooling period helps them set properly.

1. Decorate (Optional):

• Once cooled, unleash your creativity! Decorate the cookies with icing, sprinkles, or edible glitter. You can also dip them in chocolate or drizzle with caramel for an extra special treat.

Serving Suggestions:

• These cookies are perfect for any occasion! Serve them at birthday parties, holiday gatherings, or just as a delightful treat for afternoon tea.
• Pair with milk, coffee, or tea for a cozy snack.

Variations:

• Chocolate Chip Sugar Cookies: Add 1 cup of chocolate chips to the dough for a delicious twist.
• Lemon Sugar Cookies: Incorporate the zest of one lemon into the dough for a refreshing citrus flavor.
• Spiced Sugar Cookies: Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spiced flavor, perfect for the fall season.

These Easy Sugar Cookies are a great way to bring joy to any gathering or simply enjoy a sweet treat at home. Happy baking!