Festive Favorite Sugar Cookies
The holiday season is a time of warmth, joy, and unforgettable gatherings, often anchored by beloved family recipes like these Festive Favorite Sugar Cookies. Trying out this simple, memorable recipe is not just about the final product; it’s about the memories you’ll create along the way as you bake together with loved ones.
Ingredients
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups white sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- 3 tablespoons colored sugar (for garnish)
- 2 cups powdered sugar (for icing, optional)
- 2 tablespoons milk (for icing, optional)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for icing, optional)
- Food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a small bowl, stir together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until well combined.
- Gradually blend the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Roll rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls, and place them onto ungreased cookie sheets.
- With the bottom of a glass, flatten the balls slightly, and sprinkle with colored sugar.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the edges are barely golden.
- Cool on wire racks.
- (Optional) For the icing, mix powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and food coloring. Drizzle over cooled cookies and enjoy!
Cook’s Notes
Always use fresh baking soda and baking powder for the best rise, and don’t skip the chilling time, as it helps the cookies keep their shape while baking. High-quality butter really does elevate the flavor, so it’s worth not skimping on it.
Ingredient Swaps
Replace half the all-purpose flour with almond flour for a nutty twist, or add chocolate chips or cocoa powder for a chocolate version. You can also tint the dough or icing to make themed cookies, like red and green for Christmas or pastel shades for spring.
Serving Suggestions
These sugar cookies are perfect for Christmas cookie exchanges, birthday parties, or a cozy evening at home with loved ones. Whatever the occasion, they’re guaranteed to bring smiles to the table.
Storage & Reheating
Store sugar cookies in an airtight container, where they’ll stay fresh for about a week at room temperature or up to three weeks in the refrigerator. They also freeze well for up to three months, making them great for make-ahead holiday baking.
Common Questions
What is the best way to store sugar cookies?
Store them in an airtight container, where they’ll keep for about a week at room temperature, up to three weeks refrigerated, or up to three months in the freezer.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead and refrigerate it for up to two days before rolling and baking, which is a great time-saver during the busy holiday season.
How can I prevent my cookies from spreading too much in the oven?
Chill the dough before baking and make sure your butter is softened, not melted, when mixing, since melted butter will cause the cookies to spread more.
