Baking with kids is a delightful way to spend quality time together, fostering creativity and creating delicious memories. This recipe for easy sugar cookies is perfect for little hands and impatient taste buds. It’s simple to follow, uses pantry staples, and delivers melt-in-your-mouth results every time.
Ingredients:
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Cream together the butter and sugar in a large bowl using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy. This step takes about 3 minutes.
3. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula as needed.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Don’t overmix!
5. Drop tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Dust with powdered sugar (optional) and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts (per cookie):
Calories: 140
Note: These are approximate nutrition facts and may vary depending on the ingredients used.
Conclusion
These easy sugar cookies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for kids of all ages. They’re the perfect after-school snack, bake sale contribution, or rainy-day activity. So grab your little helpers, whip up a batch, and enjoy the sweet satisfaction of homemade cookies!
Fun Facts About Sugar Cookies (After the Conclusion):
FAQ 1: Can I use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar?
Yes, you can! Substitute 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar for the granulated sugar. The cookies will have a slightly chewier texture and a deeper caramel flavor.
FAQ 2: How can I decorate these cookies?
Get creative! Once the cookies are cool, you can frost them with your favorite frosting recipe and decorate them with sprinkles, candies, or chopped nuts. Let your kids’ imaginations run wild!
FAQ 3: How can I store leftover cookies?
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen for longer storage. Simply thaw them at room temperature before enjoying.
FAQ 4: My cookies are spreading too much. What can I do?
There are a few reasons why your cookies might be spreading too much. One possibility is that the butter was too soft. Make sure your butter is softened at room temperature but not melted. Another possibility is that your oven temperature is too high. Double-check your oven temperature with an oven thermometer for accuracy. Finally, you might need to add a little more flour to the dough. Start with 1/4 cup and see if that helps.
FAQ 5: Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can! Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. Be sure to choose a blend that contains xanthan gum for best results. You may also need to adjust the baking time slightly, so keep an eye on the cookies as they bake.
