Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup sanding sugar (for rolling)
Special equipment needed:
- Electric mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
4. Add egg and vanilla extract, and beat until well combined.
5. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, and beat until just combined.
6. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, and then roll them in sanding sugar.
7. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
8. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
9. Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes.
10. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 12-15 minutes
Temperature:
350°F (180°C)
Serving size:
Makes about 24 cookies
Nutritional information:
Per serving (1 cookie):
Calories: 160
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 35mg
Sodium: 35mg
Carbohydrates: 19g
Sugar: 11g
Protein: 1g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use salted butter instead of unsalted butter, but reduce the amount of salt in the recipe to 1/8 tsp.
- You can use coarse sugar instead of sanding sugar for rolling.
Variations:
- Add 1 tsp of cinnamon to the flour mixture for a cinnamon sugar flavor.
- Add 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips to the dough for a chocolate chip sugar cookie.
- Add 1/4 cup of chopped nuts (such as pecans or almonds) to the dough for a nutty sugar cookie.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature before beating it with the sugar.
- Don't overmix the dough, or the cookies will be tough.
- Use a cookie scoop to make uniform-sized cookies.
- If the dough is too soft to roll, chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before rolling.
Storage instructions:
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Reheating instructions:
If the cookies become stale, you can refresh them by placing them in a 350°F (180°C) oven for 5 minutes.
Presentation ideas:
Arrange the cookies on a platter or in a cookie jar for a festive presentation.
Garnishes:
Dust the cookies with powdered sugar or drizzle them with melted chocolate for a decorative touch.
Pairings:
Serve the cookies with a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot tea or coffee.
Suggested side dishes:
These cookies are perfect on their own, but you can serve them with fresh fruit or a cheese plate for a more substantial snack.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the cookies spread too much during baking, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
- If the cookies are too dry, reduce the baking time by a minute or two.
- If the cookies are too soft, increase the baking time by a minute or two.
Food safety advice:
- Wash your hands before handling the ingredients.
- Use clean utensils and equipment.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container to prevent contamination.
Food history:
Sugar cookies have been around since the 1700s, and were originally called "jumbles" or "jumbals." They were made with sugar, flour, and eggs, and were often flavored with spices or citrus zest. The modern sugar cookie, which is typically rolled and cut into shapes, became popular in the 1900s.
Flavor profiles:
These sugar cookies are sweet and buttery, with a crunchy exterior and a soft interior.
Serving suggestions:
Serve these cookies as a snack or dessert, or package them in a decorative tin for a homemade gift.
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