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- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking soda - ½ teaspoon baking powder - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened - 1 ½ cups granulated sugar - 1 large egg - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon almond extract - ¾ teaspoon salt - 3 tablespoons granulated sugar (for rolling) - Optional: colorful sprinkles or edible glitter When measuring flour, spoon it into a cup and level it off. This method avoids packing. For butter, let it sit at room temperature for easy creaming. Use a large egg from the fridge for best results. Measure granulated sugar by scooping and leveling it in your measuring cup. Colorful sprinkles or edible glitter add fun to your cookies. Choose your favorites to match the occasion. These can enhance the look and make your cookies festive. You can also skip these if you prefer simple cookies. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is key for even baking. While the oven warms up, get your baking sheets ready. Line them with parchment paper. This will help the cookies not to stick. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Mix until everything is well combined. This dry mix adds structure to your cookies. Set it aside for later. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter with 1 ½ cups of granulated sugar. Mix for about 2-3 minutes. The mixture should be smooth and creamy. This step adds air, making your cookies light. Add the large egg to the creamed mixture. Then, pour in the vanilla and almond extracts. Beat everything together until it looks fluffy. This adds flavor and richness to your cookies. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix slowly until everything is just combined. Stop mixing as soon as a dough forms. Overmixing can make the cookies tough. Scoop out portions of dough with a tablespoon. Roll each portion into a ball using your hands. Roll the balls in the extra granulated sugar for a sweet touch. This makes the cookies sparkly and sweet. Place the dough balls on the lined baking sheets. Space them about 2 inches apart. This gives them room to spread. You can flatten each ball gently with a fork for a nice pattern. Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes. Watch closely until the edges are lightly golden. The centers should stay soft. Let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to wire racks to cool completely. To get the best sugar cookies, pay attention to the dough. Use softened butter, not melted. This keeps the cookies light and fluffy. Mix your dough just until it comes together. Overmixing makes tough cookies. Let the dough chill for at least 30 minutes. This helps the cookies hold their shape. One mistake is baking cookies too long. Watch for light golden edges, and keep the centers soft. Another pitfall is not spacing the dough balls enough. Leave about 2 inches between them for good spreading. Also, don’t skip the rolling in sugar. It gives a nice crunch and sweetness. Decorating can be fun and creative! Use colorful sprinkles or edible glitter before baking. You can also mix icing colors for more flair. Try a simple glaze with powdered sugar and milk. Dip the cooled cookies in the glaze for a glossy finish. Let the icing dry before stacking or serving. Pro Tips Chill the Dough: For thicker cookies, refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent spreading and keeps them soft in the center. Experiment with Extracts: Feel free to swap out almond extract for other flavors like lemon or coconut to create your own unique cookie variations! Use a Cookie Scoop: To ensure uniform cookie sizes, use a cookie scoop. This will help them bake evenly and look more professional. Storage Tips: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer and transfer to a bag. {{image_4}} You can change the flavor of your sugar cookies easily. Try using different extracts. Instead of vanilla, use lemon or orange extract. This adds a fresh twist. You can also mix in spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth. If you want a chocolate version, add cocoa powder. Replace some flour with cocoa to keep balance. These options make your cookies unique and fun! Decorating sugar cookies can be a fun activity. You can use colorful sprinkles or edible glitter for a festive feel. Try icing in different colors for designs. Use royal icing to create pretty patterns. You can also dip the tops in melted chocolate. Then sprinkle crushed nuts or coconut on top. These decorations make each cookie special and eye-catching! To make gluten-free sugar cookies, swap regular flour for gluten-free flour. Look for blends that work well for baking. Make sure to check for a good brand that gives you a nice texture. You can also add a bit of xanthan gum to help the dough hold together. This way, everyone can enjoy your delicious cookies! To keep your sugar cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps retain moisture and flavor. Place a piece of parchment paper between layers if stacking them. This prevents sticking and keeps the cookies intact. If you want added freshness, throw in a slice of bread. It adds moisture to the cookies. Freezing sugar cookies is a great way to enjoy them later. First, let the cookies cool completely. Next, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour until firm. After that, transfer the cookies to a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible and seal it tight. They can stay frozen for up to three months. Sugar cookies stay fresh at room temperature for about one week. If you store them in the fridge, they last a bit longer, up to two weeks. Always check for any signs of spoilage. If they look or smell off, it's best to toss them. Enjoying your cookies at their best is always the goal! Sugar cookies last about one week when stored at room temperature in an airtight container. If you keep them in a cool, dry place, they stay fresher longer. You can also freeze them for up to three months. To thaw, leave them on the counter for a few hours. Yes, you can use margarine or coconut oil instead of butter. This may change the flavor and texture a bit, but the cookies will still taste good. If you use margarine, make sure it is soft and spreadable. Cookies can spread too much if the dough is warm. Make sure to chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. Another reason is too much butter in the mix. Stick to the correct measurements for best results. If your dough feels sticky, add a little more flour, about one tablespoon at a time. Mix well after each addition. Avoid adding too much flour, as it can make the cookies dry. Chilling the dough can also help make it easier to handle. You now have all the steps to make great sugar cookies. We covered ingredients, mixing, baking, and storage. Remember, practice makes perfect. Try different flavors and decorations to make them your own. Store cookies properly to keep them fresh longer. Don't shy away from asking questions if you face issues. Enjoy baking, and share your tasty results with friends and family!

Perfect Sugar Cookies

Indulge in the ultimate sugar cookie recipe with these easy sugar cookies that are perfect for any occasion! Discover how to bake homemade sugar cookies that are soft, tender, and beautifully decorated. From mixing the dough to festive cookie decoration, this guide makes baking sugar cookies a breeze. Get ready to impress your family and friends! Save this recipe for your next baking adventure. #SugarCookies #Baking #HolidayBaking #EasyRecipes
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Ingredients
  

2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon baking powder

1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

1 ½ cups granulated sugar

1 large egg

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 teaspoon almond extract

¾ teaspoon salt

3 tablespoons granulated sugar (for rolling)

Optional: colorful sprinkles or edible glitter for decoration

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare two baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

    Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until they are well combined. Set this dry mixture aside for later use.

      Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter with 1 ½ cups of granulated sugar until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy, this should take about 2-3 minutes.

        Add Egg and Extracts: Incorporate the egg into the creamed mixture, followed by the vanilla and almond extracts. Beat everything together until they are fully combined and the mixture is fluffy.

          Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the prepared dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing slowly until everything is just combined and forms a cohesive dough. Avoid overmixing to ensure the cookies remain tender.

            Roll the Dough: Use a tablespoon to scoop out portions of dough and roll them into balls with your hands. Next, roll each ball in the extra granulated sugar until they are evenly coated.

              Place on Baking Sheet: Arrange the dough balls on the lined baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. For added aesthetic, gently flatten each ball with the tines of a fork or the bottom of a glass, creating a lovely crisscross pattern if desired.

                Add Sprinkles: If you wish to brighten up your cookies, sprinkle the tops with the colorful edible sprinkles or glitter right before baking.

                  Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, watching closely until the edges are lightly golden. The centers should remain soft for the perfect texture.

                    Cool: Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

                      Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 30 minutes | 24 cookies

                        - Presentation Tips: To impress your guests, arrange the cooled cookies on a vibrant decorative plate. For an extra touch, dust them lightly with powdered sugar for elegance or stack them lovingly in a clear jar tied with a ribbon for a charming gift idea!