Sugar Cookies

Sugar Cookies Recipe - All-American Cookies Made Easy

Region / culture: USA | Servings: 24

Introduction

Sugar cookies are a classic treat that are loved by many. These sweet and buttery cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether it's a holiday gathering or a simple afternoon snack. In this article, we will explore the history of the sugar cookie, provide cooking tips and tricks, and delve into the nutrition information of this delicious treat.

History

The origins of the sugar cookie can be traced back to the 1700s in Nazareth, Pennsylvania. German Protestant settlers created the cookie and named it "Nazareth Sugar Cookies." The recipe was simple, using basic ingredients such as sugar, butter, flour, and eggs. Over time, the sugar cookie gained popularity and became a staple in American baking.

Ingredients

2.75 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
0.5 tsp baking powder
1 tsp cinnamon
0.5 tsp ginger
1 cup softened butter
1 cup white sugar
0.5 cup packed brown sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp almond extract

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and ginger. Mix well.
Set the mixture aside.
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth.
Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract.
Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture and mix until well blended.
Fold in the pecans and shape rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls. Place the dough balls onto ungreased cookie sheets.
Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until golden.
Allow the cookies to cool on the cookie sheet for two minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

Variations

Add chocolate chips or dried fruit to the dough for added flavor.
Roll the dough in colored sugar or sprinkles before baking for a festive touch.
Drizzle melted chocolate or icing on top of the cookies for a decorative finish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature before creaming it with the sugar. This will ensure a smooth and creamy texture for your cookies.

- Don't overmix the dough once you add the flour mixture. Overmixing can result in tough cookies.

- For a chewier cookie, slightly underbake them and allow them to cool on the cookie sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

- Get creative with your cookie shapes by using cookie cutters or shaping the dough into balls and flattening them with a fork.

Serving Suggestions

Serve sugar cookies with a glass of milk or a cup of tea for a delightful snack.

Cooking Techniques

Creaming the butter and sugar together until smooth is essential for a light and fluffy cookie.

- Gradually adding the flour mixture to the wet ingredients ensures that the dough is well blended without overmixing.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can substitute the almond extract with additional vanilla extract if desired.

- Use margarine or a dairy-free butter alternative for a dairy-free version of the cookies.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the cookie dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Simply let the dough come to room temperature before shaping and baking the cookies.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the sugar cookies on a decorative platter or in a cookie tin for a charming presentation. Dust the cookies with powdered sugar for an elegant touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair sugar cookies with a cup of hot cocoa or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store sugar cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To reheat, place the cookies in a 300°F (150°C) oven for a few minutes until warm.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of sugar cookies contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of sugar cookies contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of sugar cookies contains approximately 8 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of sugar cookies contains approximately 2 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Sugar cookies are not a significant source of vitamins and minerals.

Alergens

Sugar cookies contain dairy (butter) and eggs, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

While sugar cookies are a delicious treat, they are high in sugar and fat. Enjoy them in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Summary

Sugar cookies are a beloved treat that can be enjoyed year-round. With a few simple ingredients and some creative variations, you can create delicious cookies that are sure to be a hit with family and friends. Enjoy these sweet and buttery treats as a snack or dessert for any occasion.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the thrill of stumbling upon this recipe for the first time. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Margaret in her cozy kitchen. As we chatted and sipped on tea, she suddenly pulled out a worn and tattered recipe card from her recipe box.

"Ruth, you simply must try these sugar cookies," Margaret exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "They're an old family recipe that has been passed down for generations."

I eagerly took the recipe card from her outstretched hand, my curiosity piqued. The ingredients were simple and straightforward: butter, sugar, eggs, flour, baking powder, and vanilla extract. The instructions were clear and concise, detailing each step of the baking process. I knew immediately that I had to give this recipe a try.

That very afternoon, I gathered the ingredients and set to work in my own kitchen. The aroma of butter and sugar filled the air as I creamed them together, adding the eggs one at a time. The flour and baking powder were sifted in gently, creating a soft and pliable dough. A splash of vanilla extract added a fragrant sweetness to the mixture.

I rolled out the dough on a floured surface, using a heart-shaped cookie cutter to create perfectly uniform cookies. As they baked in the oven, the house filled with the irresistible scent of freshly baked goods. I couldn't wait to taste the finished product.

When the cookies emerged from the oven, golden and slightly crisp around the edges, I knew I had stumbled upon something truly special. The sugar cookies were soft and buttery, with a hint of vanilla that lingered on the tongue. They were the perfect balance of sweet and savory, a treat that melted in your mouth with each bite.

I packed a few cookies in a tin and brought them over to Margaret's house the next day. Her eyes lit up with delight as she tasted one, savoring the familiar flavors of her family's recipe.

"These are just as I remember them," Margaret said, her voice filled with nostalgia. "Thank you for bringing back such fond memories."

From that day on, sugar cookies became a staple in my baking repertoire. I made them for holidays, birthdays, and special occasions, sharing them with friends and family alike. Each time I baked a batch, I thought of Margaret and the joy that her recipe had brought into my life.

Years passed, and I continued to hone my skills in the kitchen, experimenting with different variations of the sugar cookie recipe. I added sprinkles for a touch of color, or dipped them in chocolate for an extra indulgent treat. No matter how I altered the recipe, the core ingredients remained the same, a testament to the time-honored tradition of baking.

As I grew older, I began to pass on the recipe to my own children and grandchildren, sharing the story of how I had learned to make sugar cookies from Margaret all those years ago. The recipe became a link to the past, a connection to the generations of bakers who had come before me.

Now, as I sit in my kitchen, surrounded by the comforting scent of sugar and butter, I can't help but smile as I think back on that fateful day when I stumbled upon the recipe for sugar cookies. It was a moment that changed my life, sparking a love of baking that has endured through the years. And as I take a bite of a freshly baked cookie, I am reminded of the power of a simple recipe to bring joy and connection to those who share in its creation.